2023 Hyundai Kona Electric imagined

A new version of one of Australia’s most popular electric cars is on the way. Here’s what it could look like.

The next-generation 2023 Hyundai Kona small SUV is due in international showrooms next year – once again slated to offer a choice of petrol or electric power.

Due sometime next year, the second-generation Kona is slated to undergo a growth spurt, with bodywork sized closer to its distant Kia Niro and Seltos range-mates, new underpinnings, a high-tech interior similar to Hyundai’s newest cars, and updated engines.

While petrol versions have been spied extensively – including a new-generation sporty, mid-tier N Line – fewer Kona Electrics have been seen, rumoured to launch at a similar time to, or shortly after the petrol-powered range.

As Hyundai’s Ioniq sub-brand focuses on larger, more premium cars – and the Ioniq Electric hatch is axed this year – the next Kona Electric is set to serve as the car maker’s entry-level electric car, until an upcoming smaller model reaches Europe later this decade.

Imagined here by digital illustrator @avarvarii – based on spy photos of the new model from Europe and South Korea – the Kona range is set to adopt a futuristic look inspired by the Staria people mover, and a boxier shape.

Spy photos show a full-width Staria-style LED front light bar, low-set headlights akin to today’s model, a rising window line, and a slim full-width tail-light bar.

It’s unclear what will differentiate the petrol and electric Konas on the outside, however the current Kona Electric scores a closed-off front end, body-coloured wheel arches, unique rear bumper, and alloy wheels designed to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Inside, a twin-screen dashboard similar to the Ioniq 5 electric car is set to feature, with a similar three-spoke steering wheel, central air vents and metallic buttons (pictured below, via The Korean Car Blog and AutoPost).

Underneath the new Kona – known internally as the SX2 – is widely expected to be the Hyundai group’s latest small-car platform, as used by the Kia Niro small SUV and Hyundai i30 Sedan.

It’s likely to share its engines with these cars, which would point to a choice of 2.0-litre non-turbo or 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engines in standard models, and the availability of hybrid power in markets such as Europe.

The electric model may again share its bones with the Kia Niro EV, with a 150kW/255Nm electric motor and 64.8kWh battery pack powering the front wheels for approximately 450km to 500km of claimed driving range (if the current Kona and new Niro’s capabilities are any guide).

It’s unclear if a Standard Range model will be offered for the next Kona Electric, with a smaller battery pack (39kWh in today’s model, vs 64kWh for the Extended Range) and a less potent electric motor (100kW currently).

Above: The current Hyundai Kona Electric.

The new 2023 Hyundai Kona is expected to be unveiled sometime next year, with the Kona Electric likely to premiere shortly after the rest of the range.

Arrival timing for Australia is yet to be announced by Hyundai, however if the new Kona range is unveiled early next year, it may be on Australian showroom floors before the end of 2023.

The current model has consistently ranked among Hyundai’s top sellers in Australia since launch in 2017 – and the Kona Electric is among Australia’s best-selling electric vehicles – so expect both petrol and battery-powered versions of the new Kona to come here.

The next Hyundai Kona may come to serve a dual role, if the i30 hatchback is killed off in the coming years after its current generation bows out (click here for more details on the future of that car).

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