Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range

Overview

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range was a game-changer in the compact electric SUV scene, offering a cracking combination of usable range and everyday practicality without breaking the bank. This particular trim, now discontinued after its 2018-2019 production run, packed a significant punch for its time, making electric motoring accessible and genuinely appealing. With a used market price around €19,250 in Europe, it represents solid value for those after a proven EV. Its quirky looks and efficient powertrain quickly made it a popular choice for city dwellers and small families dipping their toes into the electric revolution.

What's New for 2019?

For the 2019 model year, the Kona Electric, particularly this Long Range variant, was still quite fresh, having burst onto the scene in 2018. Significant model-year updates were minimal as Hyundai focused on ramping up production to meet strong demand. The main "new" factor was its continued availability and growing reputation as one of the best mainstream EVs, offering a robust 64 kWh battery and comprehensive features. Some markets might have seen minor tweaks to infotainment software or equipment packages, but the core offering that impressed critics and buyers remained consistent for this year.

Design & Exterior

The 2019 Kona Electric Long Range sports a distinctive, slightly futuristic look that sets it apart. Its closed-off front grille, slim LED daytime running lights, and separate main headlamp clusters give it a unique face. This compact SUV measures 4180 mm in length, 1800 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1570 mm in height, making it perfectly sized for nipping around town. The Long Range often featured stylish alloy wheels and body-coloured elements, adding a touch of class to its quirky, robust charm. It's a design that definitely turns heads!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2019 Kona Electric Long Range offers a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped cabin for its class. While some plastics feel a bit budget, the overall layout is sensible and user-friendly. It seats five, with decent comfort for passengers. Boot space is a practical 332 litres, expanding to a generous 1114 litres with the rear seats folded flat – though sadly, there's no frunk. Tech-wise, you typically got an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keeping you well-connected on the move.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Kona Electric Long Range is a proper pocket rocket! With its 150 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churning out a hefty 395 Nm of torque to the front wheels, it zips from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.6 seconds. The instant shove from the electric motor makes it feel incredibly nippy around town and confident on the motorway up to its 167 km/h top speed. The ride is generally comfortable, and while it’s no sports car, it handles tidily. Adjustable regenerative braking modes allow for efficient one-pedal driving sensations.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Long Range Kona boasts a very usable 64 kWh battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 382 km, which is plenty for most daily grinds and even some longer trips. It’s pretty efficient too, achieving about 5.97 km/kWh. For charging, it features a CCS Type 2 port. At home on its standard 7.2 kW AC on-board charger, a full top-up takes roughly 9-10 hours. Find a DC fast charger, and it can slurp power at up to 77 kW, getting you from 10-80% in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai didn't skimp on safety with the 2019 Kona Electric, which proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Long Range trim was typically well-kitted out with a suite of SmartSense active safety and driving assistance systems. This often included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality was also a common feature, making those long motorway slogs a bit more bearable and boosting overall peace of mind for its 5 occupants.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Hyundai typically offered a robust warranty package in Europe for the Kona Electric. This generally included a 5-year/unlimited kilometre basic vehicle warranty, which is pretty generous. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever came first, often with a state-of-health guarantee. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, and the Kona Electric has proven to be a reliable workhorse. Always check specific terms for used examples for this discontinued trim, though!