I spoke earlier about Hyundai first all-electric SUV – the Kona Electric – just to recap – two models the Elite at $59,990 and the Highlander at $64,490 – both around twice the price of their equivalent 2.0-litre petrol automatic Kona SUV’s – with 150kW electric motor and a single speed automatic transmission the Kona Electric has an impressive range of 450Kms nearly as much as the far more expensive Jaguar I-Pace I spoke of last week. Also impressive – its charging capacity is a high 100kW and with a DC fast-charger running at this output the batteries will re-charge to 80 percent in just 54 minutes. Very highly equipped with a comprehensive list of safety, comfort and convenience technology plus a five-star Australian Crash Safety rating the Kona Electric is on first impression a very satisfying driver – quiet with a great cabin ambience – three selectable drive modes , eco normal and sport, full leather trim in both models, an electric park brake while the Highlander gains a glass sunroof , a welcome instrument head up display, power seats with three step ventilation and heating and a wireless mobile phone charging pad.
My wife and I both found the Kona Electric a great way to travel – the quiet driving environment and the re-generative braking effect on the battery charging make use of the brake pedal nearly redundant apart from a hard stop. Quick off the mark and with great suspension tune, specially honed to Australian conditions. However, for all its pluses the outright cost of the Kona Electric is still it biggest drawback. I’m David Berthon

Download this podcast here