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You have to from one SUV no Sportcars do. But one can. And it's a lot of fun for the fans when it's implemented like in this car.
There are certainly automobiles that are more politically correct than that Hyundai Kona N. And it's debatable whether it makes sense to turn a small SUV into a burning witch in these times. But the rule is: Anything that pleases is allowed. And what customers buy. This obviously also includes cars that are born without a plug. In any case, Hyundai does not have to beg for its N enthusiasts. Since the introduction of the first i30 N In 2017, over 18.000 customers chose a model with the “N” sports badge. And word has long got around among them that it doesn't stand for normal.
Hyundai Kona N: The design announces the power
This also and especially applies to the new Kona N. Like its fast brothers i30 N and i20 N, the Kona also shows what it is made of from the outside. Not dressed for a riot, but dressed for his mission. A compact muscle strand. The fenders tense like well-trained biceps, the face is shaped by the familiar apron of the N-Line with its three (closed) air slits above the coarse-meshed grille, which now also features the N emblem.
The Konator stands on large 19-inch wheels, soled with lush 235/30 P Zero rubbers developed together with Pirelli, the forged aluminum wheels reveal a large-volume performance brake system (360 mm discs) with red brake calipers. On the side below the doors, Hyundai places sporty rocker strips, at the rear a roof edge spoiler makes the difference, in the middle it accommodates a triangular, third brake light. The implied diffuser and two arm-thick wind instruments made of real metal provide the crowning glory.
Discreet interior in the Hyundai Kona N
Under the tailgate fit 361 liters of luggage - just as much as the tame Kona brothers. So no compromises in utility, not even for the passengers, but plenty of room for emotions.
Let's open the driver's door - and enter a gym that, at first glance, doesn't spray much more sweat and driving pleasure than the civilian Konas. Everything pretty dark, no chrome, black is just a popular design language for cars with high-octane flowing through their veins. The seating position is somewhat higher, SUV-like, the upholstery firm but not hard, and the cheeks have a sporty shape.
Hyundai Kona N: Come hell or high water
As with the i20 N, the steering wheel has two N buttons that can be used to call up individually preconfigured driving programs. Below that is the red NDS button. Whoever presses it awakens evil in the Kona. A quick tap and he tightens all his muscles for 20 seconds, storms away with maximum power and almost vulgarly growling, as if to dent the horizon. 40 seconds of breathing space to regenerate and the Kona N could do it again, took another breath to start the whole spectacle from the beginning. Again and again...Grinch-Shift is what Hyundai calls this controlled outburst of emotion. Means something like: grin allowed. A brief moment of ecstasy, which our law enforcement officers will certainly be happy to capture as a souvenir photo.
The Kona N still has a few similar feel-good extras up its sleeve. The ECS function, for example, an electronically controlled suspension that can be used to change the hardness and response of the dampers at the touch of a button and turns the Kona N into a racing SUV on the track. Or three different display formats for the digital cockpit, individual settings for steering, suspension, sound or head-up display (for the first time in an N model). In addition, there are various traction programs (snow, deep snow, mud, sand), a full package of assistance systems, and a launch control function for sprint races from a standing start Catapult to 1,5 km/h in 5,5 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona N - a strong Korean
The well-trained four-cylinder at the front under the hood is responsible for all the goosebump moments. It's the same two-liter turbo that blew the dust of boredom from the i30 N, giving Hyundai a more dynamic image. With 206 kW/280 hp and 392 Newton meters of torque, the Koreans have once again poured plenty.
In the Kona N, the power pack works exclusively with a wide-awake 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. There is no manual switch, instead there are two shift paddles on the steering wheel, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential directs the power to the front wheels. Also means: no all-wheel drive. The electronics regulate everything. It ensures that there is always enough grip and traction, even under full steam.
The steering is not completely free of drive influences during heavy acceleration, but for such a fat front-wheel drive vehicle, the N department has solved this problem technically in a really excellent way. The same applies to the chassis tuning. Only minimally lowered, the electronically controlled dampers and the taut springs nip almost any swaying in fast corners in the bud. Amazing for a car that, with its high center of gravity, wasn't really designed for life at the limit.
price is also strong
Incidentally, this is not bought with excessive harshness. The Kona N is tight, but not unfair, a team player and sports friend that doesn't get in the way of everyday life. At 37.950 euros, the price for the Kona N does not seem unsportsmanlike. That's 2.000 euros more than for the i30 Performance, but also over 8.000 euros less than the comparable 300 hp SUVs Audi SQ2 or VW T-Roc R. Risks and side effects should be similar for everyone.
And if all this is too much combustion engine romance and too little sustainable, you have to be patient a little longer. Because Hyundai can also very well imagine electric vehicles with the sporty N on the radiator grille in the future.
Specifications of the Hyundai Kona N
4,22-door crossover SUV; Length: 1,80 meters, width: 1,57 meters, height: 2,60 meters, wheelbase 361 meters, trunk 1.143 - XNUMX liters
Four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, 206 KW/280 hp, maximum torque 392 Nm at 2.100-4.700 rpm, 0-100 km/h: 8,2 s, Vmax: 210 km/h, consumption 8,5 l Super/ 100 km (WLTP), price from: 37.950 euros
Brief description of the Hyundai Kona N
Why: because the Kona N offers endless driving pleasure
Why not: because nobody needs 280 hp in a small SUV
What else: Audi SQ2, VW T Roc R,
When does he come: from Aug