This is the Hyundai Kona N. the crazy Hot SUV. Is any good though and is it better than the Ford Puma ST.
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with what is different. Well, we get a different grill with the Hyundai Logo in it and above where the Hyundai logo should be is some fake vents. Lower down we have this aggressive central vent adjust below the headlights we have some aggressive side vents. We also get an aggressive red and black front splitter. The Kona N is still recognisable as a Kona know even though it has all of these changes.
Exterior – Side
Moving down the side, it is less noticeable as we only get N side skirts and some nice N wheels. The overall length of the car has also increased by 1 cm. Finally the ride height is also lower than the standard Kona.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round the back again there are some big changes. To start with we have this big fake diffuser with red accents as well as some big twin rear exhausts that are actually real. We also get some side vents also. Up above we also have a very sporty double winged spoiler and a triangle third brake light. Finally one other thing that you may have noticed is that the N does not have any black plastic body cladding. Lets have a look at what engine you get with the Hyundai Kona N.
Car and engine specs and price
So, for the Hyundai Kona N you get a 2 litre turbocharged. This is mated to an 8 speed wet dual clutch gearbox and this gearbox is called the N DCT. What a wet dual clutch gearbox is basically the clutch is lubricated with oil rather than it being dry on other cars. The Kona N has 278 BHP and can do 0-62 in 5.5 seconds. The car also has a electronic limited slip diff for Dynamic cornering. Lets have a look as see what Hyundai have done inside.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside we have some unique touches. To start with we have this Hyundai N steering wheel like what you would find in the i30N hatchback. We also have a Hyundai N gear shifter and an N specific instrument cluster. The infotainment system also have N features for example a performance screen and track information. Finally another thing that has changed is that you get these nice comfy yet supportive N racing seats finished in perforated alcantara and Leather. To finish the interior off Hyundai has added some nice features to the car for example, heated and cooled seats, parking camera, wireless phone charging and even a heads up display. Lets checkout the back seats.
Practicality
So, getting in the back because of these bulkier front seats legroom is not as good as a normal Kona. It is still OK though and headroom is not that bad either. You do get an armrest and some seat back nets though. Lets check the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot we have a square opening and a flat floor as well. The boot size of the Kona N with the seats up is 361 litres and with the seats folded flat it is 1,143 litres. Also one thing to add is that when the back seats are folded you can easily slide things to the front of the car without having to lift it over a ridge.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think to the Hyundai Kona N. Well it is what families now want. It is an SUV but it has a hot hatch feel so it is the best of both worlds. Is it as good as or better than the Puma ST though. Well the styling is definitely less desecrate than the Puma but the Puma is slightly more practical. It really depends on if you want to be desecrate or you want to stand out from the crowd.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 14/15
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