Hyundai Motor has unveiled the all-new KONA N, an urban compact high-performance 'hot SUV' that combines exhilarating performance with a balanced day-to-day driving experience. It is the first SUV model to join the N brand line-up and is set apart by its SUV body type paired with powerful, N-specific driving features. The all-new Hyundai KONA N combines the fun-to-drive experience of a hot hatch with the versatility of an SUV: Drivers will appreciate its powerful engine and emotional sound experience, while also benefitting from the perfect size and practicality for urban life, including an extensive list of safety features. The all-new KONA N will appeal to active customers looking for a high-performance vehicle that suits the various needs of different lifestyles, including an exhilarating experience on the racetrack.
The 'hot SUV' was developed to offer customers uncompromising performance alongside the fun-to-drive philosophy of N brand, together with core SUV values of comfort, convenience, and safety. The latest member of the N brand comes with a four-cylinder 2.0 T-GDI 280 PS flat power engine and a highly distinctive, sporty design. Various motorsport-inspired features contribute to an all-around dynamic driving experience. These include lightweight, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, special sports seats, and an emotional sound experience. The 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (N DCT) allows for an even more sporty, high-performance character.
To embody the N philosophy with its three pillars corner rascal, everyday sports car, and race track capability, the all-new KONA N comes with a range of high-performance functionalities: Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) and its various Electronic Stability Control (ESC) modes have been optimised to improve cornering. Traction Mode ensures that traction can be established across a variety of road conditions while N Grin Control System offers five drive modes across all N models (Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom) contribute to its everyday sports car character. Finally, features such as Launch Control or Creep Off ensure full racetrack capability.
KONA N design makes for a powerful presence on the road
The all-new Hyundai KONA N is a 'hot SUV', whose look clearly speaks about a powerful presence and driving fun. It combines the modern design of the new KONA base car with the bold and dynamic language of N models. With a 4,215-mm length, 1,800-mm width, and 1,565-mm height, the all-new KONA N is 10 mm longer than the new KONA and just as long as the new KONA sporty N Line trim. At 2,600 mm, the wheelbase, compared with the base car, remains unchanged. A total of 361 litres of storage space supports a range of outdoor activities. Designed with a focus on maximum weight reduction and high strength, the lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels add to a great stance and very sporty appearance.
Exterior design
The exterior design features understated, body-coloured design elements with N-exclusive red accents. At the front, the iconic KONA "shark nose" front end is complemented by large air openings that fulfil the cooling needs of the powerful N-tuned engine. The front splitter of the bumper has been increased in size by 10 mm to improve aerodynamic drag and balance. The lower grille was inspired by aeronautic fuselage and conveys a message of aerodynamic efficiency and speed. Body-coloured claddings emphasise the width and bring the vehicle closer to the ground. An exclusive front grille design, with its dedicated mesh, an integrated N logo, and the aggressive light signature of the new KONA, complete the vehicle's powerful front-on appearance. The Hyundai emblem in dark satin grey was moved down from the bonnet to lower the front focal point. To the side, customers will notice how the all-new KONA N's sporty silhouette is emphasised by a low ride height. Several other design cues indicate that this is a high-performance Hyundai N model, including N-exclusive alloy wheels with a dark satin grey finish and red callipers, an N logo on the wheel cap, and an exclusive side sill in red with an engraved N logo. At the rear, the large, double-wing roof spoiler dominates the view, providing the necessary balance to keep the car on the road. Customers will also notice the iconic triangular third brake light. Lower down on the rear bumper, a large diffuser enhances the airflow departure and minimises turbulence. Its red accent line and two large exhaust mufflers further emphasise the performance spirit.
Interior design
Inside, the all-new Hyundai KONA N offers a performance-oriented look and feel optimised for high-performance driving. It is equipped with high-quality Alcantara materials. One feature that stands out is the N-exclusive sport steering wheel, which features a design optimised for the perfect grip and button layout necessary for dynamic driving. Two customisable N buttons on the steering wheel allow for any type of pre-set to be mapped according to individual needs for even more ease of operation, and paddle shifters make it possible for the driver to switch gears without taking their hands off the wheel. The N-branded handbrake features non-slip perforated leather and a thicker grip area for a more secure braking performance. Customers will also notice the exclusive Performance Blue stitching and high-quality metal pedals, and exclusive sports seats. N logos on the gear shift, hand brake, door scuff, and seats allow customers to "feel the feeling" whenever they are inside the car. The all-new KONA N is available with an exclusive N colour package featuring one-tone Black with cloth, leather, or suede seats.
Powertrain: 280 PS of flat power paired with N DCT
The all-new Hyundai KONA N is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre T-GDI engine with a power output of 280 PS and a maximum torque of 392 Nm. It features flat power that provides more torque and power at mid and high-range RPMs. The new higher amount of torque utilises more of the engine's potential in everyday driving situations. The new engine power characteristic also improves acceleration in the mid and high-speed range and delivers high performance consistently, even in a variety of outside temperature conditions. The all-new Hyundai KONA N is available with N DCT, an 8-speed, wet-type transmission with two separated clutches for better acceleration and a faster upshift. The wet type clutches further provide for better cooling. Hyundai's N DCT technology was first offered in the VELOSTER N, a model available in North America and Korea, and came to the new Hyundai i30 N because of the valuable feedback of the Hyundai N community. In the case of the all-new KONA N, Hyundai has specified all units with N DCT. The N DCT enables three exclusive high-performance functions that are sure to bring a grin to the driver's face: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, and N Track Sense Shift. These features enhance the car's capabilities by using dedicated shift logic management. N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 per cent of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances driving fun by giving a "push feel" when upshifting. The accompanying bang sound, coming from the partial cylinder cut of the exhaust, underlines the sporty performance. When NPS is used while the Launch Control function is active, the all-new KONA N can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. NPS activates exclusively on N or Custom mode.
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