30/03/2022
Hyundai's sporty "N" range is expanding. And, for the first time in its young history, it is an SUV that lends itself to exercise. The Hyundai Kona to be more precise exists also in EV version.
We are starting to
know a little more about the new Hyundai Kona N. While it was still a simple
rumor some time ago, the brand had decided to confirm this behind by posting a
photo on Instagram, showing a car hood on which sat a helmet. No additional
information was given, apart from a hashtag indicating HyundaiN. It was enough
to thrill all the fans of the brand, who saw in this publication a first teaser
for the sports SUV. And they weren't wrong. Because a few months later, the
Korean firm decided to say it, and especially to show a little more, by
revealing a photo very clearly showing the front of the car, as well as its
general appearance and its hindquarters. Clearly, the car no longer has much to
hide, and therefore seems very close to production, for our greatest pleasure.
At the front, the
SUV stuffed with hormones therefore takes on the face of the restyled version a
few months ago. This is then distinguished by a new grille, surrounded by a
two-stage light signature, Citroën style. The optics are thinner, making the
car more visually aggressive, while modernizing it considerably. For its part,
this future N version, which will enrich an already busy range, should gain
even more dynamism, with enlarged air intakes and a red front blade. Not to
mention the N badge, which features on the grille. At the rear, this time we
discover a much more imposing diffuser, then integrating two large round
exhaust outlets and surmounted by a red border, giving a certain presence to
the car. Only the interior has not yet been shown, but we should expect to find
a presentation identical to that of the standard version, with a touch of
sportiness in addition.
It must be
admitted that the SUV looks good with its specific paintwork highlighted with
red and black edging, which perfectly highlights its body kit: honeycomb
grille, wide fenders and large-diameter rims (19 inches), we especially notice
the air intake making its appearance at the base of the hood, to cool the
mechanics. The rear is equipped with a rather original spoiler as well as a
diffuser and a dual pipe exhaust system. Needless to say, it's very successful.
Under the hood, no
surprises. We already knew that this Kona N would carry the 2.0-litre
four-cylinder turbo from the Veloster N. The power had not yet been formalized
but it is now done. We are talking about 280 hp and 392 Nm of torque, but also
of an “N Grin Shift” mode authorizing a power of 290 hp. It remains to be seen
whether this power will be delivered punctually, like a boost, or whether we
can take advantage of it constantly. It only takes 5.5 seconds for the Kona N
to bring down the 0 to 100 km/h.
Nevertheless, it
could be that the brand gives in to temptation all the same, while sports SUVs
are more and more fashionable.
The
electrification having been considered upstream of the development of the Kona
family, the transplantation of the batteries is almost painless, in any case at
the level of the trunk, which finally loses only the volume occupied by the
charging cable (29 l). Fortunately, since its 332-l place it in the least
generous category.
The only real concession
is in the rear seats, the floor being raised by about 3 cm because of the
batteries integrated into the platform. Not really penalizing, except for large
sizes.
For the rest, the
environment is similar to what is found on board a conventional Kona. Aside
from the raised central tunnel, freeing up storage space obviously, fewer
layout constraints related to mechanical components. Curiously, the materials
of the dashboard are more rewarding here. In short, Hyundai positions the Kona
EV without saying it as a top of the range confirmed in view of the prices, we
will come back to this.
If it largely takes the DNA of the thermal Kona, the electric
Kona is distinguished by the presence of a full grille and specific rims. Since
the beginning of 2021, the electric Kona has been offered in a restyled
version. The aesthetic changes are minor and are mainly concentrated at the
level of the grille and the optics. Inside, the new version is distinguished
above all by its 100% digital instrumentation and the new software interface of
its on-board computer.
Classified in the compact SUV category, this 5-seater model
extends over 4.2 m in length, 1.57 m in height and 1.80 m in width. Equipped
with a double bottom for storing charging cables, its boot has a loading volume
of 332 litres. Its capacity climbs to 1114 liters once the rear seat is folded
down.
