Hyundai Kona Electric confirmed for Australia

The Hyundai Kona small SUV range is set to expand to include a new electric version later this year.

The new Kona Electric is set to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, bringing an affordable fully-electric option to the Hyundai range alongside the Ioniq sedan. The latter vehicle is also heading to Australia, but demand globally is hindering the Australia-bound production of it.

The all-new Hyundai Kona EV is set to be the first small SUV with a fully electric drivetrain, and it has been confirmed to be offered in two different versions: we expect that'll mean two different capacity battery packs, the larger of which is said to offer up to 470 kilometres of electric range.

The Kona Electric is expected to bring slightly revised styling compared to the petrol-powered version seen here.

Hyundai claims the electric motor will be "one of the most powerful on the market", and that it will be loaded with "active safety and driving assistance technologies".

Of course, the question of price will be a vital one, but we understand the new electric model could come in "around $50,000". That's a lot of money for a compact SUV wearing a Hyundai badge, but the most high-powered Mercedes-Benz GLA will set you back nearly $90k... and it'll still use petrol.

There will be some adjustments to the styling and aerodynamics of the Kona Electric, and as a result the new vehicle is longer by 15mm (4180mm) and sits 5mm taller, too (1555mm), while riding on the same 2600mm wheelbase as the regular car, and spanning the same width (1800mm).

"The All-New Kona Electric enables customers to combine the two worlds of eco-mobility and sub-compact SUV style. In bringing this car to the market, Hyundai Motor is the first carmaker in Europe to merge these two hottest industry trends," a release from the brand stated.

Hyundai Australia hasn't officially confirmed the vehicle will be sold here, but CarsGuide understands it is a done deal, with the first vehicles arriving either later in 2018 or early in 2019, depending on global demand.

Check out all 2018 Hyundai Kona price and spec info here.

Is $50,000 too much for an electric small SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.