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Electric Hyundai Kona crossover to have Bolt-beating 292-mile range

An all-electric Hyundai Kona will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but we already know a few intriguing details about the electric version of the subcompact SUV we've had a brief chance to drive. According to Hyundai's press release, the Kona EV will be available with two powertrain choices, including "one of the most powerful electric engines on the market with a class-leading range of almost 470 kilometers." That would be 292 miles. That's using the WLTP standard, or Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures, which currently lists the Chevrolet Bolt as achieving 240 miles of range (versus 238 with the EPA). In other words, the electric Kona could be the new non-Tesla range king — the Model 3 Long-Range model is rated at an EPA-estimated 310 miles, and the Model S 100D is at 335. By comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is rated at only 124 miles. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. It is important to note, however, that this release was from Hyundai of Europe, so we cannot confirm that we'll be getting an electric Kona in the United States. Given those potential range figures and the popularity of SUVs, it would be surprising if we didn't. We'll know more when more details are announced Feb. 27 ahead of its Geneva unveil the following week. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Green Geneva Motor Show Hyundai Crossover SUV Electric Future Vehicles 2018 Geneva Motor Show hyundai kona

China sticking to its guns on EVs for the future

Automakers are obviously free to develop whatever next-gen, zero-emissions tech that they want. However, if a company wants to get on the good side of the Chinese government, that strategy better include some plug-in vehicles. The authorities there are lending major support to plug-ins at the moment, and its forcing the auto industry to play along. According to Bloomberg, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and BMW are all launching dedicated EV brands with their joint venture partners, and as many as 40 electric models could hit the Chinese market this year alone. However, analysts don't think the vehicles are going to sell well. Instead, the launches are essentially a way for companies to play nice with the government and help get the approval to build factories in the country. Take Toyota as an example. The company is pushing the future of hydrogen hard with promotional films for the Mirai and engineers talking down fast-charging EVs. Still, the Japanese automaker is getting ready to launch two EV brands in China with its joint venture partners, according to Bloomberg. China's push for alternative fuels has been happening for a while, but it really kicked into high gear last year. The government has set a goal to improve fleet-wide economy by 40 percent by the end of the decade in order to spend less importing oil and for the population's health. The plan has shown some success so far with hybrid and EV sales growing early in 2015. Related Video: News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Kin Cheung / AP Photo Government/Legal Green BMW Hyundai Toyota Volkswagen Green Culture Technology Electric tax incentives chinese government

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe First Drive Review | A safely stylish crossover

To help it stand out in today's crowded, highly competitive midsize crossover market, Hyundai has given the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has a bolder SUV-like exterior design. The Santa Fe's changes are evolutionary rather than seismic, but in a market that includes rivals like the Ford Edge, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Equinox, and Honda CR-V, every detail matters. Buyers still have a choice of two four-cylinder engines - just like the outgoing Santa Fe Sport – one of them turbocharged, with each paired to an updated 8-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe also offers all-wheel drive across its five trim levels, while delivering a modest bump in overall cargo space and rear legroom. A few notes before we dive further in: The new Santa Fe doesn't include the "Sport" in its name. Anyone in immediate need of a Santa Fe with a third-row seat will have to settle for the Santa Fe XL, a one-year-only offering based on the previous generation model. We highly recommend test driving the new model, if you can do without a third row. Some form of hybridization is also planned, though Hyundai would not comment on technical aspects or a projected on-sale date. Ahead of taking the wheel on the wide-open roads surrounding the charming ski-cation town of Park City, Utah, Hyundai told us that they strove to make it less of a high-riding minivan, both in terms of its style and stance on the road. To do this, Hyundai shortened the front overhang, added a more upright front grille with a chainmail pattern, and pushed the headlights lower in the front fascia. Those slim lighting units that flank the grille are the LED daytime running lights and turn signals. (Yes, it's okay if you initially thought they were super skinny headlights, too.) The 2.6-inch longer wheelbase makes the Santa Fe look more planted, while adding about an extra inch of rear legroom compared to the previous model. The more horizontal side profile and large glass area – especially the small side windows, ahead and behind the A- and C-pillars – help improve visibility. And unlike some SUVs and crossovers that opt for tapered tail-ends that look sporty, but create claustrophobic-levels of cargo space, the squarish rear of the Santa Fe translates to 35.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats. That's up from 35.4 cu-ft. offered in the previous model. Styling is subjective, but to our eyes, the Santa Fe has a lot more presence than it previously did.