After a teaser campaign, Hyundai finally unveiled the high-performance version of its compact crossover Kona. The 2022 Hyundai Kona N comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four – the same we found in the Veloster N; however, here, it creates 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet (206 kilowatts and 392 newton-meters), which makes it the most powerful utility vehicle in the company’s line up. In fact, Hyundai says the Kona N is its “true hot SUV.”
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N comes with a toughened suspension, efficient-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and snappy new duds to make it different from others in the lineup.
Powertrain
Getting back to what it is made for: speed and performance, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N, as we already mentioned, borrows the 2.0L turbo-four from Veloster N, where it made its name for high low-end torque, negligible turbo lag, and a stimulating exhaust note we expect from a performance vehicle. Comparing it to a 1.6L engine from Kona N Line and Limited, the N’s mill generates 81 hp (60 kW) and 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) extra.
Hyundai’s “N Grin Shift” temporary overboost drives the ponies up to 286 (213 kW) on a single push of a button. The automaker says it can do the 0 to 100 km/h (62-mile-per-hour) run in 5.5 seconds and top out at 240 km/h (149 mph).
The engine pairs with an eight-speed wet-dual-clutch transmission (likely the same we get in Sonata N Line and Veloster N). No manual sorry for stick-shift fans, nor an all-wheel-drive, strangely. That’s very odd for a performance car.
Nonetheless, an electronic limited-slip front differential will assist in a good way and so do the 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires. Pick from Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and Custom and the vehicle will change the throttle mapping, traction and stability controls, steering weight, and exhaust sounds.
Design
For a special model like the 2022 Hyundai Kona N, you definitely want it to look different. The automaker agrees, and the result is keeping the new headlights, daytime running lamps, and taillights of the facelifted Kona along with the N model’s redesigned front bumper with sharper grille patterns and a fresh rear bumper featuring large twin exhaust outlets.
Interior
Get inside, and we see the sporty front bucket seats encompassing microfiber suede seat faces and faux leather inserts as well as Performance Blue accents spread freely all over the interior, including the steering wheel-mounted drive mode selector, DCT gear selector, and cupholder rings.
The N has the same 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster and equal-sized infotainment screen as we find in the regular models. Besides, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N gets a full suite of active safety facilities comprising automatic emergency braking, lane follow assistance, active high beams, blind-spot collision prevention, and adaptive cruise control.
Competition and Pricing
The Kona N is definitely more affordable and exciting than the BMW X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Jaguar E-Pace. It should inspire other automakers to create sportier and more stylish variants of their small SUVs.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N should hit the roads in the fall. The pricing details aren’t out yet, but we believe it will be costlier than the Veloster N with a price starting at around $34,000, more or less.
Source: Motor1