Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range

Overview

The Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range was a cracking little electric SUV, perfect for city slicking and offering a gateway into zero-emission motoring without breaking the bank. Though now discontinued, this 2023 model represents the culmination of its first generation, offering a practical 39.2 kWh battery good for a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world 259 km. As a used buy, it often pops up around €20,995 in Europe, making it an accessible and stylish entry into the EV world, especially with its front-wheel-drive setup and punchy electric motor. It’s a compelling package for urban adventurers!

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range, being the final curtain call for this generation before an all-new model arrived, didn't see a massive shake-up in features. Think of it as a refined version of what came before. Most updates for the Kona line in its later years focused on subtle tech enhancements and minor trim adjustments. For this specific Standard Range version, it largely carried over the tried-and-tested formula that made it popular, ensuring a solid, reliable package as it bowed out. The main "new" aspect was it being the last chance to grab this particular iteration.

Design & Exterior

The 2023 Kona Electric Standard Range still turns heads with its distinctive, slightly quirky design. It's a compact SUV measuring 4205 mm long, 1800 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1570 mm tall. Up front, you get that signature closed-off grille, crucial for aero, flanked by sleek split headlights that give it a futuristic vibe. The Standard Range usually sported aerodynamically efficient alloy wheels specific to the electric model, and rugged plastic cladding adding to its urban warrior appeal. It’s a funky little thing that stands out from the crossover crowd, proving EVs don’t have to be boring!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Kona Electric Standard Range offers a functional and modern cabin for its five occupants. While perhaps not dripping in premium materials, it's well-built and user-friendly. You typically found a decent-sized central touchscreen handling infotainment, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is reasonable for a compact SUV. Boot space is a practical 332 litres, expanding to a useful 1114 litres with the rear seats folded. No frunk (front trunk) is listed in its specifications, so rear storage is your go-to. Overall, it’s a very usable daily driver.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the "Standard Range" tag fool you; this Kona Electric packs a surprising punch! With its 100 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering a healthy 395 Nm of torque instantly to the front wheels, it zips from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 km/h. It’s nippy around town and surprisingly composed on the motorway. The ride is generally comfortable, and adjustable regenerative braking modes allow for efficient one-pedal driving antics, making it engaging and fun for daily commutes through its single-motor setup.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of this Kona is its 39.2 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 259 km – plenty for most daily drives, with an efficiency of 6.61 km/kWh. Charging up via its front-mounted CCS Type 2 port is straightforward, thanks to its 400V architecture. On a standard 7.2 kW AC home charger, a full top-up takes roughly 5-6 hours. For quicker boosts, it supports DC fast charging up to 44 kW, which can typically get you from 10% to 80% in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong suit for the Kona Electric, backed by a solid 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Standard Range trim usually came equipped with a decent array of Hyundai's SmartSense safety features. Expect essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) as standard. Higher-spec options or packs might have added features like Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, so always check the individual car's specification. It’s reassuringly packed with tech to keep you safe on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai is known for its generous warranty packages in Europe, a big plus for peace of mind. Typically, the Kona Electric would have come with a 5-year/unlimited kilometre basic vehicle warranty. Crucially, the high-voltage battery usually benefits from an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), often guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Electric powertrain components are also well-covered. Maintenance is generally lower than petrol cars, with fewer moving parts, and the Kona Electric has a good reputation for reliability, making it a smart used buy.