Hyundai Kona N Teased As Company Confirms 2.0-Liter Turbo And 8-Speed DCT

[AVANTI R5]

The teaser campaign for the Hyundai Kona N is kicking into high gear as the company has released new pictures and details about the upcoming model.

Billed as a “hot SUV,” the Kona N will become the brand’s first high-performance crossover.

Hyundai is keeping specifications under wraps, but confirmed the model will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that can be connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The company also promised a “variety of high-performance driving features, such as Launch Control, and an emotional sound experience.”

While crossovers aren’t particularly sporty, Hyundai said the Kona N will have a “powerful and nimble driving experience.” Hyundai’s Head of N Brand Management also added, “As a ‘hot SUV’, it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle.”

Additional information will be released in the “coming weeks,” but the Kona N is slated to have a sportier exterior as previewed by these official photos. While there isn’t much to see, the model will be distinguished by modified bumpers and a unique dual exhaust system. We can also see lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.

Hyundai is staying tight-lipped on specifics, but the model will slot above the Kona N Line which has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 195 hp (146 kW / 198 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque. Besides having a larger displacement, the fully fledged N model could have up to 275 hp (205 kW / 279 PS).

YouTube (Short URL)

YouTube (Short URL)

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[AVANTI R5]

Hyundai stated Kona N coming to America on there face book page

Yes, It’s N I 2021 KONA N

Coming in hot, it's the KONA N. Yes, it's N. Coming to the U.S. later this year.
Preproduction model shown.

https://www.facebook.com/Hyundai/videos/207526217711425

There a video too

[VarmintCong]

Don’t think they’ve revealed yet if it gets a manual or AWD. I’m guessing no and yes.

[Rimsky55]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

Don't think they've revealed yet if it gets a manual or AWD. I'm guessing no and yes.

C&D had more details in their article re: MT. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...ototype-specs/

Bold, underline emphasis done by me.

Unlike the Veloster, though, the Kona N sadly won't have a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Instead, it will come only with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that was added to the Veloster N lineup for 2021. Hyundai hasn't said yet whether the Kona N will have front- wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

[JP Chestnut]

I’m not super interested in owning a sporty CUV but the modern offerings combining smallish size, awd, fun to drive, and a practical body design are so few and far between that I’ll definitely check this out.

[SoFlaRRRex]

If it does indeed make it here I’m buying one. I need a single do-all kinda car and that’s what the WRX was supposed to be for me. The Kona N is like a poor man’s Macan. Now the question is how much $$$?

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by SoFlaRRRex

If it does indeed make it here I’m buying one. I need a single do-all kinda car and that’s what the WRX was supposed to be for me. The Kona N is like a poor man’s Macan. Now the question is how much $$$?

The Kona has a tiny trunk, it’s more like a 5 door Mini than a Macan.

Auto only kills it for me, otherwise I’d give it a good look.

[SoFlaRRRex]

I haven’t been in one in person yet but from what I can tell it’s got more room than my sedan and 2 more sq ft than a GTI. And I can deal with the auto. I’ve never owned an automatic but I think I’m ready. I may regret giving up my manual, I know this, but I’m willing to give it a try.

[subyski]

Originally Posted by SoFlaRRRex

If it does indeed make it here I’m buying one. I need a single do-all kinda car and that’s what the WRX was supposed to be for me. The Kona N is like a poor man’s Macan. Now the question is how much $$$?

I think the poor man's Macan is the CX-30 Turbo. The Kona N is really a tall hot hatch, not necessarily more ground clearance but a vertical stretch hot hatch. As much as I would rather see an Elantra GT N, I can see why this could be successful recipe. The DCT seems well liked in the Veloster N. Still would like a manual.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by SoFlaRRRex

I haven't been in one in person yet but from what I can tell it's got more room than my sedan and 2 more sq ft than a GTI. And I can deal with the auto. I've never owned an automatic but I think I'm ready. I may regret giving up my manual, I know this, but I'm willing to give it a try.

Watch this guy review the trunk. 5 carry on bags fit in the Crosstrek, and only 3 fit in the Kona.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-video...81474979865233

Trunk space measurements are BS cause there's no standard for hatchbacks like there is for sedans.

[mhoward1]

I’d like to see a Kona EV n.

[subyski]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

I’d like to see a Kona EV n.

Maybe a similar product under their Ioniq "sub-brand", i.e. Ioniq 5 N.

[SoFlaRRRex]

Originally Posted by subyski

I think the poor man's Macan is the CX-30 Turbo...

I haven’t driven a Mazda product since the 626 so I’m speaking out of ignorance but I don’t think that’s accurate. That 2.5L engine is torquey but I haven’t seen a reviewer yet that says it likes to rev. The Veloster N’s engine however gets pretty good marks for its character. There’s no doubt the Kona N will be more focused than the Mazda, by a lot. And I’m sure the Crosstrek will hold more stuff, and I’d actually rather own the Crosstrek. But there no way in hell I’m giving up a WRX for the Crosstrek as is. Give it a turbo and any other transmission than a CVT and I’m in. But as-is, no way.

[subyski]

Originally Posted by SoFlaRRRex

I haven’t driven a Mazda product since the 626 so I’m speaking out of ignorance but I don’t think that’s accurate. That 2.5L engine is torquey but I haven’t seen a reviewer yet that says it likes to rev. The Veloster N’s engine however gets pretty good marks for its character. There’s no doubt the Kona N will be more focused than the Mazda, by a lot. And I’m sure the Crosstrek will hold more stuff, and I’d actually rather own the Crosstrek. But there no way in hell I’m giving up a WRX for the Crosstrek as is. Give it a turbo and any other transmission than a CVT and I’m in. But as-is, no way.

I'm saying as a product as a whole. The Mazda CX-30's interior refinement, ride, and power. I've seen reviews making this claim of a budget Macan. The Kona N will definitely be more performance focused but it's not going to be refined like the Macan. The Veloster N is still performance oriented, even in its soft settings where as the Macan can ride nice and comfortable too.

[SoFlaRRRex]

I gotcha. Yeah I’m excited to see how it drives. I got to drive a buddies Cayenne and it was the business. I don’t expect a budget hot hatch product to be on that level.