HYUNDAI KONA WINS GOOD DESIGN AWARDS

Hundai Kona EV 2019
The Hyundai Kona Electric has earned top honours at the 2019 Good Design Awards, securing the overall award in the Automotive and Transport product category.

Kona Electric’s outstanding success comes in a year that is notable for its high calibre of entries, including rival electric vehicles the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.

Judges were impressed by Kona Electric’s ability to package its long-range EV powertrain with advanced standard safety and convenience technologies at what they called, “an accessible price”.

However, with a prices of $59,990 (Elite) and $64,490 (Highlander) it’s many thousands over the price of non-electric Konas. Then again other EVs are far from cheap.

In addition, the panel was convinced by the further consumer benefit that Kona Electric delivers through the reduced running cost associated with the simple design of its motor-drive system.

“The Kona Electric answers a complex series of questions simply. This is the essence of good design,” said Good Design Awards judge Samantha Stevens.

“Within the criteria for the Design Awards, it excelled at both design innovation and design impact, as a unique proposition in this growing market that showcases innovation, value, and environmental sustainability,” she said.

“Hyundai’s innovative EV established itself as the unanimous best-in-class, from an amazingly innovative field that featured extravagant supercars, as well as capable immediate competitors the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.”

“We are delighted that Kona Electric has been recognised with a Good Design Award overall category win,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, JW Lee said.

The Good Design Awards panel evaluated each entry against a strict set of design criteria. To earn recognition, Good Design Award entries had to demonstrate Good Design overall, as well as Design Innovation and Design Impact.

The Awards are conducted by Good Design Australia, an international organisation established in 1958, which is committed to promoting the importance of design to business, industry, government and the public in creating a better, safer and more prosperous world.

KONA MODEL RANGE
Go petrol 2WD: $23,500 (automatic)
Go diesel AWD: $27,000 (DCT)
Active petrol 2WD: $25,500 (automatic)
Active diesel AWD: $29,000 (DCT)
Elite petrol 2WD: $29,500 (automatic)
Elite diesel AWD: $33,000 (DCT)
Highlander 2WD petrol: $35,500 (automatic)
Highlander diesel AWD: $39,000 (DCT)
Elite EV 2WD: $59,990
Haighlander EV AWD: $64,490
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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