You know how I always say ‘never modify a new car to do what you want it to do’? Well, when it comes to the Hyundai Kona Electric after 7000-ish kays, I am really quite pleased I didn’t take my own advice on that. Details next.  

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This is such a huge difference in underlying character - huge boost for driving dynamics in all conditions - and incredibly cost-effective, when you think about it. Like, it’s just over one per cent of the price of the vehicle.  Tyres are actually the most cost-effective automotive performance modification of all time - because they bolt straight up, and they enhance acceleration, cornering and braking. Show me the other mod which can do so much, for so little. All you need to bring to the party is skill.  So, 400 kays down the track, split between the ‘burbs and the open road...  The biggest single difference is lateral grip. Which also means more roll too, which makes the electron-powered Kona feel more confident during assertive cornering.  More progressive transition from grip to slip  Better on-centre feel and positive return to centre out of a bend. You also get better high-speed stability - and stability transitioning the crown for overtaking.  Better - astoundingly better - in the wet. It’s a complete dynamics character change.   Tyres all look black and round, but there’s a vast difference between the crap ones and the good ones, and these Michelins are very good. There’s an amazing amount of tech - so here’s just a small insight…  Tread specificity - outside for grip, concentric ring for high-speed stability and inside edge for water dispersal  No spare for the Kona EV - you get a mini compressor and some goo. So a plug kit like this one can pay a real dividend on the open road. It won’t fix all punctures but it will keep you mobile after a simple puncture. I got mine from Sparesbox.   Noisier, and probably won’t last as long. Quite expensive. But you get what you pay for - and you can certainly buy tyres from brands you’ve never heard of for less than half the price.  But my strong advice is: don’t penny-pinch on tyres - you never know when that extra grip might save your life, or someone else’s.  Overall, a tremendously positive change. I found them selling online for about $230 each (although Hyundai supplied these ones free and pre-scuffed from a previous assignment).