Hyundai has recently shown a very playful side. The promising electric Hyundai Ioniq 5, for example, was given a special packaging and not only the new Tucson, but also the i20 has a refreshing and somewhat idiosyncratic appearance. Then there is the Kona, a naturally extravagant crossover of which Hyundai now presents a particularly fierce version. This is the Hyundai Kona N, a sporty crossover that should not be called a hot hatchback, but a hot crossover.
The Hyundai Kona N is, as its name implies, the sporty version of the Kona. Anyone who sees the N label on a Hyundai knows that he is not facing a childish car. The N division of Hyundai does not like half work, as it already proved with the Hyundai’s i30 N and with the N version of the Veloster, which is not available here. The absolute top model of the Kona family demands a special place in the car world. The Hyundai Kona N nestles itself between cars like the 300 hp Volkswagen T-Roc R, but well above the 200 hp Ford Puma ST.
Hyundai Kona N
Hyundai’s N division hangs a whopping 280 hp and 392 Nm strong blown 2.0 in the Kona N, a 2.0 T-GDI that is also in exactly that form in the i30 N with N Performance Package. That horny petrol engine is always linked to an automatic transmission, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that goes by the name N DCT. We also know that gearbox from the facelifted i30’s N and has three special functions: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. The first, N Power Shift, is activated when you press the accelerator more than 90 percent. As much power as possible is sent to the front wheels and the shifting is accompanied by characteristic ‘farts’. In this mode, the Kona N launches to a speed of 100 km / h in just 5.5 seconds. The fastest i30 N finishes the 0-100 sprint in 5.9 counts. N Grin Shift, activated via a button on the steering wheel, unleashes the full power of the 2.0 for 20 seconds. In N Track Sense Shift, the transmission is tuned for heavy scrubbing on the track and adjusts its shift moments accordingly. The top speed of the Kona N is no less than 244 km / h.
Hyundai Kona N
That Hyundai’s N department of the Kona N has made a serious machine, is also evident from the other adjustments. For example, thanks to adjustable shock absorbers and variable stability control, the Kona N can not only be driven in the Eco, Normal, Sport N and Custom modes, but there is also a special Sport + mode. The Kona N stands on special Pirelli P-Zero sports tires and gets extra powerful braking as standard. The steering has been adjusted and promises to be a lot more direct than that of the regular Kona’s. The list of customizations continues. For example, the Hyundai Kona N has an electronically controlled limited slip differential (N Corner Carving Differential). Hyundai reports an Electronic Sound Generator (ESG) that amplifies the engine sound if desired. Also standard: an exhaust system with adjustable valves to regulate the amount of noise coming out of the chutes.
Design
From the outside, the king of the Kona range can be recognized by its thoroughly modified appearance. The Kona N stares into the world a lot more aggressively than its milder siblings. There are three holes between the headlights that provide additional cooling for the engine. The mesh in the grille is also a specific N-detail. Also striking: the Hyundai logo is now not located between the grille and the bonnet, but is centrally located in the grille and is finished in Satin Gray. All around the Kona N is decorated with red accents, which is also a characteristic of the N models. Black plastic wheel arch rims make way for body-colored ones. The side mirror caps and roof rails are also colored. Perhaps the Kona N’s visual attraction is its rear end. Shown here is a rear bumper with a diffuser-like whole and two large round tailpipes on either side of it. At the top of the rear window, Hyundai places a hefty rear spoiler, a unit in which a triangular third brake light is fitted. Hyundai puts the Kona N on special 19-inch alloy wheels, complete with N logos on the center caps. The Kona N will be available in a new exterior color: Sonic Blue. The Performance Blue, well-known from the i30’s N, is also available on the Kona N. The modified bumper and spoiler work makes the Kona N 1 inch longer than the Kona with N-Line package.
Hyundai Kona N
Hyundai’s also uses the N-brush on the inside. For example, the interior of the Kona N is finished with Alcantara and there is a special N sports steering wheel with two N buttons in the top Kona. You can assign your own driving modes to those buttons. There are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The handbrake lever is covered with perforated leather and you will find Performance Blue-colored stitching everywhere and nowhere. Sports seats and sports pedals? Of the lot, the same goes for a whole range of N logos.
Anyone who is now at the ready with their wallet, we have to calm down for a while. Hyundai Netherlands says it has not yet taken a decision to bring the Kona N to our country. Is the Hyundai Kona N a welcome flavor enhancer? Let us know in the comments!