Hyundai Kona N power output confirmed at 280PS

Simran Rastogi Published: April 09, 2021, 01:45 PM IST

First announced earlier this year, and rumoured to be available in AWD and with a bump in power over the rest of the N Performance range, the Hyundai Kona N will continue to use the 2.0-litre Theta T-GDi from the i30 N in its current tune, and likely be offered as front-wheel drive only. However, while the i30 N offers 280PS when specced with the Performance Package (250PS standard), the Kona N will likely offer that figure as standard. Torque should remain unchanged at 392Nm between 1,950-4,600rpm as in the i30 N (with Performance Package), though Hyundai claims "more torque and power at mid- to high-range rpms". The new i30 N with the Performance Package clears the 0-100kmph run in 5.9s and the Kona N should offer similar performance.

The Kona N will only offer the wet-clutch 8-speed N DCT, a variation of the Hyundai transmission with unique gear ratios and tuned for better durability, quicker shifts and higher torque loads. Tuned by the N Performance Division, it's clearly meant for on-the-limit driving, clear in the functionality if offers. It allows for negligible torque loss between up-shifts, something Hyundai calls N Power Shift (NPS), engaged when shifting with more than 90 per cent throttle. Further, N Grin Shift (NGS) offers a slight boost in torque and maximum gearbox performance for 20s, activated via a button on the steering wheel, which can then be further activated after 40s intervals, useful for drivers looking to eke out the best lap time on a track, for example.

Similarly N Track Sense Shift (NTS) promises near-perfect adaptive shifting automatically on the racetrack, based on motorsport data and the driver's behaviour. The N DCT 'box also allows drivers to turn off the auto creep function, allowing a driver to stay in drive and take his foot off the brake without the car creeping forward. Hyundai's N Grin Control system will continue to offer five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and Custom.