2022 Hyundai Kona N review

The newest arrival from Hyundai is unlike anything else on the road today, and it is sure to win over lots of fans in Australia.

2022 Hyundai Kona N.

Hyundai’s rapidly expanding N performance brand has produced another winner after it applied its go-fast craft to the brand’s small SUV.

Here are five things you need to know about the Hyundai Kona N.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT

You can get the Hyundai Kona N in two grades: standard and Premium (tested here) priced at about $52,000 and $55,000 drive-away respectively.

If you want a reasonably priced small performance SUV, this is about your only choice – for now.

The Kona N has no rivals.

Audi and Mercedes-Benz do scorching versions of their small SUVs but you’ll be paying north of $100,000 for the privilege.

Volkswagen is set to bring its T-Roc R to Australia midway through this year, but until then the Hyundai is the only option for fast, affordable high-riders.

IT’S A FIRECRACKER

At its centre is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit borrowed from the i30 N, making 206kW and 392Nm.

This is matched to a eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that is one of the best units in the game.

Power is delivered to the front wheels via a limited-slip differential.

There are multiple driving modes including ’Sport’ that alter the vehicles throttle response, suspension firmness and the exhaust note.

Sharp steering provides ample feedback to the driver.

The firm suspension gives the Kona N bend hugging poise, with super sharp steering providing ample feedback. All this combines for an engaging drive be it to the shops or on a twisting country road.

Track day fans will appreciate the Custom mode that allows drivers to turn the stability control completely off.

LOOKS TO MATCH ITS BITE

Style is part of the Kona N’s appeal. Hyundai dialled up the Kona’s appearance to make sure everyone knows this SUV has some bite.

Specific N front bumper and front lip spoilers are paired with an N rear bumper with red and black painted inserts. Chrome dual exhaust tips and gloss black rear spoiler add some theatrics.

The look is completed with N badges on the rear and side skirts with the N logo and black and red touches.

Inside you score firm, but supportive, sport seats wrapped in faux leather and suede upholstery. Alloy sport pedals and paddle shifters add to the appeal.

The interior has plenty of tech features.

IT’S EASY TO LIVE WITH

The ease with which the Kona N goes about its daily business is one of its strong points. You’ll feel more bumps and road imperfections than a regular SUV, but it is much more comfortable than many hot hatches.

In ‘Normal’ drive mode it burbles along in traffic with only occasional exhaust bursts to give you any indication of its feisty nature.

The quick shifting auto will work to keep the engine in its sweet spot allowing for comfortable highway cruising and there are minimal jerky gear shifts in stop-start traffic.

Inside there is a big 10.25 inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is paired with a digital dash and a head-up display.

The Premium version comes with heated and ventilated seats plus an eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

The Kona N is an amazingly fun little hot SUV.

NO MATCH FOR THE HATCH

The Kona N looks like an overgrown hot hatch, but there are areas where it falls behind the i30 N hatch.

A higher seating position will win over some fans, but in sitting a bit higher you lose some of the driving engagement of the lower-slung hatch.

Despite SUVs being thought of as more practical, the Kona N has a smaller boot than the hatchback (381L v 361L).

The Kona N feels a little less theatrical than the i30 N, its exhaust doesn’t pop and crackle quite as much and it doesn’t feel quite as special to drive. It also loses the 0-100km/h sprint.

But if you prefer to sit higher then there isn’t much wrong with the Kona N.

Originally published as 2022 Hyundai Kona N review