Hyundai suv models south africa manual#
While I am a huge proponent for manual transmissions – I absolutely adored the pre-facelift i30 N for this – I was a touch concerned that the new automatic transmission would just neuter the entire package. Thankfully, you can customise each parameter, via the two blue buttons on the steering wheel, so you can keep the suspension in Sport, which is perfect for on-road performance exploits. Meanwhile, the adaptive suspension can be switched from "bearable" to overly stiff and jarring in ESC Sport mode. The steering is mostly light in operation and does tend to feel a little too artificial in its sportiest setting, I found Comfort mode offered the best compromise here. Out on the road, the Kona N, from the onset, feels a tad stiffer than its siblings, even in its slackest suspension settings. The Kona N is no exception to the rule as it manages to blend the practicality of a small SUV with the performance of a hot-hatch. Performance SUVs are somewhat of a misnomer, but manufacturers continue to refine the recipe to become even more delectable for those shopping in this segment. Power goes to the front wheels only, while an eLSD is in place to keep the front wheels in check when on it. Under the bonnet still beats that familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 206 kW and 392 Nm via a slick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Overall build quality is exemplary at worst and the cabin architecture is very driver-centric in execution. Aluminium foot pedals remind you that this is, indeed, no garden-variety Kona. There is an infotainment screen with various functions, including the tailoring of performance parameters like steering weighting, engine response, and suspension firmness. The tiller, replete with N performance-enhancing buttons, is both functional and awesome to handle. The cabin appointments are very similar to the i30 N, with N-embroidered leather seats. At the rear, dual-circular bazooka tailpipes emit an awesome battle cry when the exhaust flaps are opened. There are signature red piping elements on the front splitter, while the gloss black N mesh grille, together with the deeper lower airdam aids better cooling. Thanks to a slightly hunkered down stance, 19" alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 profile tyres, which house red N-emblazoned brake callipers. Quite apt adages in fact, as we came to discover during our test tenure.Ĭosmetically, the Kona N looks ever so sharper than its regular siblings. It's said to also follow on the N division's three design pillars - corner rascal, everyday sports car, and racetrack capability. And it's not the bad idea you'd think it'd be. Being the company's first SUV/Crossover for the enthusiast, the Kona N takes all the learnings from the i30 N and crams them into a higher riding, but decidedly more popular body form. However, today's subject is that of the Kona N, the South Korean marque's take on the compact performance SUV topic. Great to see the intent on making the N-brand a part of the performance automotive landscape, well into the future. Both the electric/hydrogen Vision 74 - which pays homage to the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept - and the RN22e based on the recently-unveiled IONIQ 6 point at the future of Hyundai N. We recently woke to the news of not one, but two concept models that look absolutely stunning. Hyundai's performance N-division is on an upward trajectory.
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