The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a compelling option for Indian citizens looking to switch to an eco-friendly and feature-rich electric SUV. Let’s see if this Kona fits your electric vehicle needs.
Electric Efficiency on a Budget
While there’s no official fuel efficiency rating for electric vehicles, the Kona Electric boasts an ARAI-certified range of 452 km on a single charge. In real-world scenarios, expect a range between 350-400 km depending on driving conditions. The Kona offers fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to juice up the battery from 10% to 80% in around 54 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast charger.
Safety First
The Kona Electric prioritizes safety with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. It comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ensuring you and your passengers are well-protected.
Affordable Electric SUV
The Kona Electric comes in a single, well-equipped variant with a starting price of ₹ 23.84 Lakh (ex-showroom). This variant offers all the essential features you’d expect in a modern car. While there are no additional trim levels, Hyundai does offer a few optional extras like a sunroof.
Spacious Enough for City Adventures
The Kona Electric offers a comfortable and spacious interior for five passengers. Though not the biggest in its class, it provides ample headroom and legroom for most occupants. The cargo space is decent at 332 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Tech on a Budget
The Kona Electric features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. It offers navigation, audio control, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most luxurious setup, it gets the job done effectively.
Nimble City Cruiser, Not an Off-Road Conqueror
The Kona Electric excels in city environments with its peppy electric motor offering instant torque. The zippy acceleration makes navigating city traffic a breeze. Highway cruising is comfortable, but the suspension might feel a bit stiff compared to some gasoline SUVs. Off-roading is strictly not recommended due to the car’s low ground clearance.
Reliability and Maintenance
Hyundai is known for its reliable vehicles, and the Kona Electric is no exception. Electric cars generally require less maintenance than gasoline-powered ones. The cost of maintenance is expected to be on the lower side compared to other EVs in its segment.
Warranty with Peace of Mind
Hyundai offers a standard warranty of 3 years/unlimited kilometers on the Kona Electric, along with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery. Extended warranty options are likely to be available from Hyundai dealerships. With Hyundai’s widespread service network in India, finding service and parts for the Kona Electric shouldn’t be a major issue.
Value-Packed Compared to Competitors
The Kona Electric faces competition from the MG ZS EV. While the MG offers a slightly larger cabin and marginally more range, the Kona Electric comes with a more established service network and potentially better resale value thanks to the Hyundai brand name.
Punchy Acceleration and Practical Speed
The Kona Electric goes from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.7 seconds, offering a good dose of zip for city driving. The top speed is electronically limited to 167 km/h, which is more than enough for most Indian highways.
Pros
- Affordable price point for an electric SUV
- Feature-rich with a practical range
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Excellent warranty and widespread service network
- Safe with a 5-star Global NCAP rating
Cons
- Single variant with no option for customization
- Not the most powerful electric SUV on the market
- Stiff suspension might not be ideal for all road conditions
Conclusion
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compelling option for Indian urban dwellers seeking a feature-rich and practical electric SUV. It offers a good balance of range, affordability, and everyday usability. If you’re looking for a spacious family hauler or an off-road adventurer, then there might be better options. But for those who want a comfortable and reliable electric companion for city commutes and weekend getaways, the Kona Electric is definitely worth considering.