Two years on from initial launch, the Kona is being updated.

WHAT’S more important for an electric car – decent range or decent looks?

From the detail Hyundai has given out in respect to the updates that are coming to its battery-compelled Kona next year, the answer to that, is ‘both.’

The big changes to a model set to land before June are that it looks sharper – albeit somewhat more Tesla-esque - thanks to a big styling makeover and, even though the battery pack capacity is unchanged at 64kWh, it will go further on a charge.

The driving range is now being listed at up to 484km (WLTP). Not a big improvement on the current model, which is claimed to achieve 449kms, but with battery drive, every extra ‘kay’ helps. The electric motor puts out mated to a 150kW/395Nm electric motor,

The restyling isn’t as drastic as it might appear. Those slim, high-set daytime lights and lower driving lights were already in place, although the latter have grown bigger. What’s different is that the dimpled cladding that wrapped the lower nose panel has now been restyled and reprofiled.

Also looking smarter are the recharging times. The maker claims a battery at just 10 percent charge can be replenished to 80 percent in just 47 minutes when connected to a 100kW charger, and 64 minutes when connected to a 50kW charger.

The Kona upgrades its safety suite, to include active rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert and collision avoidance, and leading vehicle departure alert.

The rear seats are now heated and occupants there are provisioned with a set of USB ports for charge any devices. It also gets a 10.25-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel for the driver. This complements the 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

A point to note. Although some markets will achieve this car with a smaller battery, Hyundai New Zealand is sticking with just the 64kWh version.