Hyundai Kona Electric updated for 2019

Hyundai has revealed details of several updates to its Kona Electric SUV, with first deliveries of the refreshed model scheduled for the end of 2019. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but expect it to be broadly similar to the current model range, which starts at £30,750.

The updated Kona Electric has a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a revised infotainment system with a wide split-screen user interface. Hyundai has also updated the car’s Blue Link connectivity app. This allows remote control of some features using a smartphone, such as unlocking and starting the car, as well as turning on the climate control. The app can also perform vehicle diagnostics and automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident via Hyundai’s eCall service.

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The final interior update sees the Kona Electric gain the option of heated rear seats for the first time.

Another significant update to the Kona Electric is the inclusion of a new 11kW three-phase on-board AC charger cable. This new cable is capable of charging using a higher current, which Hyundai claims will make charging “significantly faster” when using a home wall-mounted charging point, or any public three-phase charging point. Hyundai has yet to confirm any details of exact charging times.

Prospective UK buyers will have to wait a while to place their order for the refreshed version of the Kia e-Niro rival, as the UK’s Kona Electric allocation for 2019 is sold out - only 2020 delivery slots are now available.

Want to know more about the Hyundai Kona Electric? See our in-depth review for full details.