Hyundai unveils Kona Electric in Europe

The new Hyundai Motor Kona Electric subcompact SUV / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

By Park Jae-hyuk

Hyundai Motor has launched its new Kona Electric subcompact SUV in Europe in a world-first digital premiere, the company said Wednesday.

According to Korea’s leading carmaker, the fully electric SUV will be on display at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show starting next week.

Hyundai said the new vehicle features two different powertrain versions ― the long-range battery version and the basic version.

The former provides a driving range of up to 470 kilometers, delivering a maximum output of 150 kilowatts, while the latter can drive up to 300 kilometers on a single charge with the motor delivering 99 kilowatts, according to the carmaker.

The new model in Hyundai’s eco lineup is also equipped with safety features including lane following assist, smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist and driver attention warning.

Hyundai emphasized the Kona Electric features a unique exterior design with a closed grille and a dedicated center console in the interior for intuitive operation of the shift-by-wire module.

The completely new platform of the Kona enables a space-saving integration of the battery packs without compromising the roominess, the company added.

“Hyundai Motor is already leading in future mobility solutions,” said Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, the vice president of marketing and product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

“By launching our all-new Kona Electric, we are pushing our ambitious eco-car strategy forward. It’s a car of no compromise ― combining an SUV body type with electric mobility. It represents Hyundai’s progressive character.”

In Korea, Hyundai began receiving pre-orders for the vehicle last month. The SUV is expected to hit the country’s roads in the first half of the year.