Hyundai Kona N priced to match i30 N

The new 2021 Hyundai Kona N is about to storm into showrooms with performance and a price that matches the well respected i30 N hot hatch, with confirmation tonight that the track-honed small SUV will start from $47,500 plus on-road costs.

Unique among mass-market brands in the small SUV class, the first Hyundai Kona N will feature the same potent 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the incoming new Hyundai i30 N that arrives in showrooms this month.

Unlike the i30 N, which still offers a manual gearbox, the stove-hot Kona N will be fitted only with the new eight-speed wet dual-clutch auto dubbed N DCT that commands a $3000 premium on the hatchback and takes its price up to the same $47,500 plus ORCs.

The Kona N DCT also mirrors the i30 N with a top-spec Premium model grade, although in this case it’s priced at $50,500 plus ORCs – $1500 less than the i30 N Premium.

Matte paint adds a hefty $1000 to the bottom line, while metallic/mica colours attract a $595 premium.

As per the i30 N, peak power can push up to 213kW with N Grin Shift mode employed, and with launch control activated the front-wheel drive (1510kg) Kona N can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, on its way to a 240km/h top speed.

Key specs obviously surround the sporting highlights, which also include electronically controlled suspension, an electro-mechanical limited-slip diff, active variable exhaust, the N Drive Mode system, performance brake package and 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero rubber.

Apart from the big wheels and liquorice-strap tyres, visual cues include a fully body kit and a garish rear spoiler.

As you’d expect, the cabin of carsales’ recently anointed Best Small SUV 2021 is upgraded with sports front bucket seats, aluminium pedals, a leather-clad steering wheel (with N button) and an N Performance Driving Data System as part of an infotainment set-up that includes a revised 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

There’s also a 10.25-inch central touch-screen with sat-nav, digital radio, Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio, a wireless phone charging pad, tinted rear windows and single-zone climate control.

Safety gear is piled on at this level too, with the full gamut of Hyundai’s SmartSense suite that includes blind spot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, forward/rear collision avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane following/keeping assist, smart cruise control, safe exit warning, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear-view camera.

The Premium model gets a head-up display, suede/leather upholstery, electric front seats (with heating and cooling), heat treatment for the steering wheel, an auto-dimming interior mirror, ambient lighting, front parking sensors and a sunroof.

Pricing for the 2021 Hyundai i20 N was also released tonight, starting at $32,490 plus ORCs for the 150kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbo terrier that comes only with a six-speed manual.

Whereas the Kona N hits showrooms during the next three months, the i20 N will arrive in the final quarter.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Kona N cost?
N DCT – $47,500
N DCT Premium – $50,500

* Prices exclude on-road costs