It seems to me to be dependent on the market you're in. Mine was manufactured in SK in April 2021 and is sold here in Aus as a 2021 model. I bought it about a month after it was made.
Also the face-lifted model is designated as Kona Electric Series II here, so there are the dimple faced 2021s, and Series II 2021s on the road here.
As I understand it, it's the result of a law which I gather the motor trade association managed to get through while no-one was looking which identifies a new car model year by the year first registered in NZ rather than when it was manufactured or what the VIN identifies it as. I think it came about because new cars can take a months to get here and then may sit on either the importers or dealer's lot for a long time. I once bought a Suzuki SUV 'new' in Dec 2013 that I found out later was built July 2011. My Kona identifies as 2019 by the VIN but legally is a 2018 model. We cannot have 2022 Konas until 1st Jan 2022.
Well, here is my new one: 2025 Kona EV N line, just picked it up yesterday. I am so happy with it. Managed to get probably one of the last iZEV federal rebates (5K) as I went in 2 days before the program ran out of $ and had the dealer take it off the en-route truck and into dealer stock to enable the federal paperwork to be applied. I also got a great trade in for my 2021 MY ~ $29K with reduced sales tax consideration applied. My salesman also honored his promise of a free Hyundai V2L adapter after the mishap last year when they wrecked the I5 I had ordered between the detail shop and the showroom. Went for the ceramic coating, extended warranty both discounted as well. Also picked up vehicle replacement insurance 7 years just in case. Driving this morning only one "hand on the wheel" nag in a 11 km drive- I am impressed. Will have more pictures and details later as I am a little handicapped right now. Two hours before I picked it up I broke my hand (the one that's leaning on the car), could barely sign the paperwork, and the fingerprint recognition I put on my phone to try to enable digital key is now in a cast. That kind of puts the kibosh on that and more pictures etc for now
A beaut!! And an N also. You deserve to be happy with this car, plus getting that ZEV $5K rebate. Should help with not feeling the pain in your hand so bad. Next thing we'll want to know is 0-60 times, or 0-100kph. Enjoy!!
Great to finally see you in person! Looks very sharp (similar to mine)! Sorry about your hand. At least the new car might distract you somewhat from the agony. Sent from my iPad using Inside EVs