The Hyundai Kona N is a very intriguing vehicle. Should it be viewed as a high-performance crossover or perhaps a high-riding hot hatch? Is it just as good as Hyundai’s other N performance models? Is there even a market for a vehicle like this? We will soon be able to answer these questions when we have the opportunity to put one through its paces.
It’s been almost 12 months since the Kona N was first unveiled and in Australia, customer deliveries recently began. It joins a growing number of N models available to consumers Down Under, including the i20 N, i30 N hatch, i30 Sedan N (Elantra N), and the i30 Fastback N.
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Powering the Kona N is the South Korean automaker’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque, although peak power swells to 286 horses with the N Grin Shift function enabled. Coupled to this engine is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and while you may think the Kona N would be the perfect vehicle for Hyundai’s N division to offer with all-wheel drive, it is instead front-wheel drive only.
Despite this, it should still perform well with Hyundai quoting a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds with the Launch Control system engaged. As with other performance models from Hyundai, the Kona N has N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift functions designed to add to the driving experience. There is also an electronic limited-slip differential.
In the United States, the Kona N makes a lot of sense as the i30 N hatch isn’t sold there. In Australia, however, the i30 N hatch is available and on paper, would seem like the obvious choice. So, where does this leave the Kona N?
As we gear up to spend a week with the Kona N, we’d love for you to ask some questions about the car. Feel free to ask anything and everything and we will answer them in April.
