Hyundai says 2021 Kona Electric to be released in Australia in March

The 2021 Kona Electric compact SUV will land in March, Hyundai Australia has confirmed.

Part of a multi-drivetrain “new-model offensive” aimed that will see a fresh new look for the popular SUV, the new electric car precedes the Ioniq 5 which is slated to arrive later in 2021.

Echoing the sporty new N Line variant look that will arrive first, the new Kona Electric is 40mm longer than its 2019 predecessor, has a new smooth nose without the honeycomb “grille”, new signature stacked headlights, as well as a slew of new features adding comfort, convenience and smart safety technologies.

“New 2021 Kona builds on the qualities that have drawn small-SUV buyers to the model, with an eye-catching new look, new N Line sports variants, and additional standard comfort, convenience, technology and SmartSense^TM safety features,” said Hyundai Australia CEO Jun Heo in a statement.

The 2021 Kona Electric (LHD model shown). Source: Hyundai

In a new announcement for the 2021 Kona, Hyundai says it will have a suite of advanced “SmartSense” technologies, effectively a broad range of driver-assist features including forward-collision assist, smart cruise control,driver attention warning, and rear occupant door alert.

Lane-keeping assist will include two modes: lane departure warning or line/road edge sensing. Lane following assists with keeping the 2021 Kona Electric in the centre of the lane (something the previous model struggled with).

Upper-range models will also come with high beam assist, safe exit warning, blind-spot collision assist and rear cross-traffic assist.

Specifications for the 2021 Kona Electric with 64kWh battery include a 484km driving range, a 150kW motor and 395Nm torque, with more details expected closer to the 2021 Kona EV launch.