Hyundai Kona N 2021 UK first drive

Given the growth of the Hyundai Kona line-up to span multiple powertrains ranging from mild hybrid to full electric and the simultaneous expansion of the firm’s N performance division, it was perhaps inevitable the two would metaphorically cross over into this Kona N.

While high-riding hot crossovers might not please purists, they certainly make sense from both an economic and philosophical standpoint, given the increasing popularity of SUVs. And with the likes of the Ford Puma ST and Volkswagen T-Roc R on the market, why shouldn’t Hyundai get in on the act?

To Hyundai’s credit, it hasn’t used the inherent contradictions of a performance SUV as an excuse to not take the Kona N seriously. Alex Eichler, Hyundai’s executive expert for performance vehicle testing, said that the goal was to imbue the Kona N with “performance as close to the i30 N as possible”.

That aim is clearly felt when driving the Kona N - which is both a positive and a negative.

The Kona N is easy to distinguish from its mild-mannered siblings through a host of bespoke N design features, including a bespoke mesh grille, 19in wheels (wrapped in bespoke Pirelli tyres), a rear spoiler and large twin exhaust pipes. It’s something like an automotive honey badger: it’s all very cute, but with a hint of the aggressiveness that lurks under the surface.

And it can be aggressive. While the body is classic Kona, the underpinnings have far more in common with the i30 N. It’s not a straight swap, of course, with a series of modifications to account for the Kona being both 120mm shorter and 118mm taller than the hatch. So there’s extra welding to boost stiffness (particularly vital to compensate for that extra ride height), retuned electronically controlled suspension, extra powertrain mounts and more responsive rack-mounted power steering. 

The Kona N also gets the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the i30 N that produces 276bhp, sent entirely to the front wheels - because in ethos this remains more hot hatch than SUV (although there are some off-road driving modes, should you get the urge). For now, the only gearbox offered is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, which probably speaks to the different target market for hot crossovers and hatches. Next to the auto selector on the centre console you’ll also find a handbrake, should you fancy doing some sharp turns on the school run.

The interior of the Kona N is a similar blend of practicality and perceived performance. You get that slightly elevated seating position, a spacious rear, a decent boot, good all-round visibility, a well-laid-out, relatively plush dashboard that mixes physical controls with a touchscreen, a head-up display (the first in an N model) and a clear digital instrument display.