Hyundai Kona Electric gets a refresh and updates for the new year

Hyundai's Kona Electric has been a bit of a success for the Korean automaker already selling more than 120,000 units. For the upcoming year, the automaker has upgraded the EV run-a-bout with new styling and more safety tech and features. The front clip is much cleaner with the new "smiley" front fascia with revised daytime running lights and headlights. Depending on the color, the front charging access port could be objectionable to some breaking up the clean(er) design. The tail is a little busy but not objectionable. New colors are available as are new two-tone (black or white roof) paint options. The interior receives upgrades including a larger dash display. Hyundai's BlueLink app is also upgraded with numerous new features including charging time settings (to allow for lower electricity rates), and interior pre-heat which saves battery charge when the vehicle is still connected to its charging source, among others. Two battery sizes will be available with the larger battery expecting almost 300 miles of range (in Euro testing), For all the info regarding the numerous safety and tech updates check out the comprehensive (Euro) media release. When will these changes hit the US? Don't know since the US media site doesn't highlight these changes yet. (Probably don't want to take interest away from the upcoming all-new Tucson.) If this looks like your kind of EV, check with your local dealer for availability. Promo video available after the jump as well.

Source: Hyundai - Media release, video, and pics after the "read more" jump.

Hyundai updates the Kona subcompact crossover for 2021

If you like your crossovers on the smaller side, then Hyundai has numerous choices to fit your needs. One is the Kona subcompact crossover. The original Kona looked like it was designed by many people. One created the front end to be edgy. Another made the general body shape. One, the rear end, another the interior and on and on. Unfortunately, they put them together without comparing notes. Then someone suggested body cladding to make it look more rugged. The early Kona was unfortunate looking. The 2021 Kona has been cleaned up with a new front clip and more integrated styling especially in the new, sporty N Line trim (red car shown), I thought body-colored cladding might make the car look heavy, but it doesn't. The regular Kona (blue car after the jump) is improved but is still a mess. My advice to you, if you're gonna go Kona, get the N Line. Currently the Kona comes in four trim levels, SE, SEL,  SEL Plus and Limited. For 2021 add in the N Line (not sure if the N Line is a trim option or a stand alone model). The Kona SE is the price leader starting at just over $20k with the SEL Plus adding just $4k more. With the SEL Plus you get Infinity premium audio, 8-way driver's power seat, wireless device charging and more. 2020 Kona models (except Limited) utilize a 2.0-liter four that pumps out 147 hp. Select the Limited trim, for an additional $2k, and you add a 1.6-liter turbo four (175 hp), leather seating, a 7-speed dual clutch automatic, and special 18-inch alloy wheels. All models are EPA-rated at 30 mpg combined. Few changes are expected under the sheetmetal for 2021, but there is no mention of the Kona Electric EV so expect that at a later date. All of these changes seek to get the Kona on more car-shopping lists and I think it just might work. Five new exterior colors are available Surfy Blue, Dive In Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Gray, and Misty Jungle (don't you love the names? I do). Leather seating can be had in black,  beige, or khaki colors so there are plenty of choices to make a new Kona just how you like it. For more info, check out the Euro media release and one pic after the "read more" jump.

Source: Hyundai - pics and media release