A 2.0 litre turbo four-pot with an 8-speed N DCT makes its way under the hood of the Kona N.
After months of rumours and anticipation, Hyundai has recently officially teased the upcoming Kona N. Aside from a few heavily camouflaged photos of the new performance compact crossover, the South Korean automaker has also revealed what is to feature under the hood of this latest addition to the firm’s performance model lineup.
Coming right off the heels of the other full-fat N-cars like the i30 N, Veloster N and the upcoming i20 N, the Kona N is set to be powered by 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder. Incidentally the same power plant as to be found in the Veloster N, power and torque figures for this hot Hyundai compact crossover are expected to be around the 275 hp and 353 Nm mark.
Unlike the Veloster N however which is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Kona N is slated to only feature Hyundai’s 8-speed N DCT dual-clutch transmission. Nevertheless, this sporty South Korean compact SUV has been touted to come with all the prerequisite ‘high-performance driving features’ such launch control and an ‘emotional sound experience’ (read: fruity exhaust note) for ’N-thusiasts’ to enjoy both on the road, and on the track.
Moving on to the exterior, through the heavy camouflage one can discern that the Kona N sports a more aggressive body kit with a more prominent rear spoiler than its plebeian counterpart. Other performance parts to be found on this performance-inspired compact crossover includes larger wheels and low-profile tires, not to mention the twin large tail pipes poking out the back.
As for the interior of the Kona N, no official word has yet been divulged on that department yet. Though it would be safe to assume that this hot Hyundai will feature the usual N accoutrements like sporty bucket seats, aluminium pedals, red stitching and, of course, the pale blue N mode button on the steering wheel.
Thus far, the Kona N is only confirmed for release later this year in its South Korean domestic market and the European market. However it would not be surprising to see it join the upcoming Elantra N and the Tucson N Line over in North America as part of Hyundai’s ambitious performance offensive over there.
Sadly however, seeing that the previous-generation Kona only just arrived in Malaysia, chances for this sporty current-iteration crossover arriving here is slim to none. So although Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia have brought in the i30 N over here, it will probably be a long time coming before the Kona N ever sees the light of day locally.
PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Motor has confirmed that the next member of its high-performance N range will be the all-new Hyundai KONA N.
The model will be the first high-performance SUV for Hyundai. As its base model was highly popular globally, much anticipation is aroused for the high-performance version of the KONA.
“We’re excited to expand the recipe for success we’ve developed with the i30 N and, most recently, with the i20 N to one of our most popular SUVs on the market today: KONA. The addition of KONA to the N family will bring our high-performance brand to the next level.” – Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President of Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe
“The all-new KONA N will be available with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, known as N DCT. Combined with its 2.0 Turbo engine, it is sure to deliver a powerful and nimble driving experience. As with other N models, the all-new KONA N will be equipped with a variety of high-performance driving features such as Launch Control and an emotional sound experience.
The all-new KONA N is the first ‘hot SUV’ from the N brand. As a ‘hot SUV’, it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle. N-thusiasts will enjoy taking this car anywhere; from road to the track.” – Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai’s high-performance brand N, which ventured into the high-performance field with its i30 N, is planning to expand its line-up in 2021. Especially with more diversified segments in its line-up, like the i20 N and the upcoming KONA N, the N brand will provide fun-to-drive vehicles that befit any kinds of consumers looking for driving pleasure.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
