Hyundai was among the frontrunners in the Indian car market’s switch to electric vehicles with the launch of the Hyundai Kona in 2019. It will now attempt to maintain this lead with a new set of electric car offerings in the country. For this, the company is anticipated to launch two new electric car models in India soon. While one is likely to be the facelift version of the existing Hyundai Kona, another will be the Ioniq 5, a more premium model that might reach the country through the CBU route.
Anticipation is high for both models already. Both the electric cars are already available in other international markets of Hyundai and reports to date have suggested that we shall see their debut in India within this year. Here is what we know about both the EVs and their expected launch date in India so far.
1. Hyundai Kona facelift
Hyundai is speculated to be working on a new, facelift version of its Kona electric SUV for its global markets. Recent reports also managed to capture some spy shots of the car. However, this facelift variant will be the second of its kind, and the company is yet to introduce the first facelift of the EV in India. It is expected to mark its India debut in the coming months.
This facelift version of the Kona electric first marked its global presence in 2021 and since, has been anticipated to replace the model that currently retails in India. True to the initial offering, the Hyundai Kona facelift will come as a premium electric SUV that promises a substantial range and is loaded with top-end features to justify its price tag, which will likely remain close to Rs 25 lakh, as seen on the current model.
The upgrade will be seen in the form of a new design as well as a new set of features and capabilities on the Hyundai Kona facelift. The visual differences will include re-profiled headlamps that are now way sharper, much lesser body-cladding than before, redesigned bumpers and a complete removal of the front grille for a smoother look. The side and rear profiles of the car will remain mostly the same.
Small changes in the interiors will include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, up from the previous 8.0-inch unit. Hyundai’s BlueLink will have additional functionality, including voice control, remote charging, remote climate control and new safety features like blindspot assistance, rear cross-traffic assistance, safe exit warning, and eCall.
There will not be any changes in the performance components, and the Hyundai Kona facelift will use the same 39.2kWh battery and 136hp motor as seen on the outgoing model. With this, it shall promise a range of 452km on a full charge. There might also be a step up option with a 64kWh battery this time.
Hyundai Kona facelift is expected to debut in India post the launch of the Ioniq 5, which may point to a launch in November 2022.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Yet another much-awaited EV from the house of Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 marked its global debut in February last year. This all-electric crossover SUV is based on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform or E-GMP platform meant for upcoming EVs by both Hyundai and Kia. Due to this, we can see glimpses of the Ioniq 5 in Kia’s recently launched EV6.
In itself, the Ioniq 5 will serve to be an ever more premium model by Hyundai. One look at the EV and its U-shaped LED DRLs, rectangular LED tail lamps, pop-out door handles, 20-inch alloy wheels, and an integrated rear spoiler will make this clear. Inside, the Ioniq 5 will sport a futuristic-looking cabin built with environmental-friendly materials. This shall include a pair of 12-inch screens, a heads-up display (HUD) and BlueLink connectivity.
Performance on the electric crossover by Hyundai will be taken care of by a 58kWh battery pack coupled to a 215bhp electric motor with 350Nm of peak torque output and a promised range of 385km on a full charge. Another variant with a larger 72.6kWh battery will promise 481km on a single charge. The Ioniq 5 is also available in an AWD configuration that carries two electric motors that power each axle and produce a combined power and torque output of 302bhp and 605Nm, respectively.
It is likely that Hyundai will launch only one of these models in India. We can expect the Ioniq 5 to be priced similar to the Kia EV6 in India, which retails for a starting price of Rs 59.95 lakh. The EV was spotted making test runs in the country under camouflage last week, hinting at its launch in the country soon. We can expect the India debut of the Ioniq 5 in October this year.
