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My thoughts on Hyundai Kona after 2 years and 30,000 km

The Hyundai Kona EV is one of the most underrated cars that's ever sold in India

BHPian abhisheksahas recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

After 30,000 Km in my 2 year old Kona, my thoughts that the Hyundai Kona EV is one of the most underrated cars that's ever sold in India, have been reinforced.
It's not that a perfect car, but I believe that most online review have spread false narratives, in what is clearly, a very good car.


Overview of my recent trips:

  1. A solo drive from Bangalore to Coimbatore, a distance of approximately 410 km and I was able to complete this drive without any stops for charging.
  2. A solo drive from Coimbatore to Chennai, a distance of 525 Kms,which I was able to complete this trip with a single 30 minute charging break on a ZEON fast charger., during which I topped up 20 kW

All of my drives were done in eco mode, while staying within the prescribed speed limits.The AC set at 24C and seat ventilation / heating enabled. I use cruise-control for 80%-90% of the time, with region mode set to 0.


Ownership experience

  1. Advaith Hyundai’s service center on outer ring road has offered a fuss free experience.
  2. Got PPF done for the entire vehicle from Detailing Bulls for Rs 65,000 right after purchase. Since then, got quite a few nicks on the car. For now, I am happy to live with them.
  3. The AC compressor stopped working, apparently a known issue with CKD Kona’s and was replaced by Hyundai under warranty.
  4. The AC vent adjuster for the right side AC broke, and was replaced under warranty. This part apparently costs 5K - 10K.
  5. The 30,000 service ( done in the 3rd week of Dec 2024 ), cost approximately 12,000 - including wheel balancing, coolant top up, AC disinfection, AC intake filter, and brake cleaning.
  6. The overall range is about 330-380 Kms on a single charge, and I have a AC charger in my vehicle parking area, bringing the cost per Km to be < Rs 1.
  7. The car continues to deliver tax benefits under section 80EE.
  8. Seat ventilation is a great, but seat heating feels amazing during the last phase of long drives.Electronic lumbar adjustment relives stress on lower back towards the end of long rides.
  9. When the vehicle is full. the tall speed breakers are impossible to escape.
  10. Ground clearance is a major issue.. The car once got stuck on a poorly designed ramp leading to a basement car parking area. Had to take help from 5-6 people to get the vehicle dislodged.
  11. Disabled the lock /unlock chiming speaker by unplugging the cable. Alternately, one can also cover the speaker vents with insulation tape to reduce its sound.
  12. The suspension has been tuned really well. It’s amazing for the pot holes in the city, very few being felt, and quiet too. The highway manners are commendable too.
  13. The steering is dull and lifeless, and it’s probably the only fly in the ointment.
  14. The 400 NM torque in sports mode still brings a smile every time I switch it ON.
  15. Installed the 70Mai Dash Cam on the front as well as the rear.
  16. Installed the CarlinkKit dongle for Wirless CarPlay and it works flawlessly.
  17. There is enough place for a frunk, but there isn't one. I have been exploring designs that are available on the web, they need to be be 3D printed, but I have stayed away from it fearing damage to the drivetrain or warranty.
  18. The tyres have held up okay, with 3 punctures in 3 years and they have been holding up okay. I am hoping to continue using them for an additional 20,000 Kms.
  19. The boot is plenty spacious (> 350 Lts) for a weekend trip. But, I have found a lot of usable space for knickknacks under the false boot floor.
  20. The quality of materials for the interiors seem like they would last for a really long time.
  21. Hyundai’s lack of BlueLink is sorely missed. ADAS and 360 camera would have been welcome additions, but not missed.

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