In mid of last year, Hyundai Motor India revealed that by 2020, it will introduce a total of eight new products. Out of the lot, two are meant for new segments, five are complete model-changes and the remaining one is an all-electric SUV. We got the Santro in October last year and the Venue earlier this month. On July 9, 2019, we’ll get the third one – the Kona Electric. With it, the South Korean carmaker will commence its electrification plans in India.

Hyundai makes two versions of the Kona Electric – one with a 39.2kWh battery (claimed range: 312km) and the other with a 64kWh pack (claimed range: 482km). With the former, the single electric motor has 136PS whereas the bigger battery comes with a 204PS output. While the torque at 395Nm remains identical in both versions, the top speed figures are 155kmph and 167kmph, respectively. Hyundai claims that with a level III 100kW DC fast charging feed, the Kona Electric can replenish 80 per cent of its juices in less than an hour. India is likely to get the lesser of the two versions to keep the asking price attractive enough.

In terms of size, the Kona Electric measures 4,180mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,555mm in height (without roof rack). Although its wheelbase of 2,600mm is 10mm longer than the Hyundai Creta’s, the Kona EV is 90mm shorter in length. In terms of size then, it will sit between the Venue and the Creta. As far as features are concerned, the Kona Electric will come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a macho multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Hyundai Motor India will launch the Kona Electric in 15 cities first, followed by other promising markets in the country. As far as price expectation goes, we believe it could be around the Rs 25 lakh mark. Considering the current terms and conditions of the FAME II scheme, the Hyundai Kona Electric will not attract any incentive or subsidy from the central government.