HYUNDAI'S assault on the burgeoning UK electric car market is gathering pace with the announcement of ultra-competitive prices for the new Kona Electric.

Although you're unlikely to see the car in dealer showrooms for a while - initially it's only available through Hyundai's Click to Buy website -the company is opening the order books for its' long-awaited small, battery powered SUV on August 2.

According to Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK: "â¦we are expecting demand to be high with limited vehicle availability. Test drives will be facilitated through a dealer roadshow in due course."

But with prices starting from £24,995 when the Government's Plug in Car Grant is applied, there's likely to be plenty of interest even at this early stage.

The Kona Electric will be available with two power packs and in three trim levels. The entry level SE model will come with a 136PS electric motor and 39kwh battery offering a quoted range of up to 194 miles with acceleration from rest to 62mph in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 96mph. The same power-train is available in Premium trim.

Drivers looking for a longer range and increased performance can opt for the 64kwh battery pack with 204PS motor which, according to Hyundai, can keep going for up to 300 miles on a single charge with the 0-62mph sprint achieved in a sports car-like 7.6 seconds on its way to a 104mph maximum. It will be available in Premium and Premium SE versions priced from £29,495 including the Government grant.

Minor styling changes from regular Kona models include a closed grille incorporating the charging point and redesigned front and rear bumpers the former with active air flaps and the latter with resigned turn and fog lamp units. Dedicated 17" alloys, lower side skirt and wheel arch side claddings complete the picture.

All versions will come with a high level of standard safety features which, dependent on trim level, will include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, forward collision warning, hill start assist, lane keeping assist, smart cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

The entry level SE model will come with a seven inch audio display, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic lights, climate control, driver's side electric lumbar support and keyless entry with start/stop button.

Premium versions add privacy glass, LED rear lamps, front parking sensors, auto dimming rear mirror and automatic wipers, a bigger, eight inch touchscreen display audio system with satnav and an upgraded DAB audio system with 8 speakers and wireless charging for compatible devices.

The range-topping Premium SE gets LED headlamps with high beam assist, static cornering lights and head up display together withe leather seat facings, electrically adjustable and heated/ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.