The reason the USB-C port can switch between charge only and charge+data is because you might be using wireless Carplay or Android Auto with a phone that is in the Qi charger. If the passenger than wants to charge the phone, this can ensure they don't take over the screen projection. All in all I'm impressed with this car and almost am thinking that this would have been a smarter choice compared to my Ioniq 6.
As a note Bjorn, the 2023+ Kia Niro does not use the old powertrain and I'm mostly confident that it's same as this new Kona, completely revised so that it coincidentally resolves the gear reducer and motor issues that still haunt first-gen owners of both EVs. The only difference is that the Kona is specified with 10kW more power presumably because the powertrain programmer got distracted and accidentally entered 160 instead of 150. For both the gearing is 30% higher (10.65:1) but the motor has 35% lower torque so the acceleration nets about 5% slower. Regarding the battery, I'm unsure about the Kona but the Niro has two big changes - one is that the cells are larger, configured as 96S-1P (instead of 98S-3P), and the cooling panel is outside the pack (like all other current Hyundai/Kia and VW) allowing a return to conventional coolant instead of the problematic and expensive blue crap. Since the new Kona charges up to around 450 VDC it seems likely it has more cells. TBD ...
I really like this new Kona. Tempted to upgrade my E-Niro 21 to this, but can't really afford it yet. While the new Niro EV was basically just an upgrade in design to the old one, Hyundai really has improved almost everything that wasn't great on the old model. I especially like that they've added heating to the charging port, I've had my charging port on my E-niro frozen stuck a couple of times in the winter. The only things I can complain about are the infotainment (looks ok and better than the old one, but cars with Android Automotive are obviously still way ahead here) and the price (still a bit expensive for what you get I think).
One of the things i always find missing in reviews interviews. Is using suitcases to demonstrate the practicaly of boots. If you would be able to do this in your reviews it would be great. So for example have a combination of Large/Medium and carry on cases to see how many of which you can fit. As due to the shape and slope of boots its hard to know based on standard dimension or litre storage numbers. Love the channel and thanks.
Love your reviews Bjorn ncluding in other video where you test the stereo. FYI flappy panels behind steering wheel are for adjusting the regen braking which is slick, you were questioning their use . I test drove one. It is a very good car-good driving position, comfortable, smooth and comfortable ride on 17 inch wheels. Power delivery mature not frantic and makes for relaxed drive. Nice balance of actual physical buttons and modern screens. Hard to fault, actually feels better than an Ioniq 5.
If I was buying now I might well get this, IRL I think it looks a bit like a shrunk Ioniq 5. Pity they've dialled the acceleration down a bit. However since i don't need to buy right now, the new Kias 3,4,5 i forget which is which) are looking good to me so far but awaiting specs. I'll be buying in 2024 most likely (well, leasing probably) looking forward to a review of those Kias from Bjorn hopefully as comprehensive as this set of excellent reviews on the Kona are.
The previous Kona E's had three different model trims. I have the ultimate, but I haven’t heard Bjorn mention which model trim this one is !?😮 Do you have just one model trim now ?😊
I saw new Kona with a rear seats splited 40:20:40. It may be an option. What about the headrests? I found them located too forward than it would be ideal for me, which is common by Hyundai and Kia.
Common Björn in Korea they will rent the skiing gear. It’s a show off country so everything you do is just mainly for a photo. Except the taekwondo, baseball and errrm.. golf. I don’t think they are serious about any sports. They are also very tech dependent and will get lost among many manual tasks. Skis included. 2nd year here and I’m still surprised. No electricity = no Korea.
First, tnx for a great review. Bjørn: could you try the android auto to get your google maps on the screen? and maybe compare the car app to other other car brands for controlling the car.. does it come with v2l for outside connect? Couls you sleep in the car in the winter with a stable temperature without too much fixes.. the seat memory, does it also memorize the mirror possitions? The butten you mention at 10:20 is to turn on/off parkingsensors, not selfparking. What happens if you hide the "driver camera" that watches you. GDPR for that data? Is the chargeport or radar heated in the winter?
Android auto would work as intended just as Apple car. No surprises there. Kia maps (as maps go) are quite good in Korea but not sure about the other countries.
