Why Lease The Kona Electric?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Hyundai Kona Electric Review 2021
With its chunky SUV styling, practical interior, and electric range of up to 300 miles, the Hyundai Kona Electric is the ideal EV for those anxious about joining the electric revolution.
Rivalling the Kia e-Niro, MG ZS EV and Volkswagen ID.3 in the small electric SUV category, the Kona Electric combines traditional SUV benefits with battery-powered economy, making for a great all-rounder.
Our Hyundai Kona Electric review covers:
Hyundai Kona Electric Key Features
- Chunky SUV styling with slim headlights and a smooth nose
- Well-built interior with 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 332-litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
- 39kWh model with 189-mile range, and 64kWh model with 300-mile range
- Three trim levels, including SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
Based on the petrol Hyundai Kona, the Kona Electric boasts a similar style to the small SUV but look closer, and you'll notice some subtle changes that help set it apart.
Slimmer headlights, a smooth nose, a blanked-off grille with incorporated charge port flap and unique alloy wheels all help to give the Kona Electric its own identity while also reducing drag. A recent facelift also adds body-coloured wheel arches and tweaked rear light and bumper design for a more upmarket look.
Inside, space is a mixed bag. There's ample room at the front for the driver and passenger, with seat and steering wheel adjustment helping with comfort levels. At the back, however, there's less legroom and headroom for adults. While the Kona Electric is noticeably bigger than a Vauxhall Mokka-e, the e-Niro, ID.3 and MG ZS EV are much more accommodating for rear passengers.
The Kona's boot is also a little disappointing. At 332-litres, it's competitive in its class but doesn't quite match up to Kia e-Niro with its functional 451-litre load area. That said, there is enough room for four carry-on suitcases or the weekly family shop. The rear bench also folds with a 60/40 split, expanding the boot space to 1,114 litres with all the seats folded down.
Interior and Trims
Step inside, and the Kona Electric's interior is plainly styled but is well-built and logically laid out. The finish is good, but the materials aren't up to the same standard as the BMW i3, Peugeot e-208 and Kia e-Niro.
All trims come with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard that is easy to use and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. The top-spec Ultimate trim also adds a head-up display, which projects information onto the windscreen above the steering wheel.
There are three trim levels to choose from, including SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate.
Entry-level SE Connect models come with a 10.25-inch infotainment system, rear parking sensors and camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wheels.
The Premium spec brings heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The top-spec Ultimate model adds electrically adjustable heated and ventilated leather seats, full LED headlights, a head-up display and a tilt and slide sunroof.
Power and Performance
In terms of power, two versions are on offer – a 39kWh model with 136hp and a 189-mile range, and a 64kWh model with 204hp and up to 300 miles of range.
The 39kWh version is best suited to those who don't need a huge range and want to save on initial costs. This model still produces the same 395Nm of torque as the more powerful 64kWh version, sprinting from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds faster than the MG ZS EV, Nissan LEAF, Renault Zoe and Vauxhall Mokka-e.
The most popular option, however, is the 64kWh version with its impressive 300-mile range. Its power and range are genuinely impressive, with a top speed of 104mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.
Charging times vary, with the 64kWh Kona Electric charging to 80% in just 47 minutes using a 100kW charger or over nine hours with a 7kW home EV charger. The smaller battery takes around six hours to charge via a 7kW home EV charger, or 57 minutes to 80% via a 50kW charger.
All Kona Electric models are exempt from road tax, while BiK rates for company car drivers sit at 1% for 2021/22 and 2% thereafter.
Out on the road, the Kona Electric is best suited to town driving, its punchy performance allowing you to dart through traffic easily. As expected from an electric car, it's also peaceful at lower speeds, although road and wind noise does start to increase as you pick up the pace.
The Kona Electric leans less in corners than the ZS EV or LEAF on open roads and motorways, but the Volkswagen ID.3 and e-Niro are better at handling, offering more accurate steering and grip.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Hyundai Kona Electric start from £31,811.00 OTR* or to lease from £323.34 per month.
Thinking of going green for 2021? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some great lease offers on the Hyundai Kona Electric with road tax, breakdown cover, the full manufacturer's warranty, and free delivery direct to your door (exclusions apply), all included in the price.
Moreover, car leasing offers many benefits over buying, including fixed monthly rentals, a lower initial rental, the opportunity to change your vehicle every two, three or four years and no depreciation worries. Find out more in our Leasing vs Buying guide.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
