The premiere of the second generation of the Kona compact crossover took place at the end of 2022, however, Koreans give out information about the new product in a dosed manner.
In January, the characteristics of the gasoline and two hybrid modifications became known, and now the turn has come to the electric car – the main version in the family, because it was from its appearance that they were repelled when creating hydrocarbon modifications, and not vice versa.
So, Kona Electric will debut in two versions. The base – Standard Range – will have an electric motor with a return of 114.6 kW (156 hp) and 255 Nm, and the capacity of the traction battery will be 48.4 kWh. Power reserve – 392 km in the WLTP cycle. The top version of the Long Range does not differ in torque (255 Nm), but the peak power is already 160 kW (218 hp).
It is curious that the first Kona Electric had a much higher torque of any of the electric versions: 395 Nm! However, the power and range with the change in generation still increased. Another useful innovation is the “one-pedal” driving mode with maximum recuperation.
A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 65.4 kWh provides a range of more than 490 km. According to the Koreans, this is the best result in the class, which was achieved, among other things, by reducing the drag coefficient, which is 0.27 for the new Kona against 0.29 for the first-generation electric car.
The operating voltage of the electrical system is 400 volts: from the external connector, you can charge other cars or power household appliances. In addition to the charging connector hatch, the differences in the electrical modification are pixel LED patterns, including those on the DRL strips and rear position lights.
The second-generation Kona is 15 cm longer than its predecessor (now 4355 mm), and the wheelbase has added 6 cm (2660 mm). Therefore, the useful volume of the trunk has increased from 332 to 466 liters (according to the VDA methodology): its volume does not depend on the type of power plant. In addition, the Kona Electric has a small 27L front storage compartment for the charging cable and other accessories. Electronics monitors the temperature not only of the battery, but also of the charging hatch: it is promised that it will open at temperatures down to -30 ° C.
In April, European dealers will have versions of the new Kona with internal combustion engines. The SUV will be available both with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine (150 hp, 180 Nm) in conjunction with a CVT, and with a 1.6-liter turbo engine (197 hp, 265 Nm) and 8- step “automatic”, and a more powerful modification may have all-wheel drive with a clutch for connecting the rear axle and a rear “multi-link” instead of a semi-independent beam. The power plant of the Kona Hybrid remained unchanged: a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and a traction electric motor for two give out 141 hp. With. and 265 Nm. The start of sales of the electric car is scheduled for the end of summer.
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