[Auto] Hyundai Kona N 2021: a 280 hp SUV to not go unnoticed

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The first SUV with the letter N has just arrived in Hyundai's range. The small 4.2 meter long Kona N 2021 arrives to compete for example with the Ford Puma ST and the Volkswagen T-Roc R. Although with the display of power that it carries under the hood, it cannot be said that it will be a fair fight with the first.

This will be the fourth model to receive the high-performance version, after the i30, Veloster and i20. Although Hyundai's commitment in this regard is not going to be limited precisely to a few vehicles. According to those responsible, the number of cars with the logo N or N-Line will rise to 18 before the end of 2022. However, it is a somewhat ambiguous way of announcing it, since there is a huge difference between both versions, in everything that it is not about design.

More 'N' than expected
What's more, despite its small size, which places it rather in the B-SUV segment, the Kona N has more in common with the i30 N (Seg. C) than the new i20 N (Seg. B). Since, as it has been presented by the Korean brand, it has more features dedicated to improving its performance and driving sensations. Even one designed to improve your performance on the track.

Among them, the first that we have mentioned is its great power that separates it a lot from the small i20. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with 280 hp and 392 Nm. Figures that are closer to the 300 hp that carries, for example, the T-Roc R.

 

Systems to improve the sportiness of the Kona N
Like the rest of the N models, this energy is transmitted to the ground only with the front wheels (not like the Volkswagen Rs). But in this case, only with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, called N DCT, which according to the dossier allows better acceleration and faster upshifts ”.

The behavior of this gearbox, together with the response of the engine, are modified thanks to the different systems to improve its sportiness. The first is the N Power Shift, which automatically kicks in if the accelerator is pressed beyond 90% of its travel.

Thanks to it, torque losses are reduced when shifting to higher gears. In such a way that it improves acceleration and achieves a smoother speed increase than the typical steps.

 

Designed for road and track
The next system is the N Grin Shift, which releases all the power from the engine for a maximum of 20 seconds and automatically shifts to the most suitable gear to get the most out of it. The downside is that it can only be used every 40 seconds, or what is the same, once every minute. So it is designed mainly for the circuit or for fast overtaking on the road.

The last of the sports systems is designed exclusively for the track: the N Track Sense Shift. Analyze the driver's driving to optimize gear changes for faster lap times.

 

The performance of the Hyundai Kona N
On paper, the Hyundai Kona N is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.5 seconds, provided Launch Control is used. This means improved traction management so that the front wheels do not skid on the asphalt. Its maximum speed is 240 km / h.

One of the features that allow for this acceleration is Pirelli's custom-made P Zero tires. High-performance vehicle wheels that increase grip. These include 19-inch light alloy wheels that reduce the profile of the tire to minimize deformation and improve cornering grip.

In addition to this, there are also more effective front and rear brakes and reinforcements in the body to reduce its deformation in curved doors. Something that we already saw for example in the i30 N and that can be seen in the trunk.

Its dynamic capabilities are also significantly enhanced by an electronically controlled limited slip differential, called the N Corner Carving Differential. With it, faster cornering is achieved by reducing understeer and wheel slip.

Like its high-performance siblings, the 2021 Hyundai Kona N has electrically tuned power steering for precision and driver feel. In addition to an electronically adjustable suspension it stiffens or softens depending on the riding mode or selected preferences.

 

Equipment of the Hyundai Kona N
Visually, the Kona N has an aerodynamic kit adapted for the high speeds it reaches. Also wider wheels and an exhaust with variable exhaust valves. Regarding the non-functional design, it has specific bumpers and wheels, N details in the interior and its own color called Sonic Blue for the bodywork.

The infotainment screen is larger at 10 inches from corner to corner. Showing lap times, circuit maps and other performance information. The instrumentation is also digital with an aspect that varies depending on the selected mode, being noticed especially in Mode N and in Sport.