2021 Hyundai Kona N has been confirmed
Hyundai recently revealed that the Kona would be receiving the N treatment. The Kona SUV has been around since 2017, making it still relevantly new to the market. It seems that this SUV trend is still in full swing, so Hyundai's decision to add a bit of power to the Kona only made sense.
Details around the Kona N are for now very limited, as Hyundai only gave us a mere teaser release. However, looking at the prototype shots makes it clear that the Kona N will look more aggressive. The more prominent bumper and side skirt extensions certainly make the Kona N look more appealing. The rear further emphasizes its sporty influence as it features a new rear spoiler and sizeable twin-exit exhaust pipes. The Kona N will also get some new rims and red-painted brake callipers to exude its presence on the road.
In terms of how much power the Kona will have, it's is still unknown. But Hyundai has confirmed that the Kona N will be receiving a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and will come equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As speculated, many assume that the Kona N will have the same power output as the Veloster N, which currently sits at 205kW. If this is true, the Kona N is sure to make an impact in the SUV market.
One can only expect that the Kona N will be getting the same N inspired cabin like the others within its range. Which includes sports styled seats, specific trim detailing, and highly configurable drive modes. Hyundai has also yet to confirm if the Kona N will feature front- or four-wheel drive. As it stands, everything is hazy in terms of specs and information, but we are confident that the Kona N will be turning a few heads when it hits the market. No official dates have yet to been given, but rumours have it that it might be in 2022.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What engine does the 2021 Hyundai Kona N have?
The 2021 Hyundai Kona N comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, likely producing around 205kW based on the Veloster N's output.
Q: How much does the Hyundai Kona N cost in South Africa?
Hyundai hasn't released official South African pricing for the Kona N yet, but expect it to slot in around R650,000 to R750,000 based on similar performance SUVs in the local market.
Q: Is the Hyundai Kona N front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
Hyundai hasn't confirmed the drivetrain layout for the Kona N yet, though most expect it will feature front-wheel drive like the Veloster N to keep costs competitive.
Q: What makes the Kona N different from the regular Kona?
The Kona N gets a more aggressive body kit with prominent bumpers, side skirt extensions, rear spoiler, twin-exit exhaust pipes, special rims, red brake callipers, and N-inspired sports interior with configurable drive modes.
Q: When will the Hyundai Kona N be available in South Africa?
Hyundai hasn't announced official launch dates for the Kona N in South Africa yet, but expect it to arrive sometime in 2022 following its global debut.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses, boet. While the Kona N sounds like it could be a proper pocket rocket with that rumoured 205kW punch, we're still waiting on crucial details like final pricing, drivetrain specs, and local availability. If Hyundai prices it sensibly around R650,000 to R700,000, it could be the best performance SUV bargain in SA, giving you hot hatch thrills with SUV practicality. But until we get behind the wheel and see those final numbers, keep your deposit in your pocket and wait for the full reveal. The Kona N has serious potential to shake up the performance SUV game, just don't jump the gun before all the facts are out.
