Hyundai has revealed the next step of the expansion of its N performance brand: the 2021 Hyundai Kona N. Featuring the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as the i30 N, the Kona N is capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.5 seconds. Due for Australian sales within the next six months, the Kona N is the first in the expanding of the N lineup of up to 18 models before the end of 2022.

“KONA N is a true hot SUV with the performance level of a hot hatch. It breaks the rule that SUVs are less fun to drive. As an N model, it goes beyond the limits of an ordinary SUV,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group. 

“KONA N can carve corners on the racetrack and bring excitement to everyday driving.”

Based on the Kona small SUV, the 2021 Hyundai Kona N adds a number of sporty touches, including the i30 N’s 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s capable of a 20-second boost to 213kW through the car’s ‘N Grin Shift’ mode. That makes it capable of a 5.5-second 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 240km/h.

Standard on the 2021 Hyundai Kona N will be a new wet clutch eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that features paddle shifters – unlike the i30 N, no manual option will be available unfortunately.

Also standard on the Kona N will be Hyundai’s ‘N Corner Carving Differential’, which is an electronic limited-slip differential, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and special Pirelli P Zero tyres. The Kona N also has launch control, a variable exhaust system and five different driving modes: eco, normal, sport, N and custom – the latter of which allows drivers to customise several parameters about the car. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona N’s exterior doesn’t feature too many changes over the Kona N-Line – there’s a more aggressive body kit, as well as 19-inch wheels, larger dual exhaust pipes and black styling details such as the mirror caps and roof rails. 

Hyundai also added extra welding points, an improved strut ring structure and a reinforced skeleton to minimise the car’s bodyroll. Based on the otherwise top-spec Kona N-Line, the Kona N is front-wheel drive – not all-wheel drive, unlike the Kona N-Line, which was done on purpose to enhance the car’s dynamics, according to Biermann. 

On the inside of the 2021 Hyundai Kona N is a number of sporty details including sports seats in leather and alcantara upholstery, a new 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a digital cluster that features ‘game-line’ graphics to further enhance the car’s driving experience. 

The Kona N will feature the full Hyundai active safety suite, including AEB, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, driver attention monitoring, auto high beam, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, safe exit alert and adaptive cruise control. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona N is due in Australia in the third quarter of 2021 with local pricing expected to start from around $50,000. The Kona N features no direct rivals in Australia thus far. 

Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for more news regarding the 2021 Hyundai Kona N. 

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