THE Hyundai Kauai wants to “cover all the bases” as far as engines are concerned. It launched last year with just two gasoline engines — 1.0 T-GDI and 1.6 T-GDI — but is now adorned with the inevitable Diesel engine and unprecedented electric variant.
Starting with the combustion representative, the new Hyundai Kauai Diesel, or 1.6 CRDi , with Smartstream technology — focused on significantly reducing friction, more efficient turbocharger and CVVD system (greater control over valve opening and closing time) — will be available in two variants, with 115 and 136 hp, both already certified in accordance with with WLTP.
the variant of 115 hp and 275 Nm torque is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel drive only. The official combined consumptions are 4.1-4.3 l/100 km, resulting in emissions of 109-113 g/km (WLTP values converted to NEDC).
the variant of 136 hp and 320 Nm it comes coupled to the 7DCT (dual clutch and seven speeds), and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Official combined consumption and emissions are 4.2-4.9 l/100 km and 112-127 g/km.
Standard equipment level on both versions includes smart key, “two tone” paint (bi-tone), infotainment system with 7” touchscreen, 18” wheels, lane maintenance support, rear parking sensors and leather steering wheel. Optionally available are the Pack Navi Premium for 1150 euros, the Pack Tech for 550 euros and leather and fabric upholstery with an option of interior color for 350 euros.
Hyundai Kauai 1.6 CRDi
Kauai Electric
About the Hyundai Kauai Electric , the highlight is the 470 km of maximum autonomy (WLTP) for the variant with the largest battery pack of 64 kWh. This is a very competitive value, and it also means an electric motor with 204 hp and 395 Nm of instantaneous torque , which helps justify the 7.6s of acceleration up to 100 km/h, making it, at the moment, the fastest Kauai in this metric. Top speed is limited to 167 km/h and the official combined consumption is 14.3 kWh/100 km.
The second electrical variant has a 39.2 kWh battery pack, and advertises 312 km of maximum autonomy . Despite having the same 395 Nm of torque as the more powerful variant, its electric motor only delivers 136 hp , which translates to 9.7s from 0 to 100 km/h and 155 km/h of top speed (limited). Consumption is also slightly lower, at 13.9 kWh/100 km.
Regarding the loading times, they are 54 minutes to 80% of full capacity when connected to a 100 kW fast DC (direct current) charger. With the 7.2 kW on-board charger, using an AC (alternating current) charger takes time 9:35 am for the version with greater autonomy and 6:10 am for the regular version.
Other peculiarities of the Kauai Electric refer to the possibility to select the regenerative braking level, the “shift-by-wire” gear selector system — which even allows for extra storage space in front of the vehicle —; and of course, a distinct exterior image, highlighting the absence of the typical Hyundai “cascade” grille at the front and the presence of LED optics. Unlike other Kauai, the Electric comes with unique 17-inch wheels.
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As standard, the Hyundai Kauai Electric 64 kWh comes with “two tone” (bi-tone) paint, automatic air conditioning and smart key; Apple Car Play and Android Auto integration; rear parking sensors, navigation system, wireless cell phone charger, 7″ digital instrument panel and infotainemnt with 8″ touch center screen; driver fatigue warning system and Krell sound system.
Prices
Even ahead of prices, the Hyundai Kauai also receives as novelties a new front-wheel drive variant, associated with the 1.6 T-GDI engine with a 7DCT box — until now it was only available with all-wheel drive —, and now also has a fin-type antenna.
As for prices, the Hyundai Kauai 1.6 CRDi 115 hp is available from the 25 700 euros , while the 1.6 CRDi 136 hp and 7DCT box is available from the 27 700 euros.
Kauai Electric 64kWh is available from 43 350 euros.