New 2021 Hyundai Kona N officially unveiled with 276 horsepower Car News

The Kona crossover became the fifth Hyundai to get a performance variant with an N badge, following the i20, i30, i30 Fastback and Veloster sedans – and comes as the company announces a plan to expand its N and N-Line lineup to 18 by the end of 2022.

While the i20 N takes on the Ford Fiesta ST in the hot supermini segment, the Kona N targets the closely related Ford Puma ST performance crossover, which previously had no direct rivals.

However, the Kona N has more in common with the i30 N than the hot new i20, bringing a series of ‘motorsport inspired’ features aimed at improving performance and enhancing the driving experience.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline sends 276 hp and 289 lb-ft (roughly comparable numbers to the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport) to the front axle via the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from Hyundai, the N DCT, which promises “better acceleration and faster upshifting.”

This gearbox offers three “high performance” modes that Hyundai says “will definitely bring a smile to the driver”. The first, N Power Shift, is engaged when the throttle input exceeds 90%. It works to mitigate any loss of torque during upshifts to provide a smoother acceleration curve, accompanied by backfire from the exhaust.

N Grin Shift delivers a 20 second burst of peak performance by instantly shifting to ‘most suitable speed’. According to Hyundai, this mode (which can only be used every 40 seconds) will be particularly useful on the track and will help on the road to merge and overtake. The final mode, N Track Sense Shift, is geared towards circuit driving, optimizing gear changes based on driver behavior for fast lap times.

In terms of straight-line performance, the 1,510kg Kona N can crack from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds when its launch control is engaged and hit 149mph.

Hyundai also claims its overall performance is “no compromise,” given that it wears bespoke Pirelli P Zero performance tires wrapped around 19-inch lightweight forged alloys, features significantly improved brakes up front and down. the rear and benefits from additional reinforcements for better stability in turns.

Of particular note is the addition of an electronically controlled limited slip differential (eLSD), which Hyundai calls the N Corner Carving Differential. By reducing understeer and wheel spin, it allows the driver to take turns at higher speeds.

Electric power steering is tuned for precision, steering and feedback, while the electronically adjustable suspension can be boosted at the push of a button.

The Kona N differs from the standard Konas primarily with its prominent aerodynamic package, color-coded bumpers and wide-track wheels. It’s available in an exclusive shade of Sonic Blue inspired by the Performance Blue brand of the N sub-brand, itself used for accents throughout the interior.