Is the Hyundai Kona’s career being complicated by the Renault Scenic?

The Hyundai electric SUV, the Kona, faces new competition from the Renault Scenic that significantly questions its competitiveness.

The list of “victims” of the Renault Scenic continues to grow. It is difficult to estimate how much the SUV from the Losange brand is disrupting the electric car market.

Of course, the gap has been widened by the Tesla Model 3 which has lost its eligibility for the ecological bonus. But this is not the case for the Hyundai Kona, which is produced in the Czech Republic. However, its entry-level version, even offered at 35,850 euros minus a 5,000 euro bonus, suffers in comparison to its French rival. The latter starts at 34,990 euros also after the bonus deduction.

In terms of equipment, both models are identical: dual-zone air conditioning, rearview camera, electric mirrors, parking sensors, etc. All fairly standard for a vehicle in this price range.

This is where the technical differences become more apparent. With its 48 kWh battery, the South Korean manufacturer emphasizes daily usability and agility. Its 115 kW (156 hp) motor and modest consumption of 14.6 kW/100 km ensure up to 377 km in WLTP cycle. But at Renault, for less money, you get 125 kW (170 hp) and a 60 kW battery claiming 430 km in WLTP cycle. That’s 53 km more, which could make a difference.

The Hyundai Kona compensates somewhat via home charging: a maximum of 11 kW, compared to 7 kW for the Renault Scenic. But for long trips, the advantage swings back in favor of the French model: 103 kW in DC fast charging versus 130 kW for the Scenic.

To regain ground, the Hyundai Kona offers a version with a 65 kWh battery, but unfortunately, the charging powers remain unchanged. Range increases to 454 km, power to 217 hp… and price to 44,250 euros before bonus. That’s 39,250 euros after government aid. This makes it 4,260 euros more expensive than the Renault Scenic. The Renault also has a secret weapon: a battery capacity of up to 87 kWh and a 220 hp motor. The price then rises to 41,990 euros.

Conclusion

The more urban positioning of the Hyundai Kona comes at a cost in all respects. Price, range, charging— the Korean SUV feels caught in between, with its small 48 kWh battery. While not insignificant, it should now be offered at a more realistic price close to 30,000 euros minus the ecological bonus. At 35,850 euros, as of January 2024, it struggles against the fierce competition from the Renault Scenic, which is nearly 860 euros cheaper.

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