Hyundai Kona Electric updated for 2021: New design, tech and safety

Hyundai’s Kona Electric EV has received a mild update for 2021, with the changes focused on design flourishes, cabin technology and safety equipment.

 Promising an “even better product for its customer”, Hyundai says the exterior changes include a new-look grille (still closed-off to aid aerodynamics) new LED DRLs, as well as an overall length increase of 40mm.

There are also new headlights that stretch into the body of the vehicle, as well as vertical air inlets in front of the wheel arches, and new satin-finished accent bars on the front air intake in the lower bumper.

Inside, there’s a new 10.25-inch digital cluster in front of the driver, which joins the existing 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. There’s new ambient lighting, too, this time focused on the driver and passenger footwells.

The safety package has been overhauled, too, with the Hyundai SmartSense system now featuring upgraded version of rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, both of which now not only alert the driver, but will also intervene by braking should you not react in time.

Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, which alerts the driver when the car in front moves on, Safe Exit Warning and Rear Seat Alert are also new for this lightly updated model.

Mechanically, it’s business as usual for the new Kona Electric, with its 64kWh battery pack delivering an impressive 484km in WLTP driving range, and it can still be charged on anything from a DC charger to your home power. The grunt from its electric motor is still listed at 150kW and 395Nm.

Expect the new model to arrive in the first half of 2021, with Hyundai Australia yet to confirm whether pricing will shift from its current level of $60,740.