THE Kona N is the third providing from Hyundai’s famed N-Division and the model’s first scorching SUV.
Launching in Australia this week, the Kona N builds on the status of its i20 N and i30 N hatch siblings, the two-variant vary combining a 206kW turbo 4 with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and digital restricted slip differential to ship what Hyundai says is the last word in functionality on street and circuit.
Priced from $47,500 plus on-road prices, the Kona N maintains the versatile and sensible SUV traits of its donor mannequin and comes outfitted with a excessive stage of consolation, know-how, and security options.
“With the addition of the sensible and racetrack-capable high-performance Kona N, as a part of a technology-packed Kona line-up that additionally consists of the zero-emission Kona EV, we now provide a compact SUV for each buyer,” mentioned Hyundai Motor Firm Australia CEO Jun Heo.
“Kona N enters the market with no direct opponents, which represents a first-rate alternative not just for the N model, however for a nameplate that’s already one in every of our most profitable.”
That includes the identical turbo 4 as discovered beneath the bonnet of the not too long ago up to date i30 N, the Kona N is obtainable with an energetic variable exhaust and a high-performance brake package deal, in addition to distinctive ‘N Mode’ and ‘N Grin Management’ switchable digital traction management methods.
The direct injected engine develops 206kW between 5500 and 6000rpm with 213kW accessible for 20 seconds in overboost mode. Hyundai’s Flat Energy tuning philosophy ensures a broad torque curve, the Kona N producing 392Nm between 2100 and 4700rpm.
Weighing in at 1510kg and claimed to speed up from standstill to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, the Kona is the fastest-accelerating N automotive up to now. Prime pace is listed at 240km/h.
Hyundai says its eight-speed moist clutch DCT offers motorsport-inspired shift logic and might alter its shift factors to swimsuit a wide range of driving kinds. The gearbox is able to dropping gears routinely on method to corners or could also be operated manually by way of paddles.
The transmission works consistent with the digital diff to “present most efficiency beneath acceleration and through cornering”, Hyundai says, and is ready to mitigate understeer by two driver-selectable modes – Regular and Sport.
Like different N fashions, the Kona N advantages from extra structural reinforcement with added spot welding by the A, B, and C-pillar and bolt-on bracing beneath the ground. New entrance strut-top rings reinforce the connection between the entrance suspension and the physique, providing elevated chassis rigidity in comparison with the usual mannequin.
The Kona N options three-mode digital management suspension (ECS) that Hyundai says can repeatedly adapt to street situations at a charge of 200 occasions per second.
Each the suspension and the digital stability management system had been tuned in Australia, Hyundai saying the pairing operates “seamlessly and intuitively on our difficult native roads”.
“Excessive efficiency and SUV are usually not usually related, but they really match hand-in-racing-glove on this case,” mentioned HMCA product planning and growth specialist Tim Rodgers.
“Some individuals might take a look at an SUV and consider negatives that packaging would possibly carry to the dealing with. However, with ECS, we will leverage these SUV qualities to our benefit. This made the Kona N a extremely satisfying automotive to tune.
“Having some additional damper stroke to play with, for instance, actually allow us to management the automotive in a complicated method, which broadens the scope of what ECS can do (in contrast with a decrease automobile),” he mentioned.
Driving on 19-inch alloys shod with “comparatively chunky” 235/40 Pirelli P Zero HN tyres, the Kona N has beefed-up 360mm brake rotors up entrance with high-friction sintered brake pads set in red-painted N brake calipers.
“There’s a little bit extra sidewall within the tyres as properly, in order that’s a little bit of a bonus for us in tuning for consolation in a dynamically targeted mannequin, and the Kona N has a 50mm-shorter wheelbase than the i30 N, which really provides it a slight edge in the case of final agility.” Mr Rodgers added.
“The goal was to make the Kona N actually pliant and comfy when it must be, but additionally chuckable, aggressive, and agile when dialled proper up. In growing the tune of probably the most hardcore N Mode, we opted for max track-attack, constructing in a better stage of lift-off oversteer.
“The mix of ECS with refined geometry, the e-LSD, and the P Zeros provides the Kona N unbelievable quantities of grip. The goal is for drivers of all talents to get pleasure from this automobile, on observe and street. We actually wished it to be actually predictable, and actually enjoyable – and the Kona N might be faster than the i30 N in some conditions.” he added.
The Kona N is supplied with Hyundai’s new Monitor Maps characteristic that routinely alerts drivers when they’re close to a suitable racetrack and begins a lap time as the beginning/end line is crossed.
Carrying a physique package, an N-specific grille, blacked-out Hyundai brand and wing mirror caps, and a rear diffuser sporting an LED fog gentle and twin exhaust retailers, the Kona N is unlikely to be mistaken for an everyday grocery-getting mannequin.
Tools features a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and separate 10.25-inch infotainment array with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, in-built satellite tv for pc navigation, and DAB+ digital radio reception.
Material sports activities seats are fitted to the Kona N with Kona N Premium fashions scoring leather-based and suede mixture pews. They’re teamed with a leather-appointed steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake cowl with Efficiency Blue contrasting stitching all through.
The Premium variant additionally receives a head-up show, energy adjustable seats, entrance seat heating and air flow, entrance parking sensors, LED inside ambient lighting, and a glass sunroof.
The Kona N additionally features a Qi wi-fi telephone charging pad and eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system alongside an in depth listing of Hyundai’s SmartSense driver help and security applied sciences plus full LED exterior lighting.
Ahead collision-avoidance help, driver consideration monitoring, lane retaining and lane following help, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, tyre strain monitoring, rear parking sensors, visitors signal recognition, adaptive cruise management, sensible exit warning, and a reversing digital camera are all included as customary.
Talking on the worldwide launch of the Kona N earlier this 12 months, president and head of Hyundai Motor Firm’s R&D division, Albert Biermann, mentioned the front-wheel drive configuration was chosen for its mixture of enjoyable, simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Consequently, the Kona N mannequin vary begins in Australia from lower than $50,000.
“Within the winter-time, relying on the place you reside, if you happen to put a superb set of winter tyres on the Kona N, you’ll haven’t any downside to maintain the enjoyable going … I examined the Kona N in Sweden and I’ve to say it’s an actual winter beast … we now have a deep snow mode that you just maintain that enjoyable going, even on a slippery, snowy street,” he mentioned.
“Why carry across the all-wheel drive system all 12 months lengthy and why including all the associated fee – our N story can be to be the very best fun-per-dollar. Kona N is clearly following the script, after which it was simple to determine front-wheel drive, the best way we tuned it, the best way we ship it, is the appropriate option to go.”
The Kona N is obtainable in a selection of seven stable, metallic, and mica paint colors, the latter including $595 to the listing worth. Matte finishes add $1000.
Hyundai backs the Kona N with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee and roadside help package deal and lifelong capped-price servicing. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, and are priced at $335 every for the primary 5 years.
Go to GoAuto once more quickly for our street and observe overview of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and the 2022 Hyundai i20 N.
2022 Hyundai Kona N pricing*
Kona N 2.0GDi (a) $47,500 (new mannequin)
Kona N Premium 2.0 GDi (a) $50,500 (new mannequin)
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
