Hyundai’s range of high-performance N models continues to grow with the Kona N officially launching in Australia. Two variants of the SUV will be offered Down Under, namely the entry-level Kona N and the flagship Kona N Premium. Prices for the base model start at AU$ 47,500 (US$ 34,945) before on-road costs while the Kona N Premium is available to order from AU$ 50,500 (US$ 37,152).
Powering the Kona N is a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder shared with the i30 N and producing 276 hp and 392 Nm of torque between 2,100 and 4,700 rpm. The Kona N is the
first model from Hyundai’s N division not available with a six-speed manual
transmission and instead, an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox is the only
option. This transmission features the same N Grin Shift, N Track Sense, and N
Power Shift functions as the i30 N DCT. Drive is directed through the front
wheels courtesy of an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Like a number of other Hyundai models, the
suspension system of the Kona N has been tuned to Australian roads. The
suspension has electronic adjustment and is able to adjust the dampers at each
corner up to 200 times a second depending on the road conditions. Standard
safety features found across the Kona N range in Australia include Blind-Spot
Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward
Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane
Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit
Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Parking
Distance Warning – rear, and a Rear-View Monitor.
Seven exterior colors are available for
the Kona N: Atlas White, Cyber Grey, Dark Knight, Phantom Black, Ignite Flame,
Performance Blue, and Gravity Gold, a a matte color. Features unique to the
flagship Kona N Premium include an electro-chromatic mirror, head-up display,
parking distance warning – front, suede/leather appointed interior, power
driver and front passenger seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated
steering wheel, glass sunroof, and ambient lighting.
