Hyundai’s go-fast N division broadens its horizons with the Kona N small SUV
The performance talents of a hot hatch in a more practical SUV body? That’s the idea behind the Hyundai Kona N, which installs the hot mechanicals of the i30 N into the popular small SUV. It’s a sound idea, but is anything lost in translation?
All the gear
Getting behind the wheel of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N requires at least $47,500 plus on-road costs, while the Premium model tested here increases that to $50,500 plus ORCs.
That’s a fairly sizeable $8100 premium – pardon the pun – over the Hyundai Kona N Line Premium, but that’s the price of hot hatch performance, the full-fat N producing 206kW/392Nm to the N-Line’s 146kW/265Nm.
To justify that price tag, Hyundai has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the Kona N Premium.
Externally, there are 19-inch wheels, a body kit consisting of body-colour wheel-arch surrounds, side skirts, rear spoiler, diffuser and unique N grille.
On the inside there’s a sunroof, suede-leather performance seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel, eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and head-up display, though only single-zone climate control.
The situation is a little more sparse in the rear with only a single USB-A port and no 12V outlet or air vents, though there is sufficient space for adult passengers as long as those in the front aren’t too tall. The outboard seats have ISOFIX points and the rear seatbacks fold 60/40.
You might think that being an SUV the Kona would have a practicality advantage over the i30 hatch, but the fact that it’s 125mm shorter in length with 50mm shorter wheelbase means it’s a fractionally tighter fit in the rear and boot space decreases from the i30’s 381/1287L (seats up/down) to 361/1143L, primarily due to the Kona’s higher boot floor.
It also lacks the i30 boot’s handy 12V outlet, but there is a luggage net, bag hook and four tie-down points.
Back up front the Kona doesn’t really live up to its Premium name with plenty of hard, scratchy plastics that are evidence of the model’s $26,600 entry point.
It’s a common issue with range-topping variants based on relatively humble cars, but it’s brought into sharp focus when the price tag breaches the $50,000 threshold.
The Kona N is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes track days but not timed competitions.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, with the first five returns to the dealership costing $335 each.
Safe and sound
There’s an argument that the safest car is one that stops and steers accurately and the 2022 Hyundai Kona N delivers on this front with large 360mm front brake rotors and performance-oriented Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 235/45R19.
This isn’t to suggest that the Kona’s safety specification is in any way lacking, with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) including pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and safe exit warning for approaching cars and cyclists.
Hyundai has taken a slightly unusual approach to the lane keep system in that it doesn’t automatically activate on each journey – if it’s been previously disabled the car will remember this preference.
Experienced drivers will appreciate this, especially as Hyundai’s lane keep assist can often be overbearing, but it’s worth noting if a number of drivers of differing capabilities are regularly behind the wheel.
Like the updated i30 hatch, the Kona scores a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as Qi wireless charging.
It’s a fairly easy system to get to grips with, though can occasionally ignore tap and swipe inputs, especially if your fingers are greasy.
If you’re not the smartphone type, you’ll appreciate that native satellite navigation, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital and AM/FM radio are all standard, and there’s a USB-A and 12V outlet up front too.
Power to burn
There are few SUVs out there – and none at this price point – that take performance as seriously as the 2022 Hyundai Kona N.
Proof of this is the fact that its infotainment system doesn’t just host the usual navigation and audio functions but also launch control, a lap timer and inbuilt track maps.
A pair of custom drive modes, activated via the two blue ‘N’ buttons on the steering wheel, also allow drivers to mix ’n’ match their favourite combination of settings for the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, stability control, differential and more.
In its mildest mode the 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, a straight lift from the updated i30 N, gives little hint as to its potential. Throttle response is dulled and the gearbox shuffles to the highest possible gear in short order.
Hyundai claims a relatively high 9.0L/100km combined-cycle fuel consumption figure, but an average of 7.5L/100km over a full tank suggests this can easily be bettered with a light right foot.
But a light right foot isn’t what the Kona N is all about. Select Sport and the throttle wakes up, gears are held longer and there’s a meaner growl from the engine.
Floor the accelerator and you’ll find pace aplenty. Despite being only front-wheel drive, Hyundai claims a brisk 5.5sec to 100km/h and our experience with the hatch suggests it might even beat that figure on the right surface.
This updated engine has a broader spread of torque than before and the perfect partner in the Hyundai-developed eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
As is customary with this type of transmission, there’s the occasional low-speed lurch, but once moving the shifts are lightning quick whether selected automatically or manually via the steering wheel paddles.
Maximum attack
Wicked up in Sport+ mode the 2022 Hyundai Kona N strains at the leash, the exhaust backfiring and the steering wheel writhing in your hands on corner exits as the limited-slip diff strains to maintain traction.
Its taller stance and higher centre of gravity means it rolls more in turns and doesn’t hang on as tenaciously as its hot hatch sibling, but it does a pretty good impersonation.
It still has plenty of poise, though when provoked its greater weight transfer actually results in a more playful character than the i30.
At more sedate speeds the Kona is never quite able to hide its performance intent, with weighty steering and a restless ride even with the settings at their most relaxed.
Oddly, the ride feels more composed with the suspension in Sport, as while the dampers are firmer the car feels more cohesive.
KonaN the barbarian
There are two conclusions to reach with the 2022 Hyundai Kona N. Objectively, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
For enthusiast drivers the i30 N is quicker and more engaging, but whereas typically the SUV alternative would counter with greater room, in this case – while there isn’t much in it – the Kona’s compromised packaging results in inferior practicality to the hatch.
As such, if you’re after a sporty Kona, the N Line Premium (from $42,400) sacrifices a fair chunk of performance but still has a turbo engine, the looks and the equipment along with the benefit of all-wheel drive and a substantially smaller price tag.
However, it’s equally easy to see a certain type of customer being lured by the Kona N’s overt styling and impressive performance.
Something has been lost in translation between hatch and SUV, but this unique Hyundai might just speak your language.
How much does the 2022 Hyundai Kona N Premium cost?Price: $50,500 (plus on-road costs)Available: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrolOutput: 206kW/392NmTransmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automaticFuel: 9.0L/100km (ADR Combined)CO2: 206g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested
Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: Hyundai Kona N Premium 2022 Review