The driving expertise is admittedly what the brand new Hyundai Kona N crossover is all about. Because of its well-resolved adaptive suspension setup, electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, quick-changing transmission, and muscular engine, it’s extremely simple to make it go quick in a straight line and many enjoyable round corners. Whereas the steering is not awash with highway really feel, it does have a pleasantly weighty motion, and all responses to steering inputs are fast and managed.
Most significantly, there may be a number of obtainable highway grip together with predictable and reliable responses on the limits, so the Kona N encourages its driver to have some enjoyable. This dynamic excellence does take its toll on journey consolation, nevertheless, because the stiff springs and beefy stabilizer bars militate in opposition to journey compliance. However, given the Kona R’s transient of being a targeted driver’s automobile, this compromise is solely affordable.
The necessity for a really sporty suspension setup is emphasised the second the fuel pedal meets the ground, as a result of there is a fairly critical powerhouse dwelling beneath that stubby hood. Energy is rarely in brief provide, due to a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter gasoline engine delivering 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, and the abundance of drugs ratios within the dual-clutch transmission make sure that the potent engine is all the time saved on the boil. It would not damage that the variable exhaust pops, bangs and roars with the most effective of them, both – there’s some actual aural character right here, and that must be appreciated in an period of ever extra sanitized efficiency automobiles.
Whilst you could not likely discover the additional 10 hp liberated by the overboost perform, it is good to know that there is all the time a bit bit of additional energy ready to be exploited. A be aware of warning have to be issued for slippery surfaces, nevertheless, as all that torque can simply overwhelm the 19-inch Pirelli efficiency tires, particularly within the decrease gears.
