Snapshot
- Kona N is powered by a turbo 2.0-litre four-banger making 206kW and 392Nm
- 0-100km/h takes 5.5 seconds, top speed rated at 240km/h
- Performance SUV on sale now
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N performance SUV has arrived in Australia – undercutting its closest rival on price by more than $20,000.
Starting from $47,500 plus on-road costs, the Kona N is significantly cheaper than the similarly sized Mini Countryman John Cooper Works Essential ($68,350) and, if it ever comes to Australia, Volkswagen’s T-Roc R.
Just because it’s cheaper than its competitors, though, don’t think for a second the Kona N is a slouch.
With power derived from the same turbo 2.0-litre four-pot found in Hyundai’s brilliant i30N hot hatchback, the high-riding SUV has what it takes to hang with some serious performance cars.
Due to be released locally in the third quarter of 2021, the Kona N will be launched alongside its smaller hot hatch sibling, the i20N.
2022 Hyundai Kona N Australian pricing
Hyundai Kona N | $47,500 |
Hyundai Kona N Premium | $50,500 |
Note: Prices do not include on-road costs.
Engine, transmission, and performance
The Kona N is powered by the Korean automaker’s turbocharged 2.0 litre T-GDI four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 206kW (213kW with N Grin Shift) and 392Nm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels through Hyundai’s own wet-style eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Thanks to a trick launch control system, the Kona N can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a 240km/h top speed.
Like the i30N, the new Kona N features an N Grin Shift mode (NGS), which gives the driver maximum power from the engine and transmission for a short 20 second burst, which is activated by pressing a button mounted on the sports steering wheel.
Other performance features include 19-inch lightweight forged wheels, active variable exhaust, electronically controlled dampers, N driver mode system, N Performance driving data system, performance brake package, and Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Features
The Kona N comes with a host of features as standard, including:
Sports front bucket seats |
Leather-appointed steering wheel |
10.25-inch supervision digital driver’s dash |
10.25-inch infotainment display satellite navigation |
Keyless entry and push-button start |
LED daytime running lights, headlights, front indicators, side repeaters, and taillights |
DAB+ digital radio |
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Harman Kardon eight-speaker premium sound system |
Wireless charging pad |
Climate control |
Power folding exterior mirrors |
Rain sensing wipers |
Auto light control |
Rear privacy glass |
Acoustic laminated windshield |
Temporary space saver spare wheel |
The Kona N Premium adds:
Electro-chromatic mirror |
Suede/leather-appointed interior |
Heated steering wheel |
Head-up display |
Powered, heated, and ventilated front seats |
Glass sunroof |
Parking distance warning – front |
Ambient lighting |
The performance SUV can be had in seven paint options:
Solid atlas white | no-cost option |
Solid ignite flame | no-cost option |
Solid performance blue | no-cost option |
Metallic cyber grey | $595 |
Mica dark knight | $595 |
Matte gravity gold | $1,000 |
Safety
When it was assessed in 2017, the Hyundai Kona achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Standard safety features include:
Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist |
Driver attention warning |
Forward collision-avoidance assist |
High beam assist |
Lane following assist |
Lane keeping assist |
Rear cross-traffic |
Collision-avoidance assist |
Safe exit warning |
Adaptive cruise control |
Tyre pressure monitoring system |
Parking distance warning – reverse |
Rear view monitor |
Dimensions and kerb weight
The Kona N is 4215mm long, 1800mm wide, 1565mm tall, and has a wheelbase measuring 2600mm.
Unlike many other performance SUVs, the Kona N’s kerb weight is a featherweight 1510 kilograms. This lack of mass is down to the car’s diminutive dimensions and lack of all-wheel drive, as well as several lightweight solutions like the aforementioned 19-inch forged wheels.
Warranty and servicing
Like all Hyundais, the Kona N comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which also covers non-competition track driving, including the fitment of performance-oriented tyres.
Hyundai offers both lifetime and pre-paid servicing plans.
Availability
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is on sale now.
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