Auto News 2023: A Tsunami of Electric Compact Cars
This page is translated from the original post "Nouveautés auto 2023 : un tsunami de compactes électriques" in French.
- 26/12/2022 11:00
Already provided, the category of compact electric sedans and SUVs will welcome about ten new models, including the Peugeot e-308 and Hyundai Kona II.
Appeared in 2018, the Hyundai Kona Electric revamped the small SUV segment. Modest in size, the Korean model will grow in volume to reach 4.32 meters long. It will also be more distinctive with styling similar to the latest Nexo or Sportage. More spacious than its predecessor, with 6 cm more room for occupants, it should also increase its trunk capacity.
However, no official details yet on engines and batteries. The Kona Electric 2023 could imitate the Kia Niro — which shares the same platform — by offering a duo of 150 kW motor and 64 kWh battery. If confirmed, the price will be steep, starting around €44,000, compared to €36,100 today.
Peugeot e-308: new rival to Megane and the restyled VW ID.3
The other star among compact electric cars will be the Peugeot e-308. We already know the styling of this sedan which has been on sale since 2021. But so far, it only offered internal combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Its EMP2 V3 platform, however, allows for a full electric conversion, like the upcoming Peugeot e-408.
The Peugeot e-308 will therefore feature the 115 kW (156 hp) motor from the DS3 or e-208, offering modest performance. Its battery will also be the same, a new 54 kWh capacity, allowing for around 400 kilometers of range. These motor and battery options will also power the upcoming Opel Mokka Electric and Peugeot e-2008, both restyled in 2023. Only one model, unlike competitors offering at least two versions each. The lion brand will need convincing to unseat the Renault Megane E-Tech from its throne among compact electric sedans.
And against the Volkswagen ID.3 surpassing 550 km of range, which will receive a restyling and infotainment system upgrades (similar to its cousin, the Cupra Born). What about the price? Expect around €40,000 at best, in a category where the MG4 starts at just €28,990! However, the strength of the 308 will be its estate body style, which will offer a premium competitor to the MG5.
Many compact electric SUVs
Against the Hyundai Kona and the second-generation Kia, many new models will compete in 2023. In the Geely group, the Smart #1 ushers in a new era for the brand this winter. It measures more than mini-sized at 4.27 m, with premium intentions, a 200 kW (272 hp) engine, and around 430 km of range. And a premium price, just under €40,000, which the cousin Volvo EX30 will attempt to match, whose features are still unknown but will feature styling similar to the latest EX90.
Toyota, which gained experience with the bZ4X, will continue its new electric offensive with a electric derivative of its new C-HR, currently only hybrid. This strategy is being adopted by the other Japanese brand Honda with the e:NY1, a derivative of the hybrid HR-V “e:HEV”. These two models will compete in the upcoming compact electric Ford crossover, based primarily on Volkswagen’s platform, targeting Europe.
Higher-end, the Vinfast VF6 of about 4.30 meters will offer a battery rental option to lower its price (possibly below €35,000). The technically close BMW iX2 will bring more compact dimensions and styling closer to the iX (or the XM). Its price will likely remain high, but hopefully below €47,000 for the base model to fully benefit from the €5,000 bonus.
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