Comparison Test: 2020 Kia Niro EV vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

Once Hyundai's Ioniq 5 sales start here in the USA (in ~3 months), it'll be interesting to see weather Kia (or the Hyundai Kona variant) will even continue to make the niro/kona lineup, as smaller rides seem to be on the outs.
We looked at the id4 - but all they have right now is their 2 wheel drive - until later around the end of this year. The Hyundai dealership says their ionic 5 will come in both/either awd or 2 wheel drive right from the get go.
.

 

Th Kona in S. Korea had several problems, including battery fires. After so many recalls, Hyundai/Kia cut their losses until next year, and might wait for a e-GMP replacement.

 

Was the "e-GMP" (aka. Electric-Global Modular Platform) part of the fire problem?

Bob Wilson

 

It's their platform for BEVs. I don't see how a platform could be involved with battery fires outside of an accident.

Either way, the Kona EV is built on the ICE platform as its sibling.

 

im
Thanks but I was wrong. I am not really informed about the Kona fires and was fishing for technical details of the battery fires. The YouTube "Transport Evolved" on June 24 did a layman's review. As for the body style, I had to lookup the acronym and was speculating that it might have a battery fire association. Apparently the fires predate the new body.

As a general rule, my attempts to discuss vehicles that I don't have my finger-prints on ... universally fail. But sometimes it is a back-door request for more details.

My mistake,
Bob Wilson

 

Yes, but the issue hasn't resulted in Kia cancelling sales of the model in those countries.

 

that's where smaller cars are still in vogue. Ergo the thought that the smaller car lineup here for Kia Hyundai may go by the wayside.
.

 

See post # 10

.

 

Of the 80ish thousand Konas recalled globally for this, 25.5k were in S. Korea. Appears whatever lot of bad cells causing the issue mostly went there.

The cancelling of sales has more to do with the public's reaction.
"The Kona EV was launched in 2018. It sold 11,193 units in the first eight months of its launch in Korea, recording an average of 1,399 contracts per month. In 2019, Hyundai Motor sold 13,587 units of the Kona EV (a monthly average of 1,132 units), opening an era of EVs. However, Kona EV sales declined to 8,066 units in 2020 (a monthly average of 672 units) due to a series of fire accidents. In 2021, sales plummeted, posting eight units in January, 167 units in February and 809 units in March."
First quarter 2021 in the home town saw a 40% drop in year to year sales. Meanwhile demand is still up here.
Hyundai Motor to Discontinue Production of Kona EV - Businesskorea

 

Probably best to remember that the Kona and Niro have different battery suppliers (Hyundai is LG Chem, Kia is SKInnovation), even though they share a platform. I would attribute any difference in frequency of battery fires to that rather than the platform.

 

This was on a flyer I got in the mail today. I drove right past that place today before the mail arrived. I'd love to test drive one. I'd be surprised if they actually have any, but maybe I'll go take a look-see next week just to satisfy my curiosity. Probably not ready to buy till next year, but it's never too early to start exploring options.

 

I've only seen a couple video reviews, but it looks impressive. I should study up on available trims & options before I test drive one (if it's even possible to test one here).

 

See if there are local EV clubs in your area?

Often owners will provide more 'seat time' and accurate information versus typical dealers. When I visit dealers, it often turns into a seminar for the staff but that is me.

Bob Wilson