Hyundai Builds A Big-Boned Hot Hatch: The 2022 Kona N Carries The Performance Letter But Does It Carry The Performance Flag?


Hyundai Builds A Big-Boned Hot Hatch: The 2022 Kona N Carries The Performance Letter But Does It Carry The Performance Flag?

The hot hatchback of old is evolving. It’s getting taller, longer, and wider. Manual transmissions are being replaced by quick-shifting autos or DCTs. They also have a new name: Hot CUVs. Vehicles like the Mazda CX-30 Turbo and Ford Escape 2.0T have been the leaders of the segment, but there’s a new entry, and it’s from South Korea.

The second-ever vehicle to wear a full-fledged N badge, the Hyundai Kona N is basically a raised, chubbier Veloster N that will sell better. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged cylinder with 276 horsepower, exactly 1 more than a performance-pack equipped Veloster N. Linked up to that peppy little engine is an 8-speed DCT that has a built in overboost function that can boost power temporarily to 286.

FWD is your only option, which might deter some buyers, but the addition of AWD would be a weight penalty Hyundai says. Inside, you get bucket seats, a digital gauge cluster, and all the amenities you’ll need on long laps around the Nürburgring, where this CUV was tested for the better part of two years.

Pricing for the Kona N hasn’t been revealed yet, but Hyundai tends to charge way less than competitors, so don’t expect a number north of $40,000 for a starting price.


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