Spied: Hyundai Kona Electric Caught In Malaysia

A rather electrifying subcompact crossover has been spotted in Malaysia – the Hyundai Kona Electric.

First previewed at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, the Hyundai Kona Electric is the battery-powered version of the regular Kona, which can be had with two battery sizes – the smaller 39.2 kWh battery can provide a range of 300 km, while the other is a larger 64 kWh battery that allows for a total driving range of 482 km.

Visual differentiators include unique wheels and a different front fascia, both of which are engineered to help the Kona Electric deliver its slippery 0.29 Cd.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Kona Electric seen here is an internal training unit used by Hyundai’s Training Academy and the electric subcompact crossover is not earmarked for a local debut any time soon.

Although the zero-emissions Kona Electric won’t be introduced here anytime soon, the regular petrol-powered Kona could be introduced here later this year. To recap, the Hyundai Kona we will be getting is likely going to be fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 177 PS and 265 Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).