As its name suggests, the new Hyundai Kona Night Edition sports a blacked-out theme (with three colour choices)
South Korean automaker Hyundai introduced the Kona subcompact crossover back in June 2017. Its all-electric avatar, Kona EV (or Kona Electric) debuted about a year later. The EV was launched on the Indian market in July 2019 at a starting price of Rs 25.30 lakh ex-showroom. Crossing more than one lakh units in global sales, the Hyundai Kona EV is one of three electric four-wheelers available from mainstream brands operating in India. Other choices include the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV. Meanwhile, Mahindra is working on the eXUV300.
Hyundai Motor India might not introduce the regular ICE variant of the Kona in the foreseeable future. However, it is considering the Palisade three-row mid-size crossover (full-size in certain markets) to sit above the facelifted Tucson — unless the new-gen Santa Fe arrives.
Now, Hyundai Motor America has unveiled a limited, black-themed variant of the popular subcompact crossover. Dubbed Hyundai Kona Night Edition, the model will reach North American dealership this September.
Features & Highlights
The 2021MY Hyundai Kona Night Edition comes in three colour choices: Galactic Grey (shown), Ultra Black and Chalk White. Exclusive highlights include gloss-black interior accents, aluminium ‘sport pedals’, 18-inch Rays semi-gloss alloy wheels and an extreme lack of chrome or silver elements. The only silver bits are its badges and aircon surrounds.
The standard US-spec Kona, in its highest trim, features an 8.0-inch touchscreen loaded with Hyundai Blue Link connectivity, 4.2-inch colour MID, heads-up display, wireless charging, electrochromic IRVM, 8-speaker Infinity audio, etc. There is also a host of safety equipment such as six airbags, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection and more.
Powertrain & Specs
The Kona Night Edition remains mechanically unchanged compared to its standard format. It is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine good for 175bhp @ 5,500rpm and 265Nm @ 1,500-4,500rpm. This is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic that drives either the front axle or all four wheels.
On the other hand, the Indian-spec Hyundai Kona EV has a lesser 39.2kWh battery pack claiming a range of 452km (ARAI figure; 289km as per WLTP) on a full charge. It generates 134bhp and 395Nm of peak torque. The improved 64kWh battery variant promises 449km range on the WLTP cycle while making 201bhp. Hyundai Motor India is developing a sub-four-metre electric crossover to play in the 10-15 lakh rupee price category.
