Hyundai Kona N – A Hot SUV
Published Date: 20th Apr 2022
The ‘N’ is the sporty version of Hyundai’s small SUV, the KONA.
Under the hood, the Kona N packs a 2.0 T-GDI 276bhp engine and a wet-type dual clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifter for faster manual up-shifting.
The ‘N’ model is equipped with enlarged brake discs to handle the additional power, the Kona N can propel you from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149mph.
For maximum ‘effect’ you can adjust the Variable Exhaust Valve System which adjusts the sound of the exhaust.
KONA N Exterior
The KONA gets unique exterior styling features including a grille unique to the KONA range, a double winged roof spoiler and body coloured wheel arches.
The lightweight dark grey finish 19-inch alloy wheel combine with red brake callipers to complete the exterior sporty look.
The KONA N comes in seven paint colours, six are common to the range while a new Sonic Blue colour is unique to the KONA N. All colours (Sonic Blue, Phantom Black Pearl, Atlas White, Cyber Grey Metallic, Dark Knight Grey Pearl and Performance Blue) come with red exterior trim/detail except for the Ignite Red paint colour which comes with metallic trim.
KONA N Interior
Inside the ‘N’ features plenty of unique and sporty features including medal pedals, and sporty steering wheel unique to the ‘N’ model, black upholstery available in cloth, suede or leather and finished with blue trim.
Ergonomically designed sports seats and built to provide ‘maximum stability and lateral support’ according to Hyundai. The seats are finished off with the ‘N’ logo which is also on the gear shifter and door sills.
Two 10.25-inch screens give the interior and hi-tech feel, a customisable digital driver display is complimented by the 10.25-inch touchscreen for operating the infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support. Driving details like speed and acceleration can be displayed on the touchscreen and on the Heads-up Display. Other features include a premium KRELL Sound System, Bluelink, a wireless charging pad 3 x USB ports
For comfort and convenience heated/ventilated front seats and climate control are also included.
KONA N Driver Aids
In addition to front/rear parking sensors and a rear camera with parking guide, the KONA N also features Hyundai’s SmartSense semi-autonomous driving tech that features a host of driver aids including:
Blind Spot technology - Can warn and assist steering to avoid a collision, rear cross traffic alert, smart cruise control.
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert – Alerts when the stationary vehicle in front moves away
Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Helps prevent a collision from the rear, while reversing our of a parking space for example
Smart Cruise Control – Can maintain your speed and distance according to speed limits and the traffic ahead.
Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Follow Assist – Help keep your vehicle safely in its lane
Intelligent Speed Limit Warning -Warns when exceeding the limit and can adjust the vehicle’s speed accordingly
Safe Exit Warning – Prevents the doors being opened in a scenario where a vehicle a passing is detected. A scenario might be preventing a child opening a car door onto a busy road.
Rear Seat Alert – Detects if rear passengers are in the vehicle and warns /reminds the driver on exiting the vehicle.
Forward Collision Assist (includes vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection) - Can warn and automatically apply the brakes to prevent collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist.
High Beam Assist - Can automatically dip headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming divers when using high beam
Driver Attention Warning - Detects driving patterns that indicate the driver is tired and alert the driver to take a break.
KONA N Performance Features
As well as a powerful 276 bhp engine (0-62mph in 5.5 seconds), the KONA N features a host of additional features for sports performance and handling including:
- Electronic Controlled Suspension -Adjust the suspension and improves handling to suit various conditions (at the touch of a button).
- Launch Control
- Traction Control System (TCS) - 4 modes for various driving conditions
- ‘N Corner’ Carving Differential - Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
- Variable exhaust valve system
- ‘Popcorn’ exhaust sound
- Hyundai’s ‘N Grin Control System’ (5 drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N, and Custom)
- Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS)
- Performance Driving Data System for monitoring and improving track skills