HYUNDAI KONA N: NEW SPORTS SUV WITH 280 HORSEPOWER

 The Hyundai Kona N was announced for a few weeks, so here it is finally without camouflage knowing that it joins an already very complete range. Indeed, remember that the Kona is available in petrol, diesel, hybrid (non-rechargeable) and 100% electric versions, these four models having recently been the subject of an M6 Turbo comparison to which our Editor-in-Chief, Frédéric Lagadec, participated.

We come to the Hyundai Kona N which reveals a resolutely aggressive design thanks to its specific front and rear bumpers, but that's not all. At the front, we also notice the presence of an aerodynamic black element which is visually supported by a red band as well as a grille and other air intakes in satin black finish.

There are other black and red parts for the profiles of the Hyundai Kona N, this at the level of the side sills while the rims are in forged alloy and are 19 inches in size. Note that they are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires. The red brake calipers contribute to the “edgy design” of the SUV .

At the rear, the shield incorporates a diffuser that does not go unnoticed as a double exhaust outlet. Higher up, a new open roof spoiler appears. As for the launch color of the Kona N, namely a gray tending to blue, it is exclusive: “Sonic Blue”.

Under its front bonnet, the Hyundai Kona N hides a 2.0 l turbo petrol 4-cylinder engine delivering 280 hp for 392 Nm of torque, all of which is transmitted to the front wheels via the N DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox (8-speed). Hyundai engineers have paid particular attention to the Kona N because it is equipped with many devices including a limited slip differential in order to optimize its traction. In addition to this, in addition to the classic driving modes available to choose from (“Normal”, “Sport”, “N” and “Custom”), a steering can be adjusted thanks to three other modes (“Normal” , “Sport” and “Sport +”) and other different devices that are associated with the N DCT box.

To begin with, the “N Power Shift (NPS)” allows, by strongly pressing the right pedal, this at more than 90% of its travel, to benefit from a strong acceleration without loss of torque. In addition, this “NPS” offers a sound boom by briefly deactivating one of the 4 cylinders. We come to the “N Grin Shift (NGS)” which, once activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel, offers a boost of 10 hp for a maximum duration of 20 s. You must then wait 40 s before possibly pressing the button to benefit from the boost again.

 A third technology is also on the program of the Hyundai Kona N, namely the “N Track Sense Shift (NTS)” which is no more, no less, than an intelligent mode intended for driving on the circuit. The driver then has only to concentrate on the trajectories while the “NTS” adapts to the “pilot” to change gears automatically at the best time. Once the paddles on the steering wheel in hand or, the gear lever, this mode eliminates the need for automatic gear changing at the switch.

In terms of performance, the Hyundai Kona N achieves the exercise from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.5 s and can reach 240 km / h.