2021 Hyundai Kona N officially unveiled

KUALA LUMPUR: At last! Hyundai has ended the suspense about its new hot supermini whose teasers have been doing the rounds all around the Internet for a while. Yes, the South Korean automaker just unveiled the Kona N globally as the latest addition to its N series. Also detailed at the Hyundai N Day event is the brand’s strategy of expanding its fleet of N and N Line models to 18 models through 2022. The N range is also said to include battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

Talking about the Kona N’s engine first, the hot SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill borrowed from the Veloster N. The engine delivers a maximum power of 276 horsepower and a peak torque of 392 Nm. On the transmission front, there is a ‘wet’ twin-clutch eight-speed auto gearbox that sends power to the front wheels through an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential. Included drive modes are N Grin Shift (NGS), N Power Shift (NPS), and N Track Sense Shift (NTS). About the all-wheel-drive setup, the automaker says there are no plans as of now.

In terms of performance, the all-new Kona N can sprint from zero to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds with launch control in action and can reach a top speed of 240 mph. According to the automaker, the all-round performance of the Kona N is “uncompromised” with the bespoke Pirelli P Zero performance tyres on board. The tyres are wrapped around lightweight 19-inch forged alloys and have uprated brakes and extra body reinforcements for better stability in cornering.

In terms of design, the Kona N looks different from the standard Kona as it is outfitted with a prominent aero package, red detailing, wide-track wheel designs, and colour-coded front and rear bumper. Hyundai has painted the hot SUV in an exclusive Sonic Blue inspired by the sub-brands trademark Performance Blue. One can also observe the same colour accents inside the hot hatchback.

Besides that, the Kona N cabin features heavily bolstered front seats, a bespoke steering wheel with two N buttons for driving modes switching, and a new 10-inch infotainment system featuring an exclusive racing head-up display. Hyundai says the touchscreen display gives a “game-like dimension to every driving experience” by showing lap times, circuit maps, and other important information in a video game-style format.

“Our continuously growing and more balanced N portfolio will open new high-performance options, delivering the ‘grin factor’ no matter what the propulsion technology or body type may be,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai Motor Company. 

Hyundai has not yet revealed the Kona N price and availability details.

Also read: 2021 Hyundai Kona facelift launched in Malaysia