Hyundai has unveiled what it calls a “true hot SUV” – the Kona N.
The SUV receiving the “N” treatment from Hyundai is part of the company’s plan to expand its N and N Line model line-up to 18 vehicles before the end of 2022.
The Kona has the honour of being the first N model with an SUV body style, and offers a “winning combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility, and racetrack readiness”, said the company.
Headline performance figures are:
- 2.0-litre turbocharged GDI engine
- 205kW of power
- 392Nm of torque
- 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds
- Top speed of 240km/h
The engine is combined with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission – N DCT – for quick and responsive shifts.
“N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed 8DCT,” said the company.
“To make it suitable for N models, the 8DCT received improvements in durability, allowing it to handle the demands of high-performance vehicles.”
In terms of dimensions, the Kona N is 4,215mm long, 1,800mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 2,600mm.
It weighs in at 1,510kg (curb weight) and sits on 19-inch wheels linked to high-performance brakes.
Interior
On the inside of the Kona N, Hyundai has fitted a new 10-inch infotainment display and digital cluster – which provides a “racing” heads-up display for the driver.
The infotainment system also provides a lap time counter, track maps, and driving information in real time.
“The Kona N’s interior also conveys the N spirit, with brand-specific details such as the Performance Blue color accents, seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and metal pedals,” said Hyundai.
A full range of driver assistance and safety systems were then added to keep the high-performance vehicle in check.
This includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Smart Cruise Control.
For high-speed affairs on the track, the Kona N offers traction control and a variety of driving modes – including Sport, N, and Custom options.
Hyundai Kona N – Photos
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