If you were thinking that the 2022 Hyundai Kona N was going to be a slightly sportier take on the Kona, you were wrong. Way wrong. The new Kona N is a grown up hot hatch that is road- and track-capable.
The Kona N is another step toward Hyundai’s commitment to incorporate N and N Line models throughout their stable. Eighteen vehicles bearing the N and N Line names are expected to be revealed through 2022.
The 2022 Kona N is being branded as a ‘True Hot SUV’. To back up this claim, Hyundai has given the model a combination of versatility, rapid acceleration, and agility. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is matched with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain makes the Kona N capable of achieving 276 horsepower. The SUV can get to 62 mph off the line in 5.5 seconds when Launch Control is activated. Its speed tops out right around 150 mph.
Hyundai has given the Kona N an electronic limited slip differential that controls torque distribution to the driving wheels and allows the SUV to drive into corners. The base model Kona N gets launch control, a variable exhaust system, and an N Grin Control System.
There are five drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom. Those modes change up the operating parameters of the engine, electronic stability control, exhaust sound, and steering. It also has traction control with snow, mud, road, and track capability.
The Kona N has 19-inch lightweight forged wheels with high-performance brakes and tires that work with the car’s body-colored fenders to give this Kona a beefier appearance. Hyundai has given the model a front lip spoiler, double-wing roof spoiler, and side skirts. The Kona N is offered in a variety of colors but is currently the only model Hyundai has that is able to wear a Sonic Blue paint color.
The interior of the model has brand-specific details such as the Performance Blue color accents, seats, steering wheel, shift knob and metal pedals.
The Kona N comes equipped with a variety of advanced driver assistance system features including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance alert, safe exit warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2022 Kona N is expected to arrive later this year.
