Hyundai Kona N spied testing
Don't order that T-Roc R just yet - Hyundai's N division thinks it can go one better
The brand-new VW T-Roc R's reign as best new hot crossover might soon be under threat from the Hyundai's upcoming Kona N, which is expected to repackage all the i30 N's most desirable ingredients when it launches in 2020. Spy shots of an undisguised car testing on the Nurburgring suggest the Kona's public unveiling isn't too far away, which is handy given the recent appearance of the like-minded Audi SQ2 and Cupra Ateca.
Given the Kona's mechanical similarity to the i30 - it's built on the same platform - it's almost certain the new model will share the hatchback's 2.0-litre T-GDI, likely with the same 250hp and 275hp outputs (assuming it doesn't jettison one option in the UK). Hyundai isn't expected to boost the output of the i30 N at its next update, so it's unlikely the Kona will enjoy a power advantage over its closest rivals. It will, however, add its DCT auto to the list of options so there's a good chance a two-pedal model will be offered to Kona N buyers from the off.
Either way, the character of Hyundai's i30 N hatch and Fastback suggest this could be the most vigorous offering yet in an increasingly busy segment. There's certainly room for it, with even the popping and crackling T-Roc R still very grown-up (and admittedly really rather good). Albert Biermann's machine would only need to repeat what the i30 N does with a closed throttle on turn in to carve itself a USP. Although we'd be surprised if the Kona's N adaptive drive modes were as firm as the i30's because, well, that would seem a bit OTT for a crossover.
As far as design changes go, the Kona N illustrates its status change with thicker arches, bigger wheels and a twin-exit exhaust system. The latter might even make the same entertaining noises as the hatch, but the tips of the spied car are smaller than the facelift i30 N we saw the other day, so we suspect the Kona N might be a little quieter. Makes sense, of course, although we're still hopeful that this will be the black sheep of in an otherwise bland herd. Over to you, Albert.
Search for a Hyundai i30 N here
If you combined the front of this car, with the rear of the new BMW 2 series, you would have a car that could scare all other road users out of the way!!
I would imagine it's a fair way from what the N would look like?
There doesn't seem to even be a Kona N-Line so far, so I suspect we'll see a few more N-styling features in the production version of the full-on N model.
I don't see the point in this BUT it will be interesting to see the DCT box.
Sadly a lot of badge snobbery happens with the likes of the I30N and I was also party to this until I drove one & I now own one. It does everything I want or need. Yes something's are cheap and you can see where money was saved but so far so good.
Not a car I would even consider if I were in the market unfortunately. Too much other competition about.
Hot hatch won't disappear because of it either.
Not a car I would even consider if I were in the market unfortunately. Too much other competition about.
Perhaps rather than dismissing it off-hand, you should give one a try when you are in the market, or even if you're not. I drove one and was very impressed with it.
I don't see the point in this BUT it will be interesting to see the DCT box.
Sadly a lot of badge snobbery happens with the likes of the I30N and I was also party to this until I drove one & I now own one. It does everything I want or need. Yes something's are cheap and you can see where money was saved but so far so good.
If you combined the front of this car, with the rear of the new BMW 2 series, you would have a car that could scare all other road users out of the way!!
Be interesting to see how it performs though.
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