Nissan Leaf vs. Hyundai Kona Electric 39kWh - which one to choose? Auto Express: Konę Electric for more range and technology...
Content
Auto Express has combined Nissan Leaf II and Hyundai Kona Electric with a capacity of 39,2 kWh. The cars belong to different segments - C and B-SUV - but they are similar in price, model range and technical parameters, so they will often compete for the same buyer. The rating was taken by Hyundai Kona Electric.
Prices and characteristics
Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric 39,2 kWh cost almost the same in Great Britain: Leaf is more expensive by 2,5 thousand PLN. In Poland, the difference will be similar: the price of Leaf N-Connect is PLN 165,2 thousand., for Kona Electric Premium we will pay approximately 160-163 thousand zlotys. We add that Hyundai's price lists are not yet available and will be published only at the beginning of 2019.
> Hyundai Kona Electric - impressions after the first drive
As we have already mentioned, cars belong to different segments, but have similar technical parameters:
- mock Horses vs. Lyfa up to 136 km (100 kW) versus 150 km (110 kW),
- torque: 395 Nm and 320 Nm,
- in both cases, the front wheels are driven,
- useful battery capacity: 39,2 * versus ~ 37 kWh
*) unlike Nissan, Hyundai usually indicates the useful capacity of the battery; we assume this also applies to Kony Electric, but we do not have an official, unambiguous statement from the manufacturer.
Comparison
Za Hyundai Kony Electric advantages very good equipment was found at a lower price than Leaf (source). In the Premium version, this is active cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, rear view camera, wireless key, wireless smartphone charging or an 8-inch screen located in a reasonable place. The car was also praised for its high driving position and cabin soundproofing, which should be the same as that of the Leaf.
> ElectroMobility Poland added PLN 40 million to its account. "Financial information could not be released to the public"
In turn, according to testers, Nissan Leaf deserves praise for practicality, performance and single-pedal control. The 360-degree camera, security features and LED lights were also a plus.
Za Cons of Hyundai Kona Electric luggage space was smaller than the Leaf and moderate driving comfort at low speeds on rough roads - though it was stressed that the suspension was set up quite comfortably. There is also mention of the feeling of being cheap on some pieces of equipment.
Leaf weakness According to WLTP, the Leaf's range was 42 km worse, which means about 30 km less in real conditions in mixed mode (in the city the difference will be 40-50 km to the detriment of the Leaf). The car also had to be less enjoyable to overcome obstacles, and technologically gave the impression that this is a generation ago. The position of the steering wheel in relation to the seat was also problematic from an ergonomic point of view.
> The most economical electric vehicles according to the EPA: 1) Hyundai Ioniq Electric, 2) Tesla Model 3, 3) Chevrolet Bolt.
Auto Express opinion: Kona Electric is better, Leaf comes second
Hyundai ultimately won the Kona Electric vs Leaf ranking. The car's biggest advantages were its longer range, manufacturability and pleasant interior. The Leaf featured weaker equipment and poorer driving ergonomics.
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