[RahulNagaraj]

Hyundai has announced that the Kona N SUV will be unveiled on April 27, 2021. The unveiling will be part of the company’s first-ever ‘Hyundai N Day’ – a digital showcase for its N brand models.



Once unveiled, the new Kona will become the brand’s first-ever SUV to be part of the high-performance N line-up.



The Kona N SUV features a larger front grille with the 'N' logo, redesigned set of split LED headlamps, triangular tail lights, larger dual exhaust pipes and a diffuser on the rear bumper. The SUV also features red accents all over.



Hyundai is yet to reveal the car's engine and transmission options.



The Hyundai Kona N will be unveiled by Albert Biemann, President and Head of R&D, Hyundai Motor Group. Also present will be Thomas Schemera, Executive VP & Head of Customer Experience, Hyundai Motor Group, who will further explain the future of the high-performance N brand.

Link to Team-BHP news

[ZenMaster]

Who is doing the Market Research on these things. I don't think anybody was asking for a performance version of the Kona Cross-over, unless Hyundai is planning to enter it in some competition and these are some sort of Homologation units. It was already a love it or hate it kind of design. They are just going to make it look more absurd.

[dhruv.bansal]

Coming from Hyundai, which has tried to capture the right consumer behavior in India with its products and making Maruti sweat, certain moves continue to surprise me.

They must work on increasing driving range, making Electric cars more affordable, etc.

This move only makes sense if they plan to keep themselves on the top of the consideration set thanks to Tesla's announcement and Hyundai having no major plans for India on a better Electric Cars lineup.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by ZenMaster

Who is doing the Market Research on these things. I don't think anybody was asking for a performance version of the Kona Cross-over, unless Hyundai is planning to enter it in some competition and these are some sort of Homologation units. It was already a love it or hate it kind of design. They are just going to make it look more absurd.

This is international news, not India specific. And there is no doubt that performance is what made EVs cool! Looks like Hyundai wants some of that action now.

Kia recently showcased their EV6 against established petrol powered supercars. Sister brand Hyundai will be planning something similar - to kickstart the 'N' EV image.

https://youtu.be/fyY8syKntRI

[ZenMaster]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

This is international news, not India specific. And there is no doubt that performance is what made EVs cool! Looks like Hyundai wants some of that action now.

Kia recently showcased their EV6 against established petrol powered supercars. Sister brand Hyundai will be planning something similar - to kickstart the 'N' EV image.

I understand how performance (esp. instant torque and super acceleration) transformed the EV category image from boring to awesome supercar beating machines for the masses.

But the Kona N is not an EV! Its an ICE car.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2022-h...ission-434450/

I guess company's like Hyundai won't release models like these without a proper business case (unless as I said they are planning to enter this in some competition).

Its just that the combo is weird. They are trying to make a hot cross-over. maybe to capture the buyers who doesn't have enough Vitamin M for all the Super-SUVs rolling around?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by ZenMaster

But the Kona N is not an EV! Its an ICE car.

Yikes! My bad.

Guess I read too much between the lines of our Kona EV and the recent Kia GT6 unveil.

Originally Posted by ZenMaster

They are trying to make a hot cross-over. maybe to capture the buyers who doesn't have enough Vitamin M for all the Super-SUVs rolling around?

Crossovers and SUVs = sales.

That's the mantra worldwide and once again, everyone wants in! Even Ford slapped their famous ST badged on a Puma crossover recently.

[Venkatesh]

2021 Hyundai Kona N officially revealed

The Kona crossover has become the fifth Hyundai to gain an N-badged performance variant, after the i20, i30, i30 Fastback and Veloster hatchbacks



New Kona N has set to become the first N crossover, the model promises to provide a “winning combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack readiness.”



Powered by a a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 276 hp and 392 Nm. However, this can temporarily be increased to 286 hp by using the N Grin Shift function.

The engine is paired to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, which features a wet design as well as numerous modifications for high-performance use.

Sticking with the performance theme, the Kona N has N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift functions.
N Grin Shift maximizes engine and transmission performance for 20 seconds.
N Power Shift activates during rapid acceleration and maximizes torque during upshifts.
N Track Sense Shift optimizes gear changes and shift timing for sporty driving.

Kona N can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds when using Launch Control. Top speed is claimed to be 240 km/h.



Coming to the interior upgrades, drivers will find an N-specific sport steering wheel and a head-up display that adds a “game-like dimension to every driving experience under N or Sport drive modes.” They’re joined by a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system with track maps and a lap timer.



On the safety front, there’s an array of driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control. Other features include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Alert and Safe Exit Warning.



World Premiere

https://youtu.be/4vIf5id6QXY

Source

[hemanth.anand]

Performance aside, What an ugly looking overdone design!! Beats Altroz to the top in my list. Why can't designers keep the cars simple! Especially the rear is so busy! And if this comes to India, i can't imagine how much more ugly it'll become with dollops of Chrome added (by owners if not the company themselves)!!

[veedub89]

Never ever thought I would say this, but this Hyundai SUV looks freaking great!

In fact, the entire N range (actual N, not the ricer N-line) looks pretty darn good.
Hyundai should seriously get these cars to India as a halo range. Appeal to the petrolhead buyer even if it is not a mass market proposition.