I’m critical. This bizarre little SUV is likely one of the finest autos I’ve ever pushed, taking every part good in regards to the Veloster N and making use of it to an general nicer bundle. It shares its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with Hyundai’s different N automobiles, placing out 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. That’s a rise of 29 lb-ft, and the Kona’s peak torque comes on somewhat later. Hyundai’s eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is the one choice for the Kona N, which is okay by me because the Veloster N’s customary six-speed handbook kinda sucks. The DCT is easy in operation however fires off fast, satisfying shifts.Around city, the Kona N is an absolute blast. The noise from its large twin exhaust ideas is somewhat quieter than the Veloster’s, producing fewer pops and bangs on overrun, however the Kona N is delinquent in its sportiest drive modes. You can hear the turbocharger higher than within the Veloster, too. Despite technically being an SUV the Kona N is not provided with all-wheel drive, and actually that may make the automobile heavier and worse. With launch management engaged Hyundai says the Kona N will hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is totally absurd: That’s as fast as a base Porsche Taycan. Even with launch management engaged the Kona N hilariously scrambles for traction, however an digital limited-slip differential helps distribute torque between the entrance wheels to maximise grip.I barely bothered to check out the Kona’s Eco or Normal drive modes, opting to have the powertrain in its most aggressive setting just about on a regular basis for max hilarity. Though I’ll observe that, in a single freeway stint in Eco, I crested 31 mpg, besting the Environmental Protection Agency’s freeway score by 4 mpg.Its 19-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero summer time tires are customary fitment, and the Kona N’s 235/40-size rubber has barely extra sidewall than the Veloster’s 235/35 tires. The Kona N’s journey is stiff as hell even with the adaptive dampers within the softest setting, and its shorter wheelbase makes it somewhat extra unsettled over unhealthy surfaces than the Veloster, however it’s not unbearably tough. The 14.2-inch entrance and 12.4-inch rear brakes are 2.2 and 1.2 inches bigger than a standard Kona’s, respectively, and the N additionally has ventilated rear discs. After an hour of exhausting driving there is not any fade or squeaking from the brakes, and it is received a bodily hand brake, a rarity as of late and very important for those who get pleasure from drifting your scorching hatchbacks round parking heaps.
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Love that rear spoiler. Daniel Golson/CNETEven when cornering frivolously the Kona N will kick its inside rear tire into the air like a pet peeing on a tree, and it is liable to controllable lift-off oversteer. There’s a little bit of preliminary understeer and loads of torque steer below acceleration, and the Kona has extra physique roll and dive below braking than the Veloster. That would not usually be a optimistic, however it all provides to the Kona’s enhanced sense of pleasure and driver involvement. Instead of going after good dynamics, the Kona N is all about being in tune with what the automobile is doing, with the extra distinguished physique movement including to the expertise. It’s the identical cause we love the Mazda Miata a lot.The Kona N’s digital energy steering is phenomenal, heavy and direct with sharp turn-in and just about no useless zone, delivering much better suggestions than any new BMW M automobile. (Ex-BMW M boss Albert Biermann’s affect as the pinnacle of Hyundai’s R&D division is straight away obvious.) It helps that the perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel is nice, with a thick rim, metallic shift paddles, two giant drive mode buttons and a satisfying purple button for the N Grin Shift operate, which is basically an overboost mode.
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The Kona’s inside is nicer than the Veloster’s, and extra sensible too. Daniel Golson/CNETWhile it is clearly primarily based on an inexpensive automobile, with numerous exhausting plastics all through, the Kona N’s inside is nicer than the Veloster’s. The Kona N has a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster with configurable efficiency pages and superior graphics, whereas the Veloster makes do with bodily gauges which have a tiny 4.2-inch show within the middle. The Kona’s 10.3-inch middle touchscreen is significantly better than the Veloster’s 8-inch display screen, too, and makes use of Hyundai’s newest infotainment system, which additionally has cool efficiency information pages which can be easier than the Veloster’s. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM are all customary, and the Kona N’s eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is superior.Hyundai fitted the Kona N with properly bolstered, suede-trimmed bucket seats that sadly lack the illuminated N emblem, however in contrast to the Veloster, the Kona’s driver’s chair is energy adjustable. The extra upright driving place will not be for everybody, however I feel it provides to the visceral enjoyment and jogs my memory of the plucky Fiat 500 Abarth. The Kona is extra sensible than the Veloster, too: Rear-seat passengers have extra headroom, legroom and shoulder room. With the rear seats folded the Kona has extra hauling area than the Veloster, and the form of its cargo space is extra usable.
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These are the right settings. Daniel Golson/CNETOne oddity is that the Kona N does not include adaptive cruise management, and it is not an choice regardless of its availability on different Konas — blame the N’s giant, open entrance grilles. The Kona N additionally does not get parking sensors or a 360-degree digital camera system, which is a disgrace. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping and lane-centering help, automated excessive beams, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert and a rear occupant alert are all included. You additionally get heated entrance seats, a wi-fi system charger, automated local weather management, auto up/down entrance home windows, keyless entry and pushbutton begin.Like Hyundai’s different N automobiles, the Kona N is available in only a single configuration with out choices or trim packages. There are solely 4 accessible colours, with my take a look at automobile’s Sonic Blue being probably the most fascinating. Including a $1,245 vacation spot cost the Kona N prices $35,445, solely $400 greater than an automated Veloster N. The Kona N can also be $2,020 cheaper than an automated, mid-range Volkswagen GTI, which is not as effectively geared up and is not practically as thrilling to drive. Best of all, Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile guarantee is not voided by monitor use. Hell yeah.The Hyundai Kona N is foolish and ridiculous. It does not make sense on paper, but it is by some means sensible and justifiable. It transcends what you anticipate from it, making each journey an entertaining and thrilling one. I’ve had extra enjoyable on this front-wheel-drive crossover than any sports activities automobile or supercar I’ve had the pleasure of driving, with even grocery runs sending me right into a match of giggles. The Kona N is, in a phrase, elegant.
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Every drive is spectacular when you might have a Kona N. Daniel Golson/CNET