NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Long-range Hyundai Kona Electric coming to Oz

Hyundai has launched a pure-electric version of its Kona compact SUV and confirmed that it will go on sale in Australia in late 2018.

Unveiled at today's New York motor show, the battery-powered Hyundai Kona Electric follows on from the car-maker's pure-electric IONIQ and is expected to share aspects of its zero-emission powertrain.

Distinguishing itself from the rest of the Hyundai Kona range with a closed front grille, the small zero emission SUV also gets various aero tweaks designed to improve its range.

These include new lateral air curtains on the front bumper that are claimed to reduce air resistance by venting turbulent air from the front wheel arches.

The Hyundai Kona Electric also comes with a new rear spoiler that reduces drag and neatly integrates an LED brake light.

It rolls on a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sitting 20mm lower, compared to its petrol or diesel-powered siblings, the more aerodynamic Kona Electric also boasts new LED daytime running lights positioned above its headlamps.

In other global markets, the Korean car-maker says it plans to offer the Kona Electric with two powertrains.

An entry-level 99kW/395Nm version, which can cover 300km and can hit 100km/h in 9.3sec, will kick-off the line-up internationally but Hyundai Australia has indicated it's only interested in the 470km ‘long range’ version.

This gets a more energy dense 64kWh lithium-ion battery (versus 39.2KWh for the less powerful version) and a far more powerful 150kW/395Nm electric motor. Thanks to the boost, the long-range version is significantly quicker and can hit 100km/h in just 7.2sec. Its top speed is 167km/h.

Featuring a 7.2kW onboard charger, recharging from a conventional wall socket takes nine hours and 40 minutes for the long-range battery pack.

To help drivers claw back range, the Kona Electric will come with an adjustable brake regeneration system that uses the paddle shifts behind the steering wheels to increase or decrease the amount of energy that can be reclaimed.

Helping drivers to manage and maintain the pure-electric range available, the Kona also comes with a new 7.0-inch instrument cluster monitor and heads-up display that feeds relevant information to the driver to help maximise efficiency.

Claimed to be "great fun to drive", work on a specific local suspension tune is set to commence in Australia shortly.

According to Hyundai Australia it's "too early" to talk pricing and trim levels but the car-maker has confirmed it's aiming to offer the Kona Electric in two trim levels.

Both trims are expected to be well-equipped and offer the option of new eight-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats, plus a heated steering wheel.