BY SPENCER LEECH | 22nd Mar 2019
Overview
THERE has been a lot of hype surrounding the Hyundai Kona Electric since it was revealed at last year’s Geneva show, and rightly so.
In the still-small electric vehicle (EV) market, the South Korean charger was to offer plausible pure electric motoring for the masses, well, almost.
With 450 kilometres of driving range and 150kW/395Nm packed into the highly popular Kona small SUV body, it occupies a space of its own in the EV segment, however, its relatively high price point may prove a big ask for would-be owners.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) launched the vehicle in Adelaide this month, revealing a starting price of $59,990 plus on-road costs for the Elite grade, and $64,490 for the Highlander.
For perspective, the standard, conventionally powered Kona Elite 2WD and Highlander 2WD – the models upon which the Kona Electrics are based – are currently priced at $29,500 and $35,500, respectively.
Does the Hyundai Kona Electric justify its steep price point?