A couple of years ago, Hyundai introduced its new N performance sub-brand to Canadian drivers with the powerful and poised Veloster N hot hatchback. Now Hyundai is welcoming the second vehicle to its growing N performance portfolio in the way of the Kona N, which aims to pair the convenience of a crossover with the fun-loving driving characteristics of the now-familiar Veloster N.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is a performance vehicle, so let’s get right into what matters: the powertrain. This sporty crossover comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing a maximum of 286 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a performance-calibrated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, this impressively powerful engine will motivate the Kona N from zero to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds and will keep on pulling all the way to a top speed of 240 km/h.
A number of electronic control systems will enable drivers to get the most out of the Kona N, including Launch Control and the N Grin Control System – the latter of which is essentially a drive mode select system with a silly name. With N Grin Control, users will be able to select from a number of drive modes that change the driving characteristics of the vehicle, including eco, normal, sport, N, and custom. The availability of different drive modes will vary by market, however, so it’s unclear what modes will be present in the Canadian-market Kona N.
Inside, the Kona N has a new 10-inch infotainment display, along with a digital cluster display and a head-up display with performance graphics. The infotainment screen features a number of N performance pages, which can relay helpful info to the driver such as lap time, g-force, and a track map. Sporty bolstered seats, an N-branded shift knob, and a chunky sport steering wheel with easy-access N performance drive mode buttons round out the cabin changes.
The exterior of the Kona N, meanwhile, is set apart with its 19-inch alloy wheels, front lip spoiler, side skirts, double wing roof spoiler, and unique front and rear designs with larger intake ducts. Customers will also be able to order the Kona N in an exclusive new Sonic Blue exterior colour, which is a spin on the familiar Performance Blue colour that the Veloster N is offered in.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N will be offered globally and the automaker was not offering Canadian-specific information at the time of publication, so some of the information in this article may not apply to the Kona N that we’ll receive here. Rest assured, we’ll continue to provide updates on the Canadian-market 2022 Hyundai Kona N as more information on this hot new crossover becomes available.
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