Hyundai Kona; Bonkers fast!

Not all that long ago, Hyundai was known as a maker of awkwardly styled, bargain-priced family runabouts, but these days, the Korean firm is making quite a splash in the hot hatch realm with its stable of high-performance N cars. The i30N and i20N have established themselves as real contenders in their respective markets, and now, it's the turn of Hyundai's small SUV - the Kona - to receive the N treatment and take on diverse rivals including the Ford Puma ST and Audi SQ2.

It's off to a great start, with the same engine as the i30N, that being a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with a scintillating 276bhp, delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox. Dialling in the standard launch control makes the car capable of 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, while the top speed stands at 149mph. It also has a mechanical limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and all sorts of other performance enhancing gadgetry to help keep all that power going in the right direction. So, does all that trickery equate a poised and polished driving experience? CarGurus UK Deputy Editor Ivan Aistrop finds out, and has a big old laugh doing so...

Kona written review:

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▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introduction to the Kona N
00:57 – The design
01:40 – Practicality
02:14 – The rear space
02:42 – Up in the front
04:03 – What is it like to drive
10:00 – Final thoughts
10:49 – Let us know what you think

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#cargurusuk #hyundaikonan #konan

[stephencharles]

I have recently bought one. I love the performance and handling. I don't find the suspension too hard.

[drumflip]

I’m that particular buyer. Owned several GTI’s, mini jcw, mazdaspeed3, and AMG gla45. The Kona N is now my daily, performance, great road feel, practical and really enjoy driving it! A lot of car for the money.

[guest]

Test drove this and the puma st and purchased a kona. Puma was a very well rounded performance suv but didn't have the excitement factor or dna of the kona n and as a 2nd car wasn't fussed over the puma having a slightly bigger boot. No doubt these two are out on their own in a world of bland group platform suvs..

[paulwardzynski]

Great review, thank you. Accurate generally but it's best to rejoice in its duality. Remeber, the Puma is manual only! I also think it is good value for money as the equipment level is very good with everything standard except metallic paint. It has character, there's no doubt about it!

[crazyforiegner]

Having test drove this and the i30n, the i30n feels more sporty, has a more comfortable ride and even has more room in the back for three passengers. However, the i30n doesn't get all the latest tech such as adaptive cruise, head up display etc. that the Kona N gets.

[pigeonpoo]

I like that they even bothered. 35k gives you a lot of other options. personally, this would be way way down my list, but if you want one, rag it while petrol is still there to turn into noise and fun and never regret the decision.

[philipc]

Modern Korean cars don't need introduction nor any explanations

[gooeykev]

As a previous mark 7.5 GTI owner I can honestly say that I really enjoy the Hyundai Kona N much better in terms of the transmission/ engine output and exhaust note 🎵 what the interior lacks in terms of soft touch materials, it makes up for it in performance.

[rahuljayachandran]

Loved the review.You guys deserve way too more subscribers, absolutely love your content.Keep them coming

Only thing I don't like about my kona n is the horrible juddering when turning in a car park or out my driveway. Also had the same issue with the i30 fastback n.

[rinbine]

Double click the N mode button.
You can access N custom mode.

[adamk]

I have had one on order since Sept 2021 ( Australia), still no idea when I will get it.

[ttinnovations]

was at the California dealer today, they wanted $10K markup to buy one, I looked at them and walked out LOL !!! that is like 33% mark up on a $35K car

[b.b]

What about the 2 individual modes. Or the ventilated seats, or the heated rear seats, or all of the driving assistance systems the car is full of. It doesn't hurt to read the manual prior making a review of a car. Or just checking the other YouTube reviews. 😉

[TheHutchRuns]

Great video, one 'N' car too much perhaps? I'd love an i30N or i20N but would take Puma ST over this any day

[willsmyth]

Honestly not the right person for this review as Rebecca reviewed the i20N and the I30N and she goes in without a preconception of the car then let’s the car do the talking but this guy looks up what a minority has complained about and Emphasises them

[davidwalters]

Good review. I wonder if it is better than a mini countryman jcw?

[davidpollard]

You'd have to drive it to know what it's really like. Sounds like it'd be fun the first time you drive it but living with it day to day would probably see it's appeal diminish.

[shortair]

This guy clearly hated this vehicle lol

[athollmcnicoll]

£35 grand even that will be outside the average road hooligans that speed from City to Shire up my way - plus for the same amount of money others would have us buy Electric cars that seemingly are all the rage or are intended to be once Governments get their fingers out.