Hyundai introduced the 2022 Kona N earlier this year and now the company has announced U.S. pricing will begin at US$ 35,425 including a US$ 1,225 destination charge. Available exclusively in one well-equipped trim, the crossover is notable for featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 276 hp and 392 Nm of torque. However, this can temporarily be increased to 286 hp by using the N Grin Shift function.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed
dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the front wheels via an
electronic limited-slip differential. This setup enables the model to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds when using launch control.
Besides featuring 81 hp and 127 Nm of torque more
than the Kona N-Line, the high-performance model has a beefier braking system,
a revised steering system, and an N Grin Control System with five modes known
as Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom. The latter change the characteristics of
the engine, exhaust, steering, and electronic stability control system.
On the styling front, the Kona N is
distinguished by an aerodynamic body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels. The
crossover also has a mesh grille, gloss black mirrors, body color cladding and
a prominent rear wing. Other highlights include a triangular third brake light
and a sporty dual exhaust system.
Moving into the cabin, there’s leather and
suede front seats with heating and power adjustment on the driver’s side.
They’re joined by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching
10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation. Other highlights include a
leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, an N-branded shifter and alloy pedals.
Buyers will also find an ambient lighting system, an eight-speaker Harman
Kardon premium audio system, and a wireless smartphone charger.
The Kona N comes with an assortment of
driver assistance systems including Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist,
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Rear
Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. The model also has Lane Keeping
Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe
Exit Warning.
However, there’s one thing you won’t find
and that’s adaptive cruise control. This is somewhat curious as it’s optional
on the Kona N-Line and comes standard on the Kona Limited. As a result, Kona N
buyers will have to make do with a ‘dumb’ cruise control system.
