The second-generation Hyundai Kona takes its lead to a certain extent from the first, in that it is available with a choice of petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains. However, while the previous Kona started out as an ICE car, Hyundai says the new model was developed as an EV first, with the other variants adapted from the electric starting point. So, there should be no excuses for the new Kona Electric not to impress.

Compared with its predecessor, the new Kona Electric has grown fairly significantly. It's 145mm longer, 25mm wider and 20mm taller than the previous model, with a 60mm wheelbase increase, taking it from the heart of the small SUV segment to knocking on the door of medium SUVs (and giving it some breathing space compared with Hyundai's smaller Bayon). As for the styling, it seems the EV-focus has encouraged the firm's designers to push a futuristic theme, with dramatic angles and slashes abounding. Opinions on this will be personal of course, but we feel the Kona looks a bit awkward from a front three-quarter view in particular, while when considering the slashes down the side we couldn't help thinking of the Triumph TR7 - not a commendation.

Inside, it's noticeable from the driver's seat how you sit quite high for the segment, giving the raised perspective we know many SUV fans appreciate. The model's increased dimensions pay off with a sense of roominess, and there are practical features such as a big open storage tray area between the two front seats - facilitated by replacing the traditional gear lever with a steering column-mounted stalk - with cleverly integrated cupholders. Rear-seat passenger have lots of room for their feet under the front seats, and plenty of leg and head room. A 466-litre boot is a significant upgrade on the previous model, and features an adjustable floor allowing a flat load lip to be traded for extra space. 

The most conspicuous feature of the Kona's interior is a pair of 12.3in screens mounted side-by-side, one handling the instruments and the other infotainment. These are an impressive sight, and the infotainment screen is nicely responsive and operates very smoothly, suggesting some beefy processing power behind it. Although, we feel the panel of switches beneath, while useful, could have been more stylishly integrated.

Our German-spec car was closest to the Ultimate grade in the UK, and featured a decent amount of soft cabin trim, and some dashboard-mounted brushed metal that was a nice touch, while a cream colour scheme helped give a light and airy ambience.

The Kona Electric is available with two powertrain options - a standard range model, with 156hp and a 48.4kWh battery, and a long range with 218hp and a 65.4kWh battery. We sampled the latter, which offers a range of up to 319 miles on the WLTP combined cycle when fitted with 17in wheels, although the 19in wheels fitted as standard with Ultimate spec drop this figure to 282 miles.

The motor's power is enough to facilitate brisk acceleration up to motorway speeds, and refinement is fairly good. 

The biggest asset of the Kona Electric's chassis is ride comfort, which is impressive, the suspension doing a very good job of absorbing bumps and potholes. Handling-wise, although things get a bit roly-poly under hard cornering and braking it can still be fun to drive once you're used to this, and underlying grip levels are good. The steering is unfeelsome but precise enough. Perhaps the biggest snag with the driving experience is that the various assistance systems can be annoyingly intrusive.