Hyundai Kona N (2021 – present) | Expert Rating

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Kona N is arguably the most appealing N model Hyundai has made yet. It’s civilised enough to use every day, yet on the right road it’s more thrilling than many hot hatchbacks on sale. You do have to accept a few small sacrifices – we’d like a little more practicality, for one – but they’re easy to make for the breadth of ability on offer here.”
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Model reviewed:
“The Kona N is the second-ever European Hyundai N model to include an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s fast, fun and brilliant to drive.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“A true hot hatch with a dash of extra ride height, the Kona N offers plentiful performance – if you can accept the trade-off in comfort that entails.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kona N is – for better or worse – able to nail the feel of far smaller, lighter and uncompromising hatchback. But while it has the practicality of a crossover, there’s been no quarter given to ride comfort. Some might call it a one-dimensional, I’d call it a brief, nailed.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“In the Kona N, Hyundai has created another fantastic performance model – one that makes a great alternative to a Volkswagen T-Roc R.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona N is a small SUV that majors in exciting hot hatchback handling and performance. Practicality isn’t outstanding though, and it looks dull inside.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s more than just a badging exercise to cash in on what’s been achieved at Namyang and the Nürburgring with the i20 and i30, it’s a performance crossover that’s rich in ability and credibility.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.4 / 10
“If you really must have a fast SUV and plan to take it on track, you might want to consider the Kona N. However, it’s just too firm for our liking and not as entertaining as the cheaper, more practical Puma ST.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona N is an uncompromising small car, and it’s true that out on a smooth racing circuit its rock-hard stance, aggressive diff and stonking power would likely make it feel tremendous. On British roads in the depths of winter, though, it feels just a bit too wild.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s joyously silly. And if you can cope with mildly insatiable thirst and a firm ride, it ought to be more than capable of handling everyday life too. ‘Most fun small performance crossover on sale’ may sound like faint praise, but it’s a title true of the Kona N either way.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona N successfully mixes sports car and small SUV, making it fast and engaging on winding roads but civilised and usable when driven normally. Compared to the Ford Puma ST and other rivals, the Kona N’s performance holds its own, but it’s let down by its lesser practicality, smaller interior and louder road noise at motorway speeds.”
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