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.

TARGET BUYERS:

People who want hot-hatch fun in a crossover package.

THE RIVALS:

Ford Puma ST Volkswagen T-Roc R Cupra Formentor

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Serious hot-hatch tech. 2.One of the best handling in its class. 3.Looks great.

DEAL CLINCHER:

Impressive performance technology in a practical crossover.

Upgrades include larger, lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured cladding and fenders that make it look closer to the ground, an exclusive front grille design and red accents. At the rear, there’s a high ‘double-wing’ spoiler, diffuser styling in the rear bumper, an N-specific triangular third brake light and twin-exit exhaust tips.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

It benefits from a mix of practical materials and more premium-looking sections. You get that elevated driving position that makes visibility decent, but it does feel a touch cramped for taller drivers. Naturally, there are some N upgrades, with the most obvious being the two drive mode buttons on the steering wheel that quickly let you change between comfier and more sporting modes. The leather-wrapped wheel is new, as are the paddle shifters, manual handbrake and heavily bolstered seats.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

There’s just the one specification on offer, with prices starting at £35,395. For the money, you get all of the mechanical upgrades mentioned earlier plus exterior and interior improvements. Further technology includes wireless smartphone charging, parking sensors, reversing camera and a wide range of driver assists.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Car said the Kona N nails its brief, while Top Gear said: ‘Few performance crossovers feel as close to a hot hatchback as this.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

We’ve come to expect great things from Hyundai N, and in the Kona it has worked its magic once more. When you’ve got the car set up for performance driving, it’s fast, sharp to respond and far more capable in corners than a crossover should be. It really is a great performance car.

However, the compromises away from comfort feel a bit too much. This is not a car you could comfortably drive the family around in every day, so it’ll mostly appeal to those looking for a more focused performance road car – which sticks to N’s more hardcore ethos. If that’s the case, though, the i30 N hatchback is a bit more fun and capable.

Inside

The Kona N has two drive mode buttons on the steering wheel that change the feel from comfier to sportier modes.

Upgrades include bigger alloys, red accents and a ‘double-wing’ spoiler.

Style

We’ve come to expect great things from Hyundai N, and in the Kona it has worked its magic once more.