Hyundai’s next-generation small SUV will get a more modern interior inspired by that of the Ioniq 5.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona has been spied testing again in electric guise, and this time we’ve gotten a look inside the EV’s cabin.
The second-generation small crossover is expected to be revealed in 2023.
Its digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen are situated in the same housing, like on the Ioniq 5.
A row of physical switches sits below the infotainment touchscreen, finished in bright, metal-look trim.
As previous spy photos of the combustion-powered Kona have shown, there’s an array of climate control switches below these.
Hyundai hasn’t made the move to entirely touchscreen-based climate controls as some brands have done.
The petrol and electric models’ cabins appear largely the same, in contrast with the current Kona where their centre stack and centre consoles differ significantly in appearance.
The Kona is still wearing the same amount of camouflage as the last time we snapped it, though despite its disguise we can make out the next-generation vehicle’s larger overall dimensions.
That should help give some more breathing room to smaller Hyundai SUVs like the European-market, i20-based Bayon in Europe and the Venue in markets like Australia and North America.
The current Kona measures between 4205mm and 4215mm long, 1800mm wide and 1550-1560mm tall on a 2600mm wheelbase.
That’s around 160-200mm shorter than a Kia Niro or Seltos.
The plastic wheel arch extensions have a more angular look than those of the current car, while the front lighting is expected to be different – though it will still maintain the split-level look of the current car, it may feature more dramatic LED daytime running lights like those of the Staria.
A charge port continues to be located behind the grille area. It’s unclear whether there will be any powertrain changes for the Kona Electric.
The current model is offered in either Standard Range or Extended Range variants in Australia, with the former using a 39.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor with 100kW of power and 395Nm of torque and the latter upgrading to a 64kWh battery and 150kW/395Nm electric motor.
Its in-house rival, the new second-generation Kia Niro, features a 64.8kWh battery and 150kW of power, though its electric motor has seen a significant drop in torque to 255Nm.
The new Kona Electric will have to contend in an increasingly cutthroat entry-level EV market in Australia, where the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 vie for the title of Australia’s cheapest EV.
MG will also soon introduce its MG 4 hatchback, which will battle the stalwart Nissan Leaf.
The Kona Electric will get some more breathing room, with Hyundai ending production of the slower-selling Ioniq Electric.
Current Kona Electric
MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona
