Urban SUV without emission, full of ambition

The Kona Electric decape. Already by his name that is ready to smile in France. But especially for its dynamic aspect and its technical specificities

Hyundai is strong. With this launch, it becomes the first global manufacturer to release a zero emission model in the urban SUV segment. And cherry on the cabin: the Korean giant offers, in addition to a battery version of 39 kWh, a model of 64 kWh, guaranteed 8 years or 200 000 km. A small revolution in the electrical market in terms of autonomy (if we exclude Tesla). While in 2016 the Ioniq at 28 kWh, Hyundai advances by 130% the capacity of its batteries in just two years!

With a battery of 64 kWh, the Kona can indeed travel 482 km according to the new cycle WLTP (546 km in NEDC cycle, more lenient). In comparison, the Leaf has a range of 378 km in NEDC standard, the Ioniq 280 km. In Oslo and its hilly surroundings, on a 70 km route in eco mode (30% city, 30% motorway, 40% country roads), consumption per 100 km is 15.14 kWh. A rather commendable performance for an SUV on a course of such diversified routes. In comparison, only on device, our tester Pierre Desjardins announced an average consumption of 11.7 kWh / 100 on his test of the Leaf for a battery of 40 kWh.

To drive an electric one is to appreciate a silent vehicle. Kona fully fulfills the requirement. In the badpit, we strut in a bubble of well-being, the comfort of leather seats helping. In the front, the leg room is generous. Despite a floor slightly raised to position the battery, the rear seat also offers space and softness, even in the center. The size of the trunk is quite appropriate: the Electric loses only 29 liters compared to its thermal sister (332 against 361).

As for the Ioniq, Hyundai provides regeneration paddles at the steering wheel with 4 levels. A mechanism so playful that one is caught quickly to recover autonomy. The command on the right makes it possible to lower the level; the one on the left to increase. A configuration however unnatural when one is left-handed. Also flat on the position of the left joystick, a little too close to that of the calls of lighthouses.

The Kona presents 3 modes of driving with which to juggle: eco, comfort and sport. In eco and comfort, we really take the time to enjoy the scenery; in sports, on highway, we greatly appreciate the handling and power of 204 horses with a 0 to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds. Quiet and quiet driving or driving more incisive and muscular: it's a real pleasure to be driving a car offering these two possibilities with opposite sensations. On the other hand, the button to change the mode is located on the center console at the edge of the armrest, really inaccessible. It would have been wise to place it on the steering wheel control.

For recharging that can accept 100 kW of power – which today represents the maximum available – it takes 54 minutes for 80% autonomy, and still 9:35 on a wallbox .

The 64 kWh model offers two finishes, Creative and Executive. Hyundai does not skimp on driving aids in safety. The Creative version features Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Fatigue Detection, Active Lane Assist. For the Executive version, the front parking aid, intelligent high beams, recognition of the speed limit signs and the system of help to maintain the trajectory which adjusts the steering in case of deviation are added.

Stylistically, the Kona Electric is distinguished from its thermal counterpart by its closed grille, two-stage front lights, 17-inch wheels and its 15 mm longer. The whole remains resolutely modern, elegant and original.

Hyundai aims at selling on the French market about 2,000 Kona Electric, two thirds of which in 64 kWh. Without real competitors for the moment, it offers thanks to its significant autonomy a very interesting alternative to more expensive models of the upper segment that are the Tesla or Jaguar i-Pace. Only its price can finally be a brake on the purchase: 42 400 € for the Creative, 44 900 for the Executive, excluding bonus of the State (6000 euros).