Choose Kona over Niro/Soul?

[SkookumPete]

Out of idle curiosity, I'd like to ask those who have recently ordered the Kona why they chose it of the three cars now available on the same platform. Looks? The little bit of extra range? Or was it the push-button shifter that finally swayed you?

 

[Jared Potter]

I’ve never liked the Kia souls boxy look even if it gave the best space/volume. The Niro is a great car comprising distance for size however it became a non starter when it only came in one colour for the base model; black; that j would never buy a black, white, or grey car ever again. It’s amazing how the little thing can be a go/no go. The Kona EV checks off everything I had in my want list for a car. Roof rack, electric, distance, cx-5 shape (though it’s length is that of a cx-3 that wasn’t a no go as the space in the hatch is still larger then my mothers Mazda 3 sport) price, and overall drive feel and general look. The two tone colour really levelled it up that it isn’t a ultimate option. Finally feature wise my current car required a $4000 package upgrade to get silly things like Bluetooth music and not just Bluetooth calling, variable intermittent wipers(mine is Just intermittent) and the stupid CVT over a traditional
Auto or manual. Cannot wait to get my Kona!!!!

 

[KiwiME]

It was the only EV available last year that could do 400+ kms. The inclusion of the heat pump sealed the deal for me (and no question, it's brilliant). The eNiro 64 is now out at the same price as the base kona and is missing the heat pump, adds LED headlights and 'leather'. But now the Model 3 standard range plus is available for order at the same price again and given the opportunity I'd now go for that. The model 3 doesn't have a heat pump but regarding supercharger costs Tesla is cheaper at $0.42/unit than what almost every other public charger here in NZ costs, $0.57 to 0.88 depending on SoC. I have no home access to charge so this is a critical issue for me.

 

[R P]

I got the Kona Ultimate because those cars were not available on May 1 (when the fed subsidy came into effect) on the same platform. The Kona Ultimate (no Preferreds available then) and the Ioniq (not enough range) were the only ones that I considered at the time. Good to see the Nero and Soul moving to the same platform, but I would still choose the Kona. It will still have the best range (albeit only slightly) because of its shape and size. Also, I like the looks better. I suspect the features and technology will be similar (in top trims), so in the end I think it will come down to preference and usability. I know some like the extra room the of the boxy Soul shape. In the end, I don't think you could go wrong with either. The big challenge again will be availability. Good luck to those with the pre-orders.

 

[victor_2019]

I chose Kona over Niro because i found an available Kona while there's no niros around.

But also the Niro with the safety features like automatic braking etc. Is 10000 Canadian dollars more than the kona.

 

[SkookumPete]

I chose Kona over Niro because i found an available Kona while there's no niros around.

But also the Niro with the safety features like automatic braking etc. Is 10000 Canadian dollars more than the kona.

The base model Niro certainly loses to the base Kona in features.

I just priced the deluxe models and the Niro is about CDN $1,600 higher, on account of being bigger.

 

[Jared Potter]

The base model Niro certainly loses to the base Kona in features.

I just priced the deluxe models and the Niro is about CDN $1,600 higher, on account of being bigger.

Yeah the base Niro literally has one colour option. Defiantly a car they’re pushing you to only get the premium trim.

 

[Tony M.]

Availability, price, impatience. I had a 2017 Soul EV lease and loved it. I was hoping to get the 2020, but its' still not here. But the Kona was there, all pretty in red. More money than I wanted to spend, a little smaller than I wanted, but it is a lovely car.

 

[CJC]

We chose it sight unseen after riding in a petrol Kona briefly for a test drive. We waited 7 months for delivery. We found it to be a skookum little car. However, it is a head banger on entry and exit if you are tall and/or older and keep forgetting to duck your head.lol We always carry my two dogs and the Kona is so tight for fit for my dog crates. And we had friction at the dealership along the buying journey. So we have taken the plunge and are getting the 2020 Soul EV. I was so relieved to see that Bjorn Nyland's final review of it today was good enough for us to proceed. He isn't keen on the "box" due to aerodynamics and handling on corners, but he calls it one of the Korean triplets and says the Soul EV has better and more up to date technology and says it is a good car. So I don't feel so capricious and crazy trading in the Kona.

 

[Brennan Raposo]

Main reason for me was loosing my Tesla Model 3 rebate. I had been a day 1 reservation holder and lost the $14,000 Ontario rebate after 2 years of waiting and paying my $5200 down payment and VIN assignment. Losing the rebate made the vehicle just out of reach.

Along cams the Kona! This vehicle toted over 400km or range, only about 100km less than the Tesla. It was also decently attractive in appearance. I was able to snag one about a month after losing my Tesla order.

Overall practicality is good. It’s a bit smaller than I had anticipated, especially when all of your friends are tall. I wasn’t blessed with height at only 5’10” but my entourage are all well over 6’ and I will tell you, no one wants to take your vehicle when you volunteer for trips lol!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 4 months of ownership and proudly have 14,000 KM on it. It’s a blast to drive and summer range has been excellent! There are a few minor aches and pains like any new car, especially one new to the continent.

Hopes this helps!

 

[XtsKonaTrooper]

If you dont mind me asking, how tall are you guys?

We chose it sight unseen after riding in a petrol Kona briefly for a test drive. We waited 7 months for delivery. We found it to be a skookum little car. However, it is a head banger on entry and exit if you are tall and/or older and keep forgetting to duck your head.lol We always carry my two dogs and the Kona is so tight for fit for my dog crates. And we had friction at the dealership along the buying journey. So we have taken the plunge and are getting the 2020 Soul EV. I was so relieved to see that Bjorn Nyland's final review of it today was good enough for us to proceed. He isn't keen on the "box" due to aerodynamics and handling on corners, but he calls it one of the Korean triplets and says the Soul EV has better and more up to date technology and says it is a good car. So I don't feel so capricious and crazy trading in the Kona.

 

[ehatch]

Out of idle curiosity, I'd like to ask those who have recently ordered the Kona why they chose it of the three cars now available on the same platform. Looks? The little bit of extra range? Or was it the push-button shifter that finally swayed you?

I chose the Kona EV ultimate over the Model 3 because:

1. not a sedan
2. wanted hatch
3. efficiency for price
4. XM radio
5. satellite navigation
6. Apple Car Play,Android Auto
7. moonroof
8. heat pump
9. hitch compatibility <$800USD
10. CCS
11. leather seats
12. ACC [no LFA disappointing]
13. youtube videos
14. Qi charging
15. ~ 450km available spring charge
16. warranty

 

[Colin Munro]

I too bought the kona 64kwh. because it was the only one available in the UK. Whilst we love the Kona, out of choice I’d have bought the Kia Soul. We had the diesel variant and loved it for its space and quirky looks.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

[TheLight75]

This one is easy. I can't stand the looks of the Soul nor am I crazy about the looks of the e-Niro. I like that the Kona is a tall hatchback with a mostly attractive interior & exterior.

 

[CJC]

I too bought the kona 64kwh. because it was the only one available in the UK. Whilst we love the Kona, out of choice I’d have bought the Kia Soul. We had the diesel variant and loved it for its space and quirky looks.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

I'm with you Colin. lol We are trading our Kona EV for the 2020 Soul EV. But it seems a love hate thing with the Soul as people like the quirky looks or hate them. I found the Kona EV looks were particularly bland on the rear end. We are looking forward to the space with the Soul. It is one of the Korean triplets as Bjorn Nyland calls it i.e. Kona, Niro, Soul. lol

 

[Wildeyed]

I'm with you Colin. lol We are trading our Kona EV for the 2020 Soul EV. But it seems a love hate thing with the Soul as people like the quirky looks or hate them. I found the Kona EV looks were particularly bland on the rear end. We are looking forward to the space with the Soul. It is one of the Korean triplets as Bjorn Nyland calls it i.e. Kona, Niro, Soul. lol

I've wanted a Soul for years but the gas version has bad milage for its size. When the new electric was announced I was already deeply invested in my Kona pre-order so I stuck with it. In the end the delays in its delivery and the black interior means I would have stuck with the Kona anyway. But man, I love the look of the Soul. Fun and functional.

 

[electriceddy]

I chose the Kona EV ultimate over the Model 3 because:

1. not a sedan
2. wanted hatch
3. efficiency for price
4. XM radio
5. satellite navigation
6. Apple Car Play,Android Auto
7. moonroof
8. heat pump
9. hitch compatibility <$800USD
10. CCS
11. leather seats
12. ACC [no LFA disappointing]
13. youtube videos
14. Qi charging
15. ~ 450km available spring charge
16. warranty

No LFA on the Ultimate version? This can't be USA version as you have a heat pump. Location?

 

[R P]

If LFA is same as lane centering, my Ultimate has that. It is the Active selection on LKA. I actually disabled mine, because I found it a little too intrusive, and was constantly nudging my steering wheel. Might be OK on the open hwy, but I didn't like it in city multi lane freeway driving. Instead I just want it to nudge me (and alert) if I wander too close to the edge of a lane.

Maybe I will give it another shot sometime.

 

[XtsKonaTrooper]

I figured out, where it wants me to be in the lane and im trying to adjust to that location and i get less nudges. Then i get more warnings to put my hand on the wheel.
Ive noticed on a well marked road, i can pretty feel like auto pilot except for steering taps.

If LFA is same as lane centering, my Ultimate has that. It is the Active selection on LKA. I actually disabled mine, because I found it a little too intrusive, and was constantly nudging my steering wheel. Might be OK on the open hwy, but I didn't like it in city multi lane freeway driving. Instead I just want it to nudge me (and alert) if I wander too close to the edge of a lane.

Maybe I will give it another shot sometime.

 

[apu]

For me there really was no availability of the Niro, if it was available it would be a serious contender, especially as it seems the SK built batteries in the Niro are using a little more advanced 5th generation NCM 811 lithium chemistry over LG older less energy dense NCM 622 chemistry.