The Hyundai Kona has been updated with new design and technology, further cementing its appeal among fleets.

The facelifted Hyundai Kona Electric

Retaining its impressive range of up to 300 miles, the Kona now has a bold new design to make it more recognisable on the road, including a new-look closed grille that marks it out from standard Konas and new headlamps and LED daytime running lights. It’s also 25mm longer than the previous version.

The interior has also been updated and now features an electric parking brake and heated seats and a new USB port in the second row. The updates also include a 10.25-inch digital cluster, while an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen is carried over from the last update, upgrading from the standard 8.0-inch one. This includes multimedia and convenience features including Bluelink, Hyundai Live Services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Bluelink app has also been upgraded and enables smartphone or voice control. It displays the vehicle’s range and battery state, as well as charging times, providing advanced battery management, remote charging and remote climate control when connected to an external power source.

The latest Bluelink upgrade also brings a range of new and advanced connectivity features, including personalisation options through User Profile, Last Mile Navigation for continued routing via the Bluelink app after parking, and Connected Routing, which uses real-life and historical speed information to predict upcoming traffic every five minutes. It also offers Live Parking Information.

The revised Kona also offers Hyundai’s enhanced package of SmartSense active safety and driving assistance systems. This now includes rear cross traffic collision-avoidance assist and blind spot collision avoidance assist, which don’t just warn drivers but also implement the brakes where necessary.

New features also include leading vehicle departure alert, which alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving, safe exit warning and rear seat alert.

As with its predecessor, the new Kona Electric offers two different battery electric powertrains; a long-range version with a 64kWh battery and 204hp electric motor, giving a range of up to 300n miles, and the basic version with a 39.2kWh battery and 136hp motor, offering a range of up to 189 miles.

The updated Hyundai Kona is due on sale next spring.