Hyundai unveils 2021 Kona Electric pricing, with longer range and design tweaks

Hyundai has released pricing and specifications details for the 2021 Kona Electric, which gets not only a fresh new face but also an increase in range and new driver-assist and technology features.

Doing away with the honeycomb-style “grille” in favour of a sleeker nose and lines, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric offers 484km (WLTP) driving range up from the 2019 model’s 449km, thanks in part to new low rolling resistance tyres.

It will still offer the same 150kW power output from its single-speed motor, as well as the same battery size, but pricing will increase slightly to a base price of $62,000 for the Elite model and $66,000 for the range-topping Highlander.

The Kona Electric’s facelift includes new LED running lights and redesigned headlamps, while the clean design of the nose accentuates (perhaps awkwardly) the charging port that sits off to the side on the left. Under the plate, horizontal bars sit in front of the air intake.

A new bumper and stretched lights feature on the rear of the new Kona Electric, and Hyundai has also given the allow wheel covers a new look with an overlapping poker hand design that is more dynamic in appearance than before.

In addition to the standard lane-keeping assist we saw on the 2020 Kona Electric, Hyundai is now offering lane-following assist as standard.

Other new features include blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, safe exit warning and rear occupant alert which chimes when the driver closes to the door prompting a check that no one is left in the vehicle.

Inside the cabin, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system including front centre speaker, woofer and an external amplifier will offer music lovers an optimal audio experience, while new ambient interior lighting adorn the front footwells of the Highlander model.

This is accompanied by a 10.25” colour display that can be customised using various themes, and includes trip information, system status and visual alerts.

Wireless charging is also standard now across the range, as is a rear USB outlet and rear view monitor which the driver can switch on while driving if desired.

Hyundai has also added the ability to remotely turn the car on using the smart key fob, and for the Highlander, rear heated seats will keep occupants warm in winter.