- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He Ar
Hyundai Kona N. First sports SUV
The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV from South Korea, which has been produced since 2017, and was restyled in 2020. It is currently sold in Israel. In the summer of 2021, the manufacturer introduced a sports version of this vehicle, called the Hyundai Kona N. It is the fourth vehicle in the N model range after the i20 N, i30 N and Veloster N.
The Kona N was unveiled at the Hyundai N Day special event on April 27, 2021. The model is Hyundai’s first sports SUV. It is distinguished from the original model by a two-liter engine, 8-speed robotic gearbox, reconfigured suspension and exterior design. The sports version of the Kona is not available in Israel, but we have the “regular” Kona and even its all-electric version, the Kona EV.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is supplied to Israel in its standard configuration, which has good characteristics with a torque of 40.2 kg, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, a 39.2 kW/h battery and a driving range of up to 305 km. A restyled version of the electric vehicle is expected soon. It is even more interesting, for example, there is a special navigation page that shows the territory on the map, where you can get with the current battery charge.
Exterior
The new Hyundai Kona N looks more dynamic. The radiator grille bears the N logo and the Hyundai emblem is dark. A perimeter spoiler kit is designed to provide additional downforce for increased stability at high speeds. The rear end features a double-deck spoiler and a built-in triangular brake light, typical of all the N-series models, as well as round large-diameter exhaust pipes. The 19-inch forged wheels are both a decoration and a handling upgrade.
Interior
The vehicle comes with more embossed seats and a small multifunction steering wheel that has additional buttons: two blue ones can be tied to individual configurations of driving settings, and the red one enables the N Grin Shift racing mode. The digital devices are included in the entry-level version and have special N-graphics, and the multimedia system has the necessary menu sections. There is also a projection screen displaying a digital speedometer and a linear tachometer.
Engines and chassis
The 2021/2022 Hyundai Kona N is equipped with a 2-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 280 hp at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 392 Nm. In N Grin Shift mode, the output can temporarily reach 290 hp. The engine is paired with an 8-speed N DCT dual wet clutch transmission with three modes of operation: standard N Power Shift, track N Track Sense Shift, and the aforementioned N Grin Shift. The latter can be used for no more than 20 seconds, and allows it to quickly switch gears, and then 40 seconds of rest is required. The vehicle is front-wheel drive.
The suspension of the Kona N is almost the same as that of the i30 N hatchback. There is also an optional e-LSD differential with electronically controlled locking.
