[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267246707/[/flickr]
Hyundai is betting big with the Kona’s reliability
Safety and After Sales Service – The Hyundai Kona is loaded with safety features which include 6 airbags, all-round disc brakes, traction control, hill assist, seatbelt pre-tensioners and speed limit warning. The Kona has a great build quality and has also secured a 5 star NCAP rating. Hyundai has an excellent reliability record and we see no reason why it should not be the same with the Kona. Moreover, Hyundai is offering a 3-year warranty on the car and a whopping 8-year warranty for the battery, which should satisfy everyone including those who are apprehensive about the life of the battery.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267168756/[/flickr]
The Kona is a practical electric car
Verdict – The Hyundai Kona ticks all the right boxes for an electric car and for now, will appeal to a very very niche set of buyers. There is still a long way to go for electric mobility to penetrate in India as it will take a long time to set up the charging infrastructure in the country. However, the Kona is a great move by Hyundai to showcase its technology and warm up people to the concept of electric vehicles. It also busts the myth that electric vehicles are not fun to drive and are a compromise. The Kona, with its negligible running cost and practical range, will certainly set the bar for the upcoming electric vehicles.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267168906/[/flickr]
The Indian Kona is only available with a fully electric powertrain
What’s Cool
* Rugged and smart looks
* Feature-loaded interiors with great quality all around
* Punchy performance with fantastic handling
* Comes with an 8-year warranty for the battery
What’s Not So Cool
* Rear seats could have offered more space
* AC charging takes a bit long to charge
Alternatives: – None
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267168591/[/flickr]
The Kona will pave the way for future electric cars in India
Hyundai Kona Electric Specifications
* Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor
* Power: 136 PS
* Torque: 395 Nm
* Transmission: Single-Speed Reduction Gear
* Battery: 39.2 kW/h Lithium-ion Polymer
* Range: 452 kms
* Fuel Type: Electric
* Tyre Size: 215/55/17 (Front & Rear)
* Suspension: McPherson Strut (Front), Multi-Link (Rear)
* Brakes: Disc (Front & Rear)
* Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control
Hyundai Kona Electric Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 4180 mm X 1800 mm X 1570 mm
* Wheelbase: 2600 mm
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267245477/[/flickr]
The Kona supports AC and DC fast charging
Further Reading –
Testers’ Note:
“Very impressed by the Hyundai Kona Electric, the motor really pulls to the point it wheel-spins at even 50 km/hr, the steering feel and handling is great by Hyundai standards and there are plenty of features on offer too but the car’s size is small for the price and the 64 kWH electric motor (India gets the lower power 39.2 kWH unit) would have been the right choice to make a big statement with this niche EV!” – Faisal Khan, Editor-in-Chief, MotorBeam.
[wp-review id=”238719″]
