How much has the latest-generation Kona Electric, complete in sporty N Line guise, upped its game? By Al Suttie.

Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

List price (BiK): £40,340 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 319 miles Test efficiency: 249 miles

Monday

The Hyundai Kona has always been a bit overlooked, and unfairly so in my view. The previous-generation model offered a good balance of all the things compact crossover buyers wanted, along with decent comfort and driving manners. As for the N model in the last generation, that’s a hidden gem of a hot hatch. With the new Kona Electric, it’s moving more into the spotlight and makes an intriguing case for fleet drivers.

Tuesday

As the prices of EVs continue to be driven down, the Kona Electric N Line’s P11D of £40,340 does look a bit on the hefty side next to some rivals. There are cheaper options with the Advance trim, which comes in two battery power versions. However, the N Line looks like the sweet spot for power, range, performance and equipment, and it’s still competitive on price up against a Volkswagen ID.3 of equivalent spec.

Wednesday

A mix of city driving in Dundee this morning is interspersed with a raid across the Tay Bridge into North East Fife to try the Kona on some more challenging roads. This is my old stomping ground and it highlights a good balance between comfort and control struck by Hyundai. The Kona feels more composed than a BYD Atto 3 and more yielding on rough roads than a Cupra Born, all with decently nimble handling.

Thursday

A mix of driving tasks today shows the Kona Electric is very easy and smooth to drive in one-pedal mode. Next to the likes of the Peugeot e-2008, the Kona is far easier to pilot in this fashion, with a more natural feel to its regenerative braking that avoids the lurch between acceleration and slowing. It also helps eke out a bit more battery range, which is not quite as generous as the claimed 319-mile max range.

Friday

The Kona Electric’s cabin is not as flash or fancy as some its rivals try to be, but this is absolutely fine with me. There are simple, separate buttons for the heating and ventilation, and a row of shortcut buttons for the stereo and sat-nav for the large infotainment screen display. The screen itself has crisp graphics and reacts quickly, which is still not the case with every rival.

Saturday

If the Kona’s interior doesn’t appear quite as premium as it might for a car of the price and in N Line trim, it’s certainly well put together. There are no untoward noises, which are all the more obvious in an EV, even when negotiating more calloused road surfaces. Another boon for the Kona is the amount of space afforded to its occupants both front and rear. There’s also a large boot – bigger than an e-2008’s – and 40/20/40 split-and-tip rear seat.

Sunday

Hyundai is on something of a roll with its cars at the moment, both in their looks and the way they drive. The Kona Electric is another example of this, helping this small crossover move from the fringes into a more prominent position in its class. For company drivers, it’s a very sound choice in a keenly contested sector.