22 MPG for this is appalling. 

Why is 300 hp at 22 mpg “NEEDED”? I get that it’s more fun, but given the shitty states of both US commuter culture and the climate maybe that’s not the best foot to put forward?

EVs are secondary vehicles. Until charging networks are upgraded, they’re not really going to work for road trip duty.
However, they do excel at what they’re meant for - daily driving - which constitutes between 80% and 95% of miles travelled annually.
Also, where have you been? They’ve already gone “mainstream”.

I bought a 2021 Bolt LT with every single option for $26900.  Even including TTL, registration and insurance for the first year I’m under $30k.  I know there are other people in other regions that were able to get even better deals than I did (some even just below $20k).

I don’t think anyone is paying MSRP for Bolts outside of covid scarcity conditions. I can get a 0 mile 2020 Bolt from a local Chevy dealership in my area today for $26K. If the GM tax credit hadn’t been phased out I’d be looking at throwing in the $7,500 tax credit...not too bad of a purchase option. So they’re well…

It’s still not crazy that 1/6th of an infrastructure bill would be spent on roads. 

I bought my 2020 Chevy Bolt with all the options this February for $21k before TTL. Didn’t need to rely on a tax rebate, either. You can absolutely get a sub-$30K electric car with 250 miles range nowadays.

Do the utes of today recognize the hard work and suffering of earlier generations of BRATs, El Caminos and Mavericks?

A limited WRX starts at 33k.

I’m guessing this car is something of a loss leader for Hyundai, but I’d be happy to be wrong.

No amount of mental math is going to make the Kona a hatch. It’s a crossover. End of story. The hatch exists (in two different body styles, no less - a fastback and a raked hatchback), it’s called an i30 and we don’t get it in the U.S. because reasons.

People who want a more reliable and sporty Jetta, or a more powerful Civic Si (for less $ than a Type R), or a more livable WRX.

The trick is to cut the whole back end off:

i30N. 

“Well-drained soil and partial shade is for pansies!” - botanist

Not really a valid depreciation argument, you can say that about almost any vehicle in 2021. If anything, it’s not great because some cars have gained value over their MSRP since then.

Damn, had to go from a Blazer to a Tuscon? Talk about an unexpected upgrade. But people who think like that probably wouldn’t even notice it was one.

I doubt they're missing out on revenue with prices like this. I'm sure they'd love this level of scarcity and lack of price competition to continue I definitely. 

Time period wise, it also wasn’t uncommon for females at that age to be married or in a relationship. Standards were different.