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Hyundai Kona N pricing and specifications released

17 September, 2021 / in News

Hyundai New Zealand is excited to announce the impending arrival of the Kona N and release the model’s specifications and pricing.

Kona N is not only the latest addition to Hyundai’s growing high-performance N line-up but is also the first N model with an SUV body style.

The N model also adds to the growing Kona model range too. Since its launch in October 2017, the Kona has been a kiwi favourite. The Kona Electric joined the original petrol model in 2018, followed by the release of the Series II model earlier this year, including a new sportier N Line variant.

“The Kona N not only provides an excellent halo model to the every increasing Kona range but adds to our N range. N models are popular amongst performance car enthusiasts. With the introduction of the Kona N, we anticipate it will attract more new customers to either the Kona range or the N brand,” says Andy Sinclair, Hyundai New Zealand General Manager.

Kona N customers will not be left wanting with the high level of specification in this ‘hot SUV’. This latest addition to the Kona range turns the dial up to 11 on everything. Aggressive exterior styling backed by a bold range of colours, a functional yet sporty interior and most importantly, a powerful 2.0 T-GDI engine.

The Kona N delivers performance that complements its distinctive sporty design. The dynamic driving spirit coherently flows from the engine to the exterior for a sporty look and aerodynamic performance.

The interior conveys an emotional excitement when driving. N specific details such as the steering wheel, performance-blue colour accents, shift knob, sports seats, and metal pedals set the tone.

The new 10-inch infotainment and digital cluster system with digitalised elements provides a driving experience as though playing a game. The new ‘N mode design’ delivers information such as lap time and N track map, while the N buttons can be customised to toggle frequently used drive modes.

With an exclusive racing heads-up-display (HUD) that features four driver-optimised information, you can focus solely on the road.

The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) ensures safe and convenient daily drive at all times. Mainly Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is applied to the N model for the first time.

The Kona N is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged GDI engine with an 8-speed wet DCT. The N DCT offers three exclusive high-performance functions: N Power Shift (NPS), N Grin Shift (NGS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS), all of which maximise exhilarating driving pleasure.

The powertrain delivers maximum power of 206kW, which potentially reaches up to 213kW with the N Grin Shift, and maximum torque of 392 Nm.

The engine offers a flat power that prolongs maximum power at high RPM and enhances acceleration for even more fun, whether on the road or racetrack.

For the Kona N, E-LSD (Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential) does not only provide that corner-carving feeling. It is specifically tuned to give it enough traction so you can drive at ease on any road condition.

With the Kona N, you can take braking to the limit because it‘s equipped with enhanced pre-fill braking logic, making you more confident on the road. The brake pads’ high friction material and bigger front and rear discs help maximise heat endurance.

The Kona N features a comprehensive range of seven colours with two new additions to the range – Sonic Blue and Gravity Gold Matte.

The model will go on sale locally this month, priced from RRP $69,990 incl GST.

Exterior

Styling

Kona N’s wide and confident stance can be attributed to the combination of body-coloured claddings and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Meantime, the rich volume of the B-SUV’s muscular body is emphasised by the body-coloured fenders. This gives Kona N a close-to-the-ground appearance. Thevehicle’s powerful front-on appearance is completed with an exclusive front grille design with dedicated mesh, an integrated N logo, and the aggressive light signature of the Kona. The Hyundai emblem in dark satin grey was lowered on the bonnet, moving the front focal point down. Kona N’s bold and powerful exterior design also features distinctive design elements in N exclusive red accents.

From the side, customers will notice the all-new Kona N’s sporty silhouette. Further design features are indicative of a high-performance Hyundai N model, including Nexclusive forged wheels with a dark grey finish and red callipers, the N logo on the wheel cap, and a dual-colour side sill in red and the body colour with an engraved N logo.

The rear view is dominated by the prominent double-wing roof spoiler. Customers will also notice the N-specific iconic triangular third brake light. The red accent line and two large exhaust mufflers add to the performance spirit of the car.

LED head lights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The front lighting system for the Kona N includes LED headlights and LED daytime running lights for great visibility in all conditions and an aggressive new look. The system includes High Beam Assist (HBA) and auto light control for added convenience.

19” forged alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres
The Kona N shares the same new 19” lightweight forged alloy wheels as the recently launched i30 N Series II. Their dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake callipers with N logo, underlines the racing spirit of the car. The Kona N has also been outfitted with high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres, developed specifically for the N range.

Rear spoiler with triangular high mounted stop light
Complementing the aggressive styling of the rear bumper is the proud N exclusive rear spoiler finished in gloss black. As an added bit of homage to the original i30 N and the N brands motorsport roots, there is also a distinctive triangle shaped LED rear high mounted stoplight.

Colour Range

The Kona N features a comprehensive range of colours providing a variety of choices for customers. In addition to some of the more standard colours, a couple of new colours have been added.

There is no imagery of Gravity Gold Matte available but this is the same colour as the IONIQ 5.

Black one-tone interior remains the sole interior colour option. This is complemented by the performance blue interior stitching which provides a distinctive contrast to the black interior.

INTERIOR

Black leather and suede interior

For an added touch of luxury and sportiness, the Kona N enjoys a premium leather and suede finished interior, which extends to the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake lever. This is complemented with heated front seats and steering wheel for additional comfort.

Power front seats

The Kona N features power front seats with multi-way adjustment. This includes 8-way operation with lumber and height adjustment. Both front seats have the same level of adjustment.

10.25” touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoThe Kona N features the latest intuitive and advanced 10.25” satellite navigation multimedia system like what has been seen in the regular Kona models. This system also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for fully integrated smartphone functionality. The system also incorporates the ‘N’ menu system allowing the driver to adjust various characteristics of the vehicle ensuring the find the perfect balance for their driving style.

This is paired with a proficient Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio system incorporating an external amplifier and boot mounted subwoofer.

Smart proximity key with push button start

The Kona N is equipped with a Smart Proximity Key system allowing easy access, push button engine start, and engine stop capability. Combined with this is the N branded proximity key providing a point of difference should you happen to conversing with owners of regular Kona’s.

USB input and wireless phone charging

The Kona N includes a front USB for connectivity and charging smartphones. Also included is the inclusion of a wireless charging system for convenient charging of compatible smartphones.

Climate air-conditioning system

The Kona N features a powerful air-conditioning system able to cope with any weather New Zealand throws at it. The system also includes an auto-defog function which detects moisture on the inside of the windscreen and automatically adjust the air-conditioning mode to the clear the condensation.

Heated front seats and steering wheel
The Kona N includes heated front seating surfaces for excellent comfort in colder weather conditions. The heating system includes three different levels so you can find your perfect setting and also includes a heated steering wheel for added luxury.

Ventilated front seats

The Kona N isn’t just a performance SUV. It’s got more than a few touches of luxury too, including 3-stage ventilated front seats ensuring maximum occupant comfort during the hotter months of the year.

10.25” Multifunction TFT Driver Display

The fully digital 10.25” TFT driver display is a masterpiece in design and functionality. Not only is all your driving data provided within the crystal clear high resolution display, there is also fair degree of customisation available to the user. This includes separate themes depending on which drive mode is selected.

Heads-Up Display (HUD)

The large 8” HUD in the Kona N allows for important driver, navigation and safety information to be projected directly in the drivers eye line of sight. Compared to the regular Kona models, there is an additional ‘N’ display style which adds a performance focus with an rpm display. If the HUD is not required by the driver it can be lowered out of sight by a simple press of a button.

Mechanical Technology

2.0L Turbo GDi ‘Theta II’ petrol engine with 206 kW (213kW on overboost) of power

The 206 kW engine offers flat power, which ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the track. Flat power provides more torque and power at lower RPMs, thus utilising more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations. The Kona N keeps maximum torque between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM, and achieves maximum power at 5,500 RPM. This improves acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range and delivers a consistently high performance even in a variety of ambient conditions.

Note: like other turbo petrol models in the Hyundai range the Kona N requires servicing every 10,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first). The Kona N also requires 95+ octane fuel.

8-speed DCT transmission with paddle shifters and N Grin Shift (NGS)

The new N DCT eight-speed dual clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features, making the Kona N even more fun to drive. N DCT is a wet type transmission, meaning that oil is used to cool the clutch components, which creates less friction and allows a higher amount of torque to be transferred through the gearbox.

The new transmission has been designed to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Drivers can choose to enter manual mode and shift gears either by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the gear stick. The paddle shifters allow the driver to shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel for an even sportier experience. If the driver decides to use the gear lever instead, the gear lever comes with sporty shifting logic: to downshift, push forward, and to upshift, pull back.

The N DCT enables three new N performance functions for even more driving fun: N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift.

1. N Grin Shift (NGS) releases maximum power of the engine and transmission for 20 seconds – performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function.
2. N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances fun to drive by giving a “push feel” when upshifting.
3. Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognises when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving, for example on a racetrack, and activates automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it provides optimal performance, just like a professional race car driver.

N Drive mode system

As with the i30 N Series II, the N Grin Control System gives customers the choice between five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. The driving modes adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), N Corner Carving Differential (Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential), exhaust sound, steering, and transmission to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions.

In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for each of these components to match driving preferences and road conditions.

Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS)

By controlling the damping force, ride and handling and stability are both enhanced. Depending on the driving conditions, from daily trips to circuit driving, the vehicle’s performance can be adjusted. The use of a solenoid valve guarantees a precise and immediate damping force control. It allows the driver to influence the stiffness of the suspension with the push of a button.

N Corner Carving Differential (LSD)

The strong cornering ability of the Kona N is achieved by different new performance features, such as the N Corner Carving Differential (Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential). This allows driven wheels to turn at different speeds by applying different amounts of torque depending on the load transfer from the inner to the outer front axle wheel. Wheel slip in specific conditions is reduced and understeering on cornering minimised. The N Corner Carving Differential increases the maximum cornering speed and the fun to drive through corners from turning to early wind corner acceleration.

Variable Exhaust Valve System

Your local noise patrol is going to love the Kona N. Depending on the drive mode, the driver can select different exhaust sounds and thus manage to actively control the exhaust valve. The sound differs with the size of the valve opening. The twin-outlet active exhaust has several settings, allowing the car to increase the amount of exhaust sound from normal to decidedly powerful.

Safety

SmartSense safety technology

Like the rest of the Hyundai range the Kona N includes a comprehensive suite of SmartSense safety features as standard equipment. The features include some of our latest technology including the rear passenger focused Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) ensuring the Kona N can double-down as family transportation as well as being a ‘corner-carver’.

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with car and pedestrian detection
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance (BCA)
• Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Parking Sensors and Reversing Camera

For ease in parking manoeuvres the Kona N equipped with a comprehensive array of technology. Included is a reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors. The reversing camera projection is displayed within the 10.25” touchscreen system and includes dynamic guidelines accurate manoeuvring.

Technical Specifications

Dimension (mm): 4,215 (l) x 1,800 (w) x 1,565 (h)
Wheelbase (mm): 2,600
Engine: 2.0 litre T-GDi with flat power tune
Transmission: 8-speed wet-type DCT (N DCT)
Weight (kg): 1,510
Power (kW): 206 (213 with N Grin Shift)
Torque (Nm): 392
Top speed (km/h): 240
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.5

Pricing

Engine: 2.0 Turbo
Transmission: 8 speed DCT
Kona N: $69,990

Note: All prices are Recommended Retail Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.

Disclaimer: Hyundai New Zealand believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.

Kona N Key Specifications

N-exclusive performance features

• 2.0 Turbo engine
• Active variable exhaust
• Electronic Controlled Suspension
• Electro-mechanical LSD
• N Drive Mode System
• N Performance Driving Data Sys.
• Performance brake package
• Rev matching function

N-exclusive exterior styling

• 19” forged alloy wheels
• Pirelli P Zero HN tyres
• Full body kit
• Rear spoiler

N-exclusive interior styling

• Alloy sports pedals
• Sports front bucket seats
• Leather appointed steering wheel
• Electro-chromatic Mirror
• Head-Up Display

SmartSense advanced safety

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• High Beam Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic
• Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Safe Exit Warning
• Smart Cruise Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Parking Distance Warning – Front and Reverse
• Rear View Monitor
• 10.25” Supervision cluster
• Smart key with push button start
• Suede/leather appointed interior
• Power driver and front passenger seats
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• LED headlights and front indicators
• LED side repeaters in mirrors
• LED tail lights
• 10.25” satellite navigation system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Harman Kardon 8-speaker premium audio
• Wireless charging pad (Qi)
• Climate control – single zone
• Power folding exterior mirrors
• Rain sensing wipers
• Auto light control
• Rear privacy glass
• Acoustic laminated windshield
• Temporary space saver spare wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Ambient lighting

Future N models

By the end of 2021, the Hyundai N range expands to three models in New Zealand with i30 N, Kona N and i20 N. Pricing and specifications for the i20 N will be released closer to local launch.