Hyundai New Zealand welcomes the arrival of the 2021 Kona Electric Series II. With a facelifted exterior and interior
design, improved WLTP driving range, and specification upgrades across the model line-up, the 2021 Kona Electric builds
on the success of its ground-breaking predecessor.
With the 2021 Kona Electric you get cutting-edge design, a pure electric powertrain that provides up to 484km (WLTP) of
driving range plus a suite of advanced connectivity and safety features that will put you right in the vanguard of
fashion and technology.
Hyundai New Zealand General Manager Andy Sinclair says, “Since launching the ground-breaking Kona Electric in 2018 it’s
been a popular choice of EV here in New Zealand for both private and fleet buyers. Additional standard safety,
connectivity and convenience features ensure an even better driving experience in the 2021 model. Kona Electric
continues to deliver one of the best all-electric driving ranges of any electric car.”
Kona’s powerful lines grab your attention from any angle. The design is strong and modern is with an armour-like
cladding over the wheel arches.
The EV comes fitted with Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres, helping deliver a 7.8% improvement in
real-world driving range to 484km (previously 449km) when tested according to the WLTP standard.
With extensively enhanced technology, the Kona comes packed with everything you need to stay connected on your next
adventure, and features upgraded driver safety technologies.2021 Kona Electric model range overview
The Kona Electric continues to be available in two trim grades, Entry and Elite.
Over and above the Entry specification the Elite option offers additional safety features, connectivity and the comfort
and convenience features we’ve started to become accustomed to. They include LED headlights and tail lights, driver and
passenger power seats, heated front and rear outbound seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless
smart phone charging and a Heads-Up-Display (HUD).
The Elite comes with a 10.25” multimedia touchscreen compared to 8” in the Entry model, along with satellite navigation
and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The additional Hyundai SmartSense driver safety features include High Beam Assist (HBA), Electro Chromatic rear-view
Mirror (ECM) and a front park assist system.EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2021 Kona Electric has undergone a series of bold exterior design updates. By combining a clean and sleek appearance
with the protective and bold small SUV body type of the Kona, it expresses its exceptional electric technology while
being even more recognisable on the road.
The front with the new-look closed grille features a pure and clean design. This modern look is further enhanced by the
new LED Daytime Running Lights, which emphasise the car’s wide stance. The front is complemented by an asymmetric
charging port, a feature unique to the Kona Electric which makes a strong statement about driving electric.
New, sharper headlamps stretch around the side of the car. The high-tech headlamp inner bezel now incorporates
multifaceted reflector (MFR) technology. The headlamps are connected to the painted wheel arch claddings, giving the new
Kona Electric a distinctive and sophisticated look. Vertical air inlets in front of the wheel arch claddings enhance its
aerodynamics, substantially reducing turbulence in the front wheelhouse area. Meanwhile, a functional air intake in the
lower bumper is visually enhanced by horizontal satin accent bars, which give it a pronounced stance.
The rear also receives a styling refresh with a new bumper design and horizontally-stretched rear lamps, while new
machined face 17” alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.
Like the 2021 Kona with internal-combustion powertrains, the new Kona Electric is 25mm longer than the previous version.STANDARD SMARTSENSE UPGRADES
The 2021 Kona Electric also incorporates several feature upgrades to the standard SmartSense safety suite featured on
the outgoing model.Lane Following Assist
Supplementing the Lane Keeping Assist system, Lane Following Assist (LFA) uses the front windshield mounted camera to
detects lane markers and preceding traffic on the road, and provides steering assistance to ensure the vehicle stays in
the centre of the lane.
LFA can be activated by a long press of the Lane Keeping Assist / Lane Following Assist button the steering wheel, and
is operational when lane markers are detected at speeds up to 200km/h.Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
At speeds of 20km/h or above, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) uses radar sensors on either side of the rear
bumper to detect vehicles next to and diagonally behind the Kona Electric. If a vehicle is present in the Kona
Electric’s blind spot, a visual alert is displayed in the exterior mirrors. If the driver proceeds to activate the
corresponding indicator lights, a flashing visual warning is provided and an audible alert is sounded.
Additionally, the system also scans for vehicles approaching rapidly from the rear, and uses the same warning measures
to alert the driver of vehicles which may be entering the Kona Electric’s blind spot at a higher rate of speed.
At speeds of 60km/h or above, if the driver proceeds to carry-out a lane change after the audible alert is sounded, BCA
will apply partial braking to help avoid a collision with an approaching vehicle. An active avoidance manoeuvre is
undertaken with the system applying braking force to the wheels on the opposing side of the potential collision point,
bring the vehicle away from danger, and lowering the chance of a collision.
BCA can also help prevent collisions when exiting a parallel parking spot at 3km/h or lower. If a potential collision
with an approaching vehicle is detected, the system will apply braking force to help avoid a collision.Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Using the BCA system’s radar sensors, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) monitors for traffic
approaching on either side of the Kona Electric when reversing out of perpendicular parking spaces at speeds of up to
8km/h. Should RCCA detect a vehicle approaching, an audible warning will sound, with a visual warning displayed on the
dash cluster.
In the case that the driver does not adhere to the warning, RCCA will apply a braking force and help avoid a collision
with the approaching vehicle.Safe Exit Warning
The Safe Exit Warning (SEW) helps occupants exit the Kona Electric in a safer fashion. When the vehicle is stopped and
SEW is active, the system utilises the radar sensors on either side of the rear bumper to detect vehicles approaching
from the rear. If a vehicle is detected, and a door is opened, the system will sound an audible alert and display a
visual warning in the instrument cluster.Rear Occupant Alert
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) detects the entry of occupants via the rear doors opening and closing. Upon parking and
opening the driver’s door, ROA issues an audible warning chime and prompts the driver with a visual warning message to
“check rear seats”, to ensure that rear occupants are not accidentally left behind.TECHNOLOGY UPGRADESHarman Kardon premium audio system (Elite model only)
Featuring 8 speakers (including a front centre speaker and a woofer) and an external amplifier, the Harman Kardon
premium audio system on the Kona Electric offers exceptional sound quality through optimised system tuning.10.25” digital Supervision cluster
The 10.25” colour TFT LCD Supervision dash cluster features a fully digital display and projects a modern aesthetic for
the cabin. A variety of different user-selectable themes are available, and can also be linked to the selected Drive
Mode. The cluster also displays a range of trip computer information, as well as system status and visual alerts from
the various safety systems.Wireless charger (Elite model only)
The wireless charging pad allows compatible Qi-standard devices to be charged in a dedicated recess in the front centre
console, improving convenience for front seat occupants.Rear USB power outlet
A new USB power outlet mounted to the rear of the console allows rear passengers to charge mobile devices.Rear View Monitor
The new Rear View Monitor (RVM) system allows the rear camera to remain on constantly whilst driving if required, such
that the driver can continually monitor the road conditions behind the vehicle.Remote start
Kona Electric now features remote start capability via the smart key fob. With the handbrake engaged and vehicle locked,
the user is able to remotely start the vehicle by pressing the lock button, followed by pressing and holding the engine
start button.Heated rear outboard seats (Elite model only)
Elite model is equipped with heated rear outboard seats. The heating elements ensure the rear outboard seating surfaces
are warmed in cool weather.Ambient lighting (Elite model only)
Ambient lighting in the front footwells add a gentle glow, providing a luxurious ambience to the interior.