Hyundai has revealed a few photos of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N, but they’re not sharing the specifics that we really want to know about the car. Still, the company has let a few things slip out about the model along the way.
The Kona N will be Hyundai’s first SUV N model. It’s design (exterior and engineering) is meant to be reminiscent of a hot hatchback. It will retain much of the design language of the refreshed Kona, which is coming to the U.S. shortly.
“We’re excited to expand the recipe for success we’ve developed with the i30 N and, most recently, with the i20 N to one of our most popular SUVs on the market today: Kona,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President of Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The addition of Kona to the N family will bring our high-performance brand to the next level.”
The car has a triangular third brake light.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
At the front, the car has large air intakes. There’s a fresh light signature that is designed to give the SUV a more aggressive appearance. The lower grille and bumper fascia are inspired by aeronautic fuselage. The bumper cover wraps around the sides of the vehicle to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. It has a unique upper grille.
At the back, a large double-wing roof spoiler aids downforce and “gives spice to the rear view” according to a Hyundai press release. The wing includes a third brake light in the shape of a triangle, a customary addition for N models. Dual exhaust mufflers stand ready to express the car’s spirit while a large diffuser sits between them. Body-color fenders make the crossover look lower to the ground than it is.
N badging is found on various points inside and outside the model.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
There are unique features and highlights in the Kona N, that are traditionally only for N models including alloy wheels and red accents on the side sills.
Hyundai will give the Kona N the same power plant that’s in the Veloster N, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Look for it to make around 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the Kona N.
Hyundai is promising that the model will come with a variety of performance centric equipment and features, not just exterior and interior design accents, including Launch Control and what they call “an emotional sound experience”.
The rear features a double-wing design.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
Expect the SUV to get a fresh suspension setup and bigger brakes, something that’s pretty status quo for N models. The question of all-wheel drive is still pending.
“The all-new Kona N is the first ‘hot SUV’ from the N brand,” says Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company. “As a ‘hot SUV’, it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle. N-thusiasts will enjoy taking this car anywhere; from road to the track.”
