What M is to BMW, AMG is to Mercedes, N-line is to Hyundai. So far the i20, i30, i30 Fastback and Veloster hatchbacks have got the N treatment. Now Hyundai has unveiled the fifth car that has been fiddled by the carmaker's N division - the all-new Kona N. What you see here is a performance oriented crossover with “motorsport-inspired” features.
The Kona N is powered by a frugal 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 276 horsepower. All the power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the N DCT which gives better acceleration quicker upshifts.
For those of you who want more power, Hyundai has also provided an N Grin Shift mode which gives boosts power up to 286 horsepower for 20-seconds. The N Grin Shift can be used after every 40 seconds.
Apart from the N Grin shift, two other driving modes are provided - N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift. The former provides smooth acceleration with the latter focused towards track performance.
Inside you will find a sporty looking front bucket seats featuring microfiber suede along with a 10 inch touchscreen and digital display which aims to give you a “game-like dimension to every driving experience”. The display will also show lap times and circuit maps in a funky and video game-style format typical to N cars. A 'Performance Driving Data System' is also on offer which learns the tracks you drive on and improves your circuit driving skills. Clever.
On the outside you will find sporty red accents and brake callipers which are typical to N-badged performance cars. The Kona N also has daytime running lamps, a reshaped front bumper, huge exhausts, a front lip spoiler and split rear wing.
With the unveiling of the Kona N, Hyundai has pledged to increase N-Line range to 18 cars by the end of 2022. Also from now today - April 27 - will be known as N day.
