Hyundai Kona N Review

If you’re into performance cars, the Hyundai Kona N is likely on your radar, and for good reason. I recently had the opportunity to spend a short but exhilarating time behind the wheel of this hot hatch during a Hyundai driving event. While the time was brief, it was more than enough to get a real sense of what this compact powerhouse has to offer. Here's my initial take on the Kona N, and why it might just be one of my new favourite performance cars.

If you’re looking for a fun, performance-driven hatchback with great build quality, smart tech, and loads of character, the Kona N should be on your list too.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing that struck me about the Hyundai Kona N is its exceptional build quality. This isn’t just another hot hatch thrown together for speed junkies — it's solidly constructed, with a premium feel you won’t always find in this segment. Everything feels robust, from the firm but not overly harsh suspension to the cabin materials. Hyundai has nailed that balance between durability and refinement, offering a car that feels as good to sit in as it does to drive.

Inside, the half-leather, half-suede (or Alcantara) seats grip you perfectly, providing the kind of support you need when taking corners aggressively or just cruising on a spirited drive. The layout of the cabin is smart too — all the controls are where you’d expect them, and the screen is sharp and responsive, similar to what you find in modern Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis models. There’s even a high-resolution head-up display, giving you crucial information without distracting you from the road.

Driving Experience

Now, let’s get to the fun part — the drive. Once you fire up the Kona N, you’re greeted with an aggressive exhaust note that sets the tone for what’s to come. The moment you press the accelerator, this car transforms into a snarling beast, with firm yet compliant suspension keeping you glued to the road. While many performance cars with firm suspensions can wear on you after a while, the Kona N manages to stay comfortable without sacrificing its aggressive nature.

On the open road, the Kona N really shines. It’s quick — very quick — and feels incredibly planted, delivering the kind of visceral driving experience that’s becoming rarer in the age of electric vehicles. Speaking of speed, the steering wheel is one of the highlights of the car. It has “N” buttons that allow you to toggle through various drive modes, giving you everything from track-ready torque figures to detailed engine metrics. Press one, and you’ll see a flame graphic light up the screen — an awesome touch for anyone who enjoys a bit of theatre with their performance cars.

Customization and Tech

Hyundai has included several customizable "N" profiles in the Kona N, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s settings to their personal preferences. This adds a lot of versatility to the car — whether you're on a track day or just taking a spirited drive on the weekend, you can dial in the perfect settings for your needs.

One fun feature I stumbled upon is a red “NGS” button on the steering wheel, which seems like a “Sport Mode Plus Plus.” It's definitely a setting I’d save for track days because it’s downright wild. The throttle response becomes razor-sharp, and you can feel the car begging to be pushed to its limits.

Performance Meets Practicality

Despite all this performance, the Kona N manages to stay somewhat practical. Even after driving it pretty enthusiastically, I was still getting just over 20 MPG — a respectable figure considering the kind of fun you can have in this car. That said, if you’re regularly switching between the Kona N and a more sedate family car, the throttle might take some getting used to. It's incredibly responsive, so if you’ve got a heavy right foot, things happen quickly!

Final Thoughts

In the short time I had with the Hyundai Kona N, it completely won me over. It’s a car that reminds you why the hot hatch segment exists — it’s all about fun, performance, and that visceral connection to the road. Sure, there are electric vehicles out there that will outpace the Kona N on a 0-60 sprint, but few can deliver the same raw, emotional driving experience.

This little monster of a car is definitely on my wish list for a longer-term review, and I hope Hyundai will be kind enough to send me one for an extended test. If you’re looking for a fun, performance-driven hatchback with great build quality, smart tech, and loads of character, the Kona N should be on your list too.

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