Hyundai’s 2021 Kona Series II offers a little more than a double shot,extra strength, cold brew

And if you were wondering about all the coffee references, Kona is a world-famous coffee brand from Hawaii from which the little SUV from Korea took its name – the Kona district’s energetic image and unique lifestyle matching the vehicle’s dynamic character.
Kona II has seen a little bit of body growth, a lot of exterior and interior design change and considerable overall refinement, all of which couldn’t have come at a better time for Hyundai NZ, with Kona II arriving right on top of the Clean Car Rebate scheme.
As a purely electric SUV, the Kona II – at its Entry grade – qualifies for the maximum rebate, which means after the rebate is applied, buyers will be getting a new generation model with all its upgrades for less than the original model’s RRP.
This in itself is a compelling enough reason to look closely at the Kona Series II, and we suspect you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised at what you find.   
In the first instance, the Series II enjoys a seven percent increase but in addition it gains another seven percent increase in Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Test Procedure – WLTP – range. Figure up to 484km between charges in real world terms.
The biggest contributor to the increase is the low rolling resistance 17-inch tyres from Michelin, closely followed by the closed off front grille, which no longer sports its whimsical ‘golf ball’ dimples.
In short, the Kona Series II has a cleaner more mature look for a leaner more mature SUV.
Given that Kona Series I established the vehicle’s impressive green credentials, Hyundai’s engineers could now focus on improving the Kona II’s drive ‘feel’ and overall sophistication.
It is fair to say the Kona II is focused on being another excellent Hyundai product without needing the unique qualification of being electric.
As with other Hyundai product, there are two spec’ levels: Entry and Elite with a choice of either 39 or 64kWh batteries. While the 64kWh Elite (tested here) is priced outside the Clean Car rebate parameters, it carries a number of features above the Entry level to pique the interest of buyers.
To save you time in looking it all up, the Elite option offers additional safety elements, comfort and convenience connectivity features.
They include an upgraded SmartSense safety suite which incorporates Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, High Beam Assist, Electro Chromatic rear-view mirror and a front park assist system.
Additionally, Kona II Elite features LED headlights and tail-lights, these last having seen a more contemporary redesign, and a Heads-Up-Display has been specified for this grade.
In cabin, the driver and passenger seats are powered, heated and ventilated with outboard seats being heated along with the steering wheel.
Wireless smartphone charging is now available, as is a 10.25-inch – eight-inch in the Entry grade – multimedia touchscreen, which integrates satellite navigation and a Harman Kardon audio suite.
Kona Series II has grown by 25mm in length which has affected its visual appeal dramatically. It now appears wider too, thanks to the revised design of the lights and the closed off front grille.
It is a little less overtly sporty in appearance and this isn’t a bad thing. For all the Kona has a very capable 150kW motor, there is more value in the balanced visual aesthetic, much improved ride quality and enhanced specification of the Series II model.
Whereas the Kona Series I looked, felt and drove similarly to an electric prototype – albeit a very good one – the Series II model delivers the SUV experience we have come to expect of Hyundai, inasmuch as it is smooth, refined, comfortable and well-suited to New Zealand.