Hyundai updated its Kona range in 2023 and somehow a drive in the latest model had eluded me. No matter, as the accommodating PR team recently sent me a top spec Ultimate model. Time to put it to the test on some of Yorkshire’s finest roads.

The Kona Electric range starts at £32,400 and this entry model comes with the smaller 48kWh battery. My test car was equipped with the larger 65kWh battery and can be yours for £39,400.

The practical, and rather stylish body style boasts ample space for four average sized people (five at a push) and there is a decent 466-litre boot for luggage etc. Fold them down and up to 1,300 litres of space will be available. You see, this latest Kona is bigger than the original and the extra space will be appreciated.

Ultimate trim boasts all the expected modern day features we have all now come to expect, though my loan car had the optional Lux pack (£1,600) which added a memory driver’s seat function, digital key and remote park assist to the already comprehensive package.

The drive

Operating the Kona Electric is simplicity itself. Jump aboard, press the start button and be greeted by the sound of silence. Rotate the slightly hidden steering column mounted gear selector and you are off.

There is a choice of different modes. Select ‘Eco’ if you wish to maximise the available range, ‘Comfort’ for everyday driving and ‘Sport’ if you want to have fun.

And you can have fun, as the Kona is one of the better handling cars in its class. There is ample power too, the car feeling faster than the quoted 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds. On damp roads, with the Sport button firmly pressed, the front tyres can struggle for grip. Sadly, no four-wheel drive version is available.

It matters not as I suspect most EV buyers are more interested in ease of use and the range available. Hyundai state that up to 319 miles is possible in ideal conditions. During my test period, the fully charged Kona was indicating 259 miles of range, more than ample I would suggest.

The range is precise too as a 75-mile trip saw the range drop by almost exactly that amount. Furthermore, as I was feeling the chill of autumn, the heater was on, and it was ably assisted by the heated seats and steering wheel. No guess work required here, and as regular readers might have guessed, the car was driven with gusto.

Charging

It is possible to charge the Kona Electric from 10 to 100% in just 82 minutes using a fast 150 kW public charger. In reality, most drivers will only stop for a short period away from home and the Kona’s charging speed is broadly competitive. With my Rolec 7kW unit, the quoted time for a full charge rises to around 8 hours and of course will cost considerably less.

Public charging can be a bit of a lottery especially away from urban conurbations, but this is rapidly improving as more of us make the switch to fully electric vehicles. Scotch Corner services, up until recently boasted just two Gridserve chargers, but on my last visit there were at least ten units with more being constructed. The price – 85p per kWh is a bitter bill to swallow however! My stop was very brief.

The rivals

The first generation of electric cars came with a modest range. I recall having a Nissan Leaf which indicated a range of just 75 miles when fully charged. As it was a winter test, I was not convinced I would be able to make a 50-mile round trip.

This was my first experience of range anxiety, an interesting phenomenon. You drive with a constant beady eye on the range gauge and panic quietly as the intended destination seems like an impossible dream. I do not recommend it.

Things have moved on apace and rivals for the Kona Electric are plentiful. Renault’s new 4 is a trendy option and Hyundai’s sister company Kia will sell you a Niro Electric or EV3. And let’s not forget about all the new Chinese brands suddenly appearing in the UK. BYD can offer you an Atto 3 or Dolphin and I recently had the honour of driving one of the first Changans to arrive in the UK.

Verdict

The latest Kona Electric has much to offer. It’s a striking design, hiding a spacious, comfortable and practical interior. Equipment count is high in all models, safety tech comprehensive and ease of driving up there with the best.

Swinging the deal in the Kona’s favour may well be the 5-year general warranty and the knowledge that the battery itself is covered for a further three years on top.

The Kona Electric is therefore a car I am happy to heartily recommend to anyone. If like many you are unsure whether now is the time to wave farewell to the combustion engine, a test drive at your friendly Hyundai dealer may convince you to sign on the dotted line. Be ahead of the game, drive a Kona Electric, you may well not look back.

Fast Facts
• Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate 64 kWh
• Price £39,400
• Lux Pack add £1,600
• 218PS
• 255Nm torque
• 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds
• Top speed 107mph
• Range up to 319 miles (WLTP)
• 5-year warranty
• 8-year battery warranty