Electric cars entered Spain mainly through the upper segments, with high-priced models. However, little by little they have been moving down to more earthly segments and have found an interesting market in 'B'. Take the Hyundai Kona E and Opel Corsa E as an example, which is better in terms of quality/price ratio?
The first is an SUV and the second a utility vehicle, with the slight differences that this entails, but in general terms they can cover the needs of a very similar type of driver.
Design
Subjectivities aside, both are cars with a fairly modern design that attracts attention. Neither of them is an “ugly duckling” who has anything against this point. However, there are notable differences.
The Corsa sports Opel's new design language, centered around the Opel Vizor at the front and presenting a set of more defined and forceful shapes than its predecessor, which gives it greater presence and conveys a greater sensation of solidity. Particularly notable is the GS trim, with the contrast roof and larger wheels.
However, compared to the Hyundai it seems like a fairly conventional model. The Kona has always made aesthetics one of its differentiating points, with a quite particular style that divides opinions but, above all, gives it a character that makes it stand out. It was already evident in the first generation, but it is even more accentuated in this one.
Dimensions
As expected due to its different format, the Hyundai Kona is larger than the Corsa, despite the fact that both belong to the B segment.
The first has a length of 4,355 mm, a width of 1,825 mm, a height of 1,580 mm and a wheelbase of 2,660 mm, in addition to having a ground clearance of 151 mm, average for the B SUV.
In comparison, the German is more compact: 4,060 mm long, 1,765 mm wide, 1,433 mm high and 2,538 mm wheelbase.
Logically, this difference in size is also noticeable in the interior habitability, in which the Korean wins for both the occupants and the trunk, in the latter overwhelmingly: 466 liters compared to the 309 liters of its rival, which when folded down The seats go up to 1,300 and 1,081 liters, respectively.
Engines
At this point, both are tied in the number of electric mechanics they offer, two, but there is a significant imbalance in terms of their performance, since those of the Korean model have significantly higher powers.
Starting with it, its access version is called Standard Range, it has a 156 HP and 255 Nm motor, uses a 48.4 kWh battery and has an approved range of 377 km (approved consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km).
Above is the Long Range variant, whose engine produces 218 HP and 255 Nm, while the battery has a capacity of 65.4 kWh. The result is a range of 514 km (approved consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km).
As for the Corsa E, it is available with the two usual mechanics in the Stellantis B segment models.
The first develops a power of 136 HP and is powered by a 50 kWh capacity battery, which combined with approved average consumption of 15.7 kWh/km gives it a range of 357 km. The upper one reaches 156 HP and has a 51 kWh battery, registers a consumption of 14.2 kWh/km and a range of 405 km.
Precio
Although they have similar prices, the electric Hyundai Kona is the cheaper of the two. Its RRP is higher, starting at 40,950 euros, but the Korean brand carries out aggressive discount policies that leave the rate at 28,240 euros. Thanks to this, it is located below the Corsa Electric, which starts at 31,390 euros.
Which is better?
The first thing to do is whether the buyer likes SUVs or not. If it is the second case, the option is the Opel Corsa, but if it is the first or the format is indifferent to you, the balance leans towards the side of the Hyundai Kona E.
It is a slightly larger model, although with dimensions that remain compact. It offers more space for occupants and its loading capacity is greater.
In addition, it has more powerful mechanics and longer ranges, with its top-of-the-range version being especially notable, which, by exceeding 500 km, is already a solid option for trips.
The icing on the cake is the price and it is that, being more expensive to start with, the discounts offered by Hyundai make it a cheaper model even offering more power (20 extra HP) and autonomy (20 extra km) than its rival.