FORECOURT
HYUNDAI KONA N Hyundai’s N division has turned its attention to the Kona. Darren Cassey finds out if it has the same sparkle as the i30 N.
Power
The Kona N is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine pumping out 276bhp
THE KNOWLEDGE Hyundai Kona N Price: £35,395 Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol Power: 276bhp Torque: 392Nm Max speed: 149mph O-60mph: 6.2 seconds MPG (combined): 33.2 Emissions: 194g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT? Hyundai’s N division was introduced to us in 2013 on the firm’s World Rally Championship Cars, but it’s only been building performance versions of its road cars since 2017. With former BMW performance boss Albert Biermann running the show, the i30 N burst on to the scene and immediately became one of the best hot hatches in its class. Since then, the i20 N has also won many plaudits, while the Kona N we’re testing here looks to make it three winners in a row. WHAT’S NEW? The Kona has received a pretty extensive makeover. It uses the firm’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that has been tuned to produce more torque and better acceleration performance. Other upgrades include an electronic limited-slip differential that improves acceleration out of corners – an essential feature in any serious front-wheel-drive car – as well as a noisy exhaust, drive mode selection and electronically controlled suspension. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Hyundai N’s previous efforts have resulted in aggressively boosty engines that feel more powerful than their numbers suggest. It doesn’t seem quite as punchy as it does in the i30 N, but put the throttle to the floor and there’s only momentary hesitation before the engine spools up and unleashes its power. In sportier modes, it has a harsh exhaust note and snaps rapidly between gears. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? It’s impressively stable in corners, too, and being taller and shorter than the i30 N, that contributes to its sharp turn in. The high centre of gravity means you’re bracing against the seat as your body leans in, but you quickly learn there’s plenty of ability at your fingertips. Unfortunately, the Kona is afflicted by similar complaints about other N cars – the suspension. Even in its softest setting, it’ll jiggle you around, especially at lower speeds. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The Kona is already one of the smartest-looking crossovers at this price point, with its narrow running lights, dinky proportions and chunky grilles, but this has only been amplified with the additions of the N division.
32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
