Hyundai i20N and Kona N due in Australia in 2021

Australians are about to be treated to two all-new performance cars in 2021 that are hellishly fast and won’t break the bank.

Hyundai is experiencing a baby performance-car boom.

The South Korean brand is tripling its N performance range with the addition of the pint-size i20 N hot hatch and Kona N small SUV. These are joining the popular i30N hot hatch, which was named News Corp Australia’s 2018 Car of the Year.

The Kona N is the first to arrive, due in the coming months, with prices starting from $47,500 (plus on-roads).

Hyundai is preparing to launch its new i20N later this year.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making an impressive 206kW and 392Nm paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.

This combo enables the Kona N to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 240km/h.

The Kona N benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheel wrapped in grippy Pirelli P Zero tyres with big high-performance brakes.

The Kona N is the brand’s first performance SUV.

Drivers keen on heading to the track will enjoy the N Performance driving data tracking technology.

There are multiple driving modes that alter the car’s character for comfort around town or for sharper driving for the twisty stuff.

It uses the same engine as the popular i30N.

Hyundai has loaded he Kona N up with plenty of safety and luxury kit, too. A big 10.25-inch digital instrument display and an equally sized central touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Leather appointed seats, an eight speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo and wireless charging pad add to the experience.

There is plenty of standard kit included.

Buyers wanting a head-up display, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and heated and ventilated front seats need to go for the Kona N Premium, which is priced from $50,500.

Joining the Kona N towards the end of the year is the little i20N hatchback, which will compete against the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit making 150kW and 275Nm. It is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission only, which will excite driving enthusiasts.

The i20N is manual only.

The i20N can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230km/h. It weighs a lean 1213kg.

Prices start at $32,490 (before on-road costs) and it comes with plenty of track focused goodies.

A mechanical limited-slip differential and Pirelli P Zero tyres will give the pint-sized hatch excellent grip through corners.

Lightweight and a feisty turbo engine make the i20N an enticing package.

A rev matching function makes for smooth gear changes and launch control boosts performance off the line.

The i20N looks the part with a body kit, rear spoiler and flashy 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside there are alloy sports pedals, front bucket seats, a leather-appointed steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a big centre screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dual screens add some wow factor to the new N cars.

Extra tech features are a seven-speaker Bose stereo and a wireless device charging pad.

All models come with a high amount of standard safety equipment including auto emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Originally published as Hyundai i20N and Kona N due in Australia in 2021