Remember Hyundai’s 45 Concept? Well, that vehicle was onstage at the 2019 Guangzhou Motor Show. But it didn’t have the spotlight all to itself during the show, no, because the Korean carmaker also unveiled something else that a lot of people would find just as interesting, if not more.
What we’re talking about here is the all-new Lafesta EV, Hyundai’s latest entry in the competitive Chinese EV market. Hyundai says the vehicle is expected to become available in the early part of 2020.
“With the launch of the Lafesta EV, Hyundai Motor Company is accelerating the popularization of its electrification drive in China at full throttle,” said Hyundai Motor Group (China) Ltd. executive vice president and chief technology officer Seogju Cha. “By ushering in electrification across all vehicle classes into the future, Hyundai Motor is playing a key role in bringing about China’s clean future environment as an eco-friendly mobility brand.”
The Lafesta EV is powered by a 56.5kWh high-capacity lithium battery that offers a maximum range of 490km. The vehicle is capable of peak outputs of 201hp and 310Nm of torque. It stands slightly bigger than the petrol-powered Lafesta sedan at 4,705mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,435mm high with a 2,700mm wheelbase.
Inside, the Lafesta EV has been given a seven-inch color TFT cluster to display information on the EV such as the battery charge state. A 10.25-inch LCD AVN infotainment system, a wirelessly controlled Shift-by-Wire electronic lever, and a wireless smartphone charger have been added into the package as well.
The EV is also equipped with a set of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems including blind-spot collision avoidance assist, forward-collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. Other safety features added into the mix are six airbags and a burglar alarm.
In addition, Lafesta EV features a special navigation system that can lead drivers to the nearest charging station and also enable pre-controlled charging. Meanwhile, the Baidu Duer OS voice recognition system can be used to control the sunroof and the windows, among other functions. Starting the engine, operating the air-conditioning or heating, and locking the door can also be done remotely using the Home IoT Speaker Connectivity Service.
What’s your take on Hyundai’s newest EV? Let us know in the comments section.
