In a nutshell:
- All 2021 Kona models will feature hybrid technology; the range starts from £21,060
- Sporty new N Line spec offers bespoke styling inside and out
- New Kona models available from Hyundai’s UK showrooms from 18 January 2021
Add some spark to your motoring - because the much-loved Hyundai Kona is going all-electric for 2021
Add some spark to your motoring - because the much-loved Hyundai Kona is going all-out electric for 2021.
The capable Kona has previously been available with some decent, if rather traditional, petrol engines - including a 175bhp 1.6-litre petrol that could accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
Now, however, every single mill in the Kona range features either mild-hybrid technology or self-charging hybrid capabilities.
That should mean lower fuel bills and reduced tax implications thanks to smaller CO2 emissions. And remember that away from the standard Kona there’s also the ‘Kona Electric’ a full-on plug-in hybrid with a range of 300 miles between charges.
New for 2021, the standard Kona’s mild-hybrid mills are called ‘T-GDi’ and combine a 1.0 litre petrol with a 48V battery to produce around 120 PS. That should be good for around 50 miles to the gallon while emissions are low as 135 g/km, which is not too shabby for an SUV crossover.
The self-charging hybrid powertrain is dubbed ‘GDi’, and marries a 1.6 litre petrol engine with a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack to provide fuel economy as high as 75 mpg. What’s more, the GDi also boasts a six-speed ‘Dual Clutch Transmission’ which is again designed to stop your wallet haemorrhaging cash.
A Hyundai spokesperson explains: “The clutch operates electronically, decoupling the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel by switching off the engine and activating ‘coasting’ mode.
“The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.”
Clever stuff indeed.
And then, of course, there’s the way the Kona looks - which has again been improved. The headline-grabbing stat is that a new trim has been added to the range in the form of sporty ‘N-Line’ - which sits mid-range ahead of base ‘SE Connect’ but behind ‘Premium’ and ‘Ultimate’.
The N-Line features unique front and rear-end styling, 18-inch alloy diamond-cut wheels, as well as body-coloured wheel-arch claddings. Instead of a rugged front skid plate there is an N-style aerodynamic lip while there’s also an aerodynamic diffuser at the back.
The sporty look is continued inside the cabin, with red stitching, metal pedals, and N logos on the gear shift and on the seats. The N-Line also trumps the SE Connect by having a larger 10.25 inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, automatic windscreen wipers, USB ports for rear-seat occupants, rear parking sensors, and interior ambient lighting.
Meanwhile the range-topping Ultimate trim adds a whole load more bells and whistles - including LED headlights, an electric tilt and slide sunroof, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), and the new Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system, which prevents passengers from exiting the vehicle if it is not yet safe to do so - perfect for keeping impetuous kids out of harm’s way.
Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, says: “The new Kona has already received positive reviews for both its styling and dynamics, and it offers a range of standard-fit features and technologies to exceed customer expectations in the segment.
“The efficient hybrid system, as well as the new 48V mild hybrid powertrain, will deliver a strong balance between economy and performance, and the new N Line model creates a sense of added sporting character.”
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- New SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID joins PHEV range in 2021
- ID.3 best selling car in Europe, Enyaq SUV on the way, Mini Electric levels up
- 2021 Mercedes eVito is available on sale now
- 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR: Prices, specs and release date
- 2021 Dacia Sandero & Sandero Stepway revealed: Prices, specs & release date
- 2021 Honda CR-V becomes hybrid-only
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter here.
