Hybrid version of Hyundai Kona launched

Hyundai Motor has launched a hybrid version of the Kona.

Adding to the line-up which already includes the original Kona and Kona Electric, the hybrid features a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine providing maximum power of 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. Its permanent magnet electric motor delivers 43.5 PS (32 kW) with maximum torque of 170 Nm.

Alongside this, the 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery delivers outstanding charge and discharge performance, optimising output from the high voltage battery and allowing for rapid regeneration. It has a powertrain output of 103.6 kW (141 PS) and up to 265 Nm of torque.

“Hyundai already offers the widest range of powertrains, and with the launch of the All-New Kona Hybrid we are offering our European customers even more choice when it comes to eco-friendly SUV models,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe HQ. “In addition to its stylish design and efficient hybrid powertrain, customers can now also enjoy cutting-edge connectivity features.”  

The Kona hybrid has a Stop & Go system, which applies the brake until the car comes to a standstill and accelerates to the desired speed as soon as the road is clear. If the vehicle stops for longer than three seconds, the driver has to activate the system again with the steering wheel controls or by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal.

The All-New Kona Hybrid with the 10.25-inch AVN is equipped with the ECO-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) to help improve fuel economy. The integrated Coasting Guide analyses road information from the navigation system to notify the driver when deceleration (for example change of direction, cross-roads, highway exits) is imminent. The feature aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimise brake usage. The Coasting Guide can be activated when in Eco mode between. 40 and 160 km/h.

Eco-DAS is further equipped with a Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximise the battery usage. When an incline is expected on a route, and the battery state of charge is low, the vehicle increases engine operation slightly to pre-charge the battery ahead of the uphill section. This ensures that the electric motor can assist going uphill and minimises the inefficient use of the petrol motor on incline driving situations. If the battery is sufficiently charged, Kona Hybrid increases the level of electric motor power usage before driving downhill to minimise fuel consumption. The electric power is then recovered on the way downhill by regenerative braking.