ODDBALL, quirky, frog-like, peculiar… Hyundai’s Kona compact SUV has been named far more names than the proverbial purple-headed stepchild. On the other hand, till now, it hasn’t been named speedy, or fun… and it certainly hasn’t been labelled the decide of the brand’s lauded N-merchandise line-up.
Choose a search at the spec sheet – or hussle the Kona N all over the racetrack for 50 % a day, like we did – and you’ll quickly see why Hyundai’s newcomer is not only a bona fide large-riding hot hatch worthy of its N moniker, but arguably the most effective-suited N motor vehicle still for Australian roadways (and tastes).
The Kona N is the initial SUV product to emanate from Hyundai’s famed N-division. It shares a lot of its mechanical package deal with the scorching i30 N, which should give you an sign that this isn’t just some tarted up searching trolley with a activity badge and a established of chunkier wheels.
Without a doubt, the Kona N (accessible in two variants) brings together an energetic 206kW turbocharged two.-litre four with an in-household-formulated eight-pace dual moist-clutch transmission (DCT), which drives the entrance wheels by means of an e-LSD, to supply “the top in ability on street and circuit”.
Priced from $forty seven,five hundred furthermore on-street charges, the Kona N maintains the flexible and simple SUV features of the donor product. It’s equipped with numerous convenience, ease and comfort and security systems, as perfectly as a quantity of functionality-orientated electronic chassis aids and in-cabin interfaces to aid motorists in maximising all that this sporty tremendous-hatch has to present.
Machines includes a digital instrument panel and significant central infotainment array with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as perfectly as Bluetooth connectivity, created-in satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio reception.
The Kona N has cloth-trimmed sporting activities seats, but the Quality derivative furthermore options leather-based and suede blend pews. They’re teamed with a leather-based-appointed steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake include with Functionality Blue contrasting stitching throughout.
The Quality variation also gets a head-up screen, energy adjustable seats, entrance-seat heating and ventilation, entrance parking sensors, LED interior ambient lights, as perfectly as a glass sunroof.
The Kona N is even further equipped with a Qi wireless mobile phone charging pad and eight-speaker Harman Kardon quality audio program, along with an comprehensive checklist of Hyundai’s SmartSense driver guidance and security systems – furthermore full LED exterior lights.
Forward collision-avoidance aid, driver awareness checking, lane trying to keep and -following aid, blind-spot checking with rear cross-targeted traffic warn, tyre stress checking, rear parking sensors, targeted traffic-indication recognition, adaptive cruise handle, clever exit warning and a reversing camera are all conventional.
The Kona N is equipped with Hyundai’s new Observe Maps element that mechanically alerts motorists when they are around a mapped racetrack and starts a lap time as the commence/finish line is crossed.
Carrying a distinctive overall body package, an N-particular grille, blacked-out Hyundai emblem and wing-mirror caps, furthermore a rear diffuser sporting an LED fog mild and dual exhaust outlets, the Kona N is not likely to be mistaken for a typical grocery-having model… and with a claimed -100km/h time of 5.5 seconds (building it the speediest accelerating N product to date) and a best-pace of 240km/h, the Kona N will make sure that the searching is dwelling perfectly prior to the ice cream has melted.
