الاثنين، 6 مارس 2023

The new Hyundai Kona Electric features a bolder design and a longer range


Compact SUV Hyundai Kona Electric – Currently one of the most affordable cars Battery electric cars On the road – just got bigger, bolder and smarter with the debut of the second generation model this week. A striking redesign that blends elements of the previous generation with crazy engineering style Ionic 5 And Ionic 6 Dedicated EVs, the new Kona Electric promises improvements in range and efficiency despite its larger footprint.

The second-generation Kona is built on an enlarged, stretched version of the automaker’s Part B platform—just like the previous generation Instead of Hyundai’s E-GMP electric vehicle platform. This allows the Korean automaker to keep showing up Petrol and hybrid variantsdelaying Kona’s transition completely to electricity by at least one generation.

The new Kona EV is 5.5 in (171.5 in) longer than the previous generation, with a wheelbase extended by 2.3 in (104.7 in). Inside, the Kona boasts an additional 3 inches (36.4 inches) of second-row legroom thanks to a longer wheelbase, and features a flat floor for increased center seat comfort. The growth spurt takes the Kona Electric from being one of the smallest models in its class to a more competitive scale with Chevrolet Bolt EUV’s The overall length is 169.5 inches and the wheelbase is 105.3 inches.

The SUV looks dramatically wider than before with its chunky, wide fender flares, but at 71.9 inches, its footprint is just 0.9 inches overall. The extra volume is accentuated by the illusion of glowing fenders created by lower body cuts that trick the eye. At the front, the trompe l’oeil is further enhanced by a horizontal full-width split light, a one-piece light bar that spans the full width of the front fascia. Hyundai’s head of design told me this was the most challenging design element. A similar light strip on the rear eyebrow also stands out. (Of course, the actual headlights and rear indicators are tucked into larger light compartments below the fenders.)

Lower trims above the wheel arches and a trick of light create the illusion of wide fender flares.

Antoine Goodwin/CNET Cars

Between the hubs, the all-electric Kona will be offered with two battery options. The larger 65.4-kWh battery pack will likely make its way to North America, but Hyundai’s estimated WLTP range of 304 miles will likely be tweaked once it goes through a more rigorous EPA testing cycle. (For comparison, the current Kona EV is rated at 258 miles on its 64-kWh unit.) This configuration powers a 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor that drives the front wheels to 188 lb-ft of torque.

Built on a 400-volt electrical architecture (rather than the 800-volt system from E-GMP), the new Kona Electric will still be limited to 100 kW DC fast charging. Hyundai says there’s still plenty of bandwidth to charge the pack from 10% to 80% in about 41 minutes with thermal conditioning available to help keep charging speeds in line during the cold winter days. The cargo door is still located on the front fender—the best place for convenient access to a universal charger, in my opinion—and now features heating elements to prevent freezes that close in winter and built-in lights to aid nighttime calling.

The new Kona will also hit the road with conventional petrol options and a hybrid powertrain under the hood, but we’re more interested in the battery electric version.

Hyundai

In European and Asian markets, the Kona will also be offered with a smaller 48.4 kWh battery, 114.6 kW detuned electric motor and an estimated range of 213 miles from WLTP. However, given Hyundai’s track record of bringing the large battery only to previous-generation and Ioniq models, it’s a safe bet we won’t see this “Standard Range” model.

To help drivers maximize range, the second-generation Kona Electric now features Ioniq 5-like intelligent auto-regeneration programming, which can automatically adjust the amount of regenerative braking applied when the throttle is lifted based on the driver’s following distance, track information, battery charge status and more. . The paddle-selectable regeneration system also gives drivers the option to enable Hyundai’s i-Pedal driving mode, which can bring the EV to a complete stop without touching the friction brake. Kona also inherits the Ioniq family’s e-ASD active sound design for user-customizable synthetic engine noise in the cabin and is now compatible with Vehicle for loading cars (V2L) function. With the help of an adapter, the V2L allows users to connect and power small appliances or equipment with an EV battery when camping, working remotely, or during emergency outages at home for example.

Now playing: Watch this: Hands-on: V2L turns Kia, Hyundai EVs into emergency generators

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Inside, drivers and passengers are treated to a more spacious cabin and experience a new dual-screen 12.3-inch dashboard similar to the latest Hyundai and Ioniq models. The new infotainment software is powered by the automaker’s Connected Car Navigation software which is now updateable over the air. A 12-inch head-up display is also available. Wireless Android Auto And Apple CarPlay Connectivity is standard, and The digital key to access the smartphone With an NFC tap on the knob also comes to this generation’s Kona, with support for smartphones and smartwatches.

Around the cabin, you’ll find customizable multi-color ambient lighting, a new shift lever by wire on the steering column, and new slim-line front seats with a deep relaxation position that passengers can take advantage of when waiting for cargo to complete. EVs are built using more environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. What I didn’t see when I walked around the cabin was the Hyundai “H” logo. Like the Ioniq 5, the steering wheel features simple four-dot icons.

Dual 12.3-inch screens are standard with OTA software updateable.

Hyundai

Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance technology is also seeing a generational upgrade. The Kona can now come equipped with Hyundai’s Remote Park Assist, allowing the driver to move the SUV in straight forwards or backwards into tight parking spaces from outside the vehicle. Highway Driving Assist 2 now integrates navigation-based Intelligent Cruise Control that can automatically adjust highway cruising speed based on the distance to the vehicle ahead or can more safely handle bends in the road.

Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing for the new Kona Electric, but the automaker’s goal is for the compact EV to remain one of the most affordable options in its class. Plus, it should still cost less than the slightly larger Ioniq 5. The current generation Kona Electric starts at just over $33,000 before any available incentives, while the Ioniq 5 starts at around $42,000. Hence, it’s a safe bet for the new Kona Electric to stick near the lower end of that window.

Expect more specific details and availability to be announced when the new Kona makes its North American debut at the 2023 New York Auto Show in a few weeks.

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