The Hyundai Veloster N is one of the best hot hatches the money can buy, and the new Hyundai Kona N follows the same philosophy. The compact crossover made its debut in April, and now we got to know its specifications. Expect the 2022 Hyundai Kona N to hit the road in the fall this year.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is the only hot crossover from the Korean automaker with similar mechanics we find in the Veloster N or i30 N. The Elantra N sedan also has an identical setup (read the detailed article we recently wrote about it.)
Under the hood of the performance crossover is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4, mating to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, powering the front wheels. The mill is good for 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. However, applying the N Grin Shift mode will bump the power up to 286 hp for 20 seconds.
The automaker confirms the compact crossover can cover the 0 to 100 km/h run in only 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Unfortunately, Hyundai is not offering the 6-speed manual gearbox as available in other N models.
It is worth mentioning the good features of the 8-speed DCT, which is specially modified for N models to manage engine power. It comes with an exclusive gear ratio and offers quick shifts. The N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift modes are an exceptional addition as well. The N Power Shift is just a manual shifting mode via the steering wheel shift paddles, while the N Track Sense Shifts is perfect for track driving, allowing the vehicle to engage the right gear for maximum performance.
Hyundai has strengthened the platform with more welding points and a tougher strut ring structure to deliver exceptional handling. Other features helping the cause are an electronic limited-slip differential, lightweight aluminium knuckles, Pirelli P Zero summer tires with 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and bigger brakes with greater performance pads. Moreover, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N retains the identical ride height to other N models to become an ideal daily driver.
Besides the N Grin Shift, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N boasts an N Grin Control system with Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and Custom drive modes. Shifting between these alter the programming for the engine, stability control, exhaust sound, and steering.
The exterior also comes with some changes in design, cooling, and aerodynamic to improve performance. For aerodynamics, the designers added a front lip spoiler, lower side skirts, and a double-wing roof spoiler, and for better cooling of the engine and brakes, we see a bigger front air centre intake.
The interior is exceptional as well, thanks to a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a racing-style head-up display, and the centre infotainment system.
How can Hyundai forget about safety and drive assistance? In this area, the automaker has installed automatic emergency braking, active lane control, active blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, and a safe exit warning system.
The pricing information is not out yet and should be available before the launch.
Source and Images: MotorAuthority