Hyundai's new Kona N: 'A true hot SUV with the performance level of a hot hatch'

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the all new Kona N, its first high-performance N model with an SUV body style on Tuesday April 27, 2021 at Hyundai N Day, a digital showcase dedicated to introducing Hyundai's N brand.

During the showcase, Hyundai shared N brand's high-performance philosophy, highlighting the brand's motorsports effort along with its vision of creating cars that are fun to drive.

Hyundai also emphasised on its commitment to sustainable e-performance, giving a glimpse of the future direction for motorsport initiatives and how it will serve as a basis for upcoming N models.

The all new Kona N, like the other N models, is built with technology inspired by motorsports, to provide racetrack capabilities and 'corner rascal' ride and handling.

"Kona N is a true hot SUV with the performance level of a hot hatch," said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group.

On the exterior, the N treatment has given the Kona N a powerful road presence. Body-coloured fenders along with 19-inch wheels gives it a wide, confidence stance.

A front lip spoiler, double-wing roof spoiler and side skirts works to enhance not just the aerodynamic efficiency but also the looks of the Kona N, declaring its racetrack readiness.

The Kona N is powered by a two-litre turbocharged GDI engine producing 276bhp and 392Nm of torque, paired to an an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT), at the current juncture, there are no plans for a manual transmission.

The N DCT is an enhanced version of Hyundai's in-house 8DCT with improvements in durability to handle the demands of high-performance vehicles.

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The transmission control unit has also been calibrated for N, resulting in faster shifts and a range of exclusive driving features including N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift to maximise driving exhilaration.

An electronic limited slip differential, the N Corner Carving Differential is also implemented on the Kona N for control of torque distribution to the pair of front driving whels, delivering maximised fun when carving corners.

Apt of a performance car, the Kona N comes with Launch Control, Variable Exhaust System and the N Grin Control System as standard.

The N Grin Control System offers a high level of customisation, with five distinct drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom. The drive modes alters the character of the Kona N by adjusting the operating parameters of the engine, Elecronic Stability Control, exhaust sound and steering.

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The Kona N also received extra welding points, improved strut ring structure and a reinforced skeleton to enhance rigidity, minimising body roll during aggressive driving.

Inside, the Kona N is equipped with a 10-inch infotainment and digital cluster system featuring an exclusive racing head-up display that adds a game-like dimension. The Kona N also features customisable N buttons that can be set to toggle custom modes.

Along with the all new Kona N, Hyundai also revealed the N brand's new brand claim - 'Never just drive'. The claim captures the N mindset and spirit of 'Do more than simply drive, Enjoy every second of it."

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Every high-performance N model is designed by passionate experts and tested on the world's most demanding racetracks to bring excitement to everyday driving, along with racetrack capabilities.

Hyundai Motor is expanding its N and N Line lineup to 18 models through 2022. The models will include variants in each major vehicle segment to suit the needs of all types of car enthusiasts.

This article was first published in sgCarMart.