Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the new Kona N after seeing it first in camouflage at the Nürburgring. It comes with added sporty touches and performance enhancements one can expect with a Hyundai that has an N badge. That said, it now joins the N family alongside the Veloster and the i30.
“We are thrilled to share the mindset, spirit, and vision of the N brand to be a leader in the high-performance category powered by traditional international combustion engines as well as our proven industry-leading battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicle techonologies,” said Hyundai Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division Thomas Schemera.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
To distinguish the Kona N from the standard model, it is designed with red trims which can be seen around the lower body of the subcompact crossover. These details provide a sportier appeal as compared to the standard model. The fenders are now body-colored and the N-exclusive wheels are 19-inches in size.
The Korean carmaker also added a front lip spoiler, double-wing roof spoiler, and side skirts to not only make the subcompact crossover look distinct and sharper, but also increase its aerodynamic efficiency. With this, the new N-badged version can provide a more spirited driving feel.
Interior view of the new Kona N
Moving to the interior, the Hyundai Kona N is equipped with a new 10-inch infotainment screen that features an exclusive racing head-up display (HUD). The displays are purposely designed to provide game-like on-road details. This adds to the overall driving experience of owning a Kona badged with the N.
Powering the Hyundai Kona N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine that now generates 286 hp (with N Grin Shift) and 392 Nm of torque (non-turbocharged version makes 147 hp and 179 Nm of torque). The engine is paired to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission enhanced by the N brand, improving durability and performance.
Sporty details are added to embody the N brand
With all the performance enhancements being said, the new N-badged subcompact crossover can go from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, that is when the launch control is activated. Hyundai said that it has a top speed rated at 240 km/h and the handling is improved for a smoother cornering and a more track-ready performance.
As for safety, the Hyundai Kona N is equipped with advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features such as a forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), lane-keeping assist (LSA), lane following assist (LFA), driver attention warning (DAW), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA, smart cruise control (SCC), and more.
The latest addition to the N family
The company will continue to invest in its N brand to provide customers with exciting models such as the new Hyundai Kona N. It has also shared that the N brand will further improve its lineup by incorporating electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains in the future.
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