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Hyundai’s first N Performance SUV is now on sale in Australia.
The2022 Hyundai Kona Nis priced from $48,000 before on-road costs in base guise and $51,000 before on-roads for the range-topping Premium.
No manual is offered Down Under – the Kona N is dual-clutch only.
UPDATE, 17/05/2022 – Hyundai Australia has increased the before on-road asking pricing of the Kona N by $500 as part of a wider N range price increase.
“The recent Hyundai vehicle pricing increases can be attributed to a rise in transport and manufacturing costs,” said a Hyundai Australia spokesperson.
The Kona N range now starts at $48,000 before on-road costs.
It’s available exclusively with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque, mated to Hyundai’s new eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the updated i30 N hatchback when equipped with a manual transmission.
Kerb weight is 1510kg, compared to 1395-1504kg for the Kona N Line.
Pressing the N Grin Shift button adds an extra 7kW of power for 20 seconds, and you can then use the feature again after 40 seconds.
Other features include launch control, a variable exhaust, and an electronic limited-slip differential to control torque distribution to the front wheels.
Hyundai calls the Kona N’s drive mode selector its N Grin Control System. It allows you to choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom modes, which adjust the engine, stability control, steering and exhaust sound.
There have been various enhancements made to the Kona’s structure in its transformation to an N model, including a reinforced and more rigid structure and extra welding points.
It rides on 19-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, behind which sit larger, high-performance brakes.
The Kona N’s exterior otherwise bears a close resemblance to that of the Kona N Line, with its body-coloured fenders, wide front air intake and the three slots above the grille.
Inside, there are accents finished in the N-signature Performance Blue, plus two configurable N buttons on the steering wheel to which functions like the lap timer or drive mode selector can be assigned.
There’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster which Hyundai says adds a “game-like” dimension when you’re driving in N or Sport modes, and can also display your lap time and track maps.
Interestingly, the Kona N’s $48,000 starting price is identical to the i30 N hatchback optioned with the eight-speed DCT. The hatch does, however, offer a cheaper base manual option from $45,000.
Prices exclude on-road costs.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque, mated to Hyundai’s new eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.
The Kona N is front-wheel drive.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N uses 9.0L/100km on the combined cycle. It requires 95RON premium unleaded fuel and has a 50L fuel tank.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N measures 4215mm long, 1800mm wide and 1550mm tall (1565mm including the roof rails) and rides a 2600mm wheelbase.
It has 361L of boot space, expanding to 1143L with the rear seats folded. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, and the first five services are capped at $335 each.
While the Kona N hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, the regular Hyundai Kona has a five-star rating based on testing conducted in 2017.
That rating was based on a frontal offset score of 14.07 out of 16 and a side impact score of 16 out of 16. Whiplash and pedestrian protection were rated Good and Acceptable, respectively.
Standard safety equipment includes:
The Kona N includes:
Moving to the Kona N Premium brings:
The following finishes are available:
Would you choose the Kona N over the i30 N? Let us know in the comments!
MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona
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Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.
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