Nip and tuck for Hyundai Kona EV

Hyundai has brought the look of its Kona mini-SUV up to date with a slick new look and more tech - but the driving hardware remains the same.

The front gets a new-look closed grille with redesigned LED Daytime Running Lights and headlamps. The rear bumper is revised too, with new rear lamps which reflect the style. As a result the new Kona is 25 millimetres longer than the previous version - something to bear in mind if your parking space is really tight. 

To set off the new look and make sure the neighbours know you have the latest model, there's a range of new exterior colours, including two-tone roof options.

LED lamps give a new look at both ends

Inside the Kona gets a new 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. There's an optional eight-inch Display Audio system which allows wireless connection to smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

New safety systems are said to be 'best-in-class' and include a gadget which tells rear seat passengers if it is safe to open their door without getting swiped by passing traffic. Another (oddly) reminds you if you have left anyone or anything on the back seat when you get out of the car. 

Like its predecessor, the new Kona Electric offers two different battery options: the long-range model with a 64 kWh battery and 202bhp motor or a cheaper basic version with 39.2 kWh and a 134bhp motor. After tyre improvements on the 2020 model year update, the 64 kWh battery version offers a range of 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge while the 39.2 kWh model has a plug-to-plug range of up to 189 miles  (WLTP).

The new model is expected to arrive in time for the 21 registration change in March.

• Read our Hyundai Kona EV review here 
  
• Here are the answers for the bloke down the pub who says electric cars aren’t green  

If you regularly forget your children, the Kona has your back