How strange was the start of this decade, really? Remember the small Hyundai crossover with 280hp...
How strange was the start of this decade, really? Remember the small Hyundai crossover with 280hp.Rumours continue to circulate regarding a return to petrol power for Hyundai's flagship N models, despite it having recently committed to an all-electric future.
How strange was the start of this decade, really? Remember the small Hyundai crossover with 280hp...Rumours continue to circulate regarding a return to petrol power for Hyundai's flagship N models, despite it having recently committed to an all-electric future. It’s easy to understand the logic: having proven so popular at £35,000 and under, the brand could certainly do with enthusiast-focused models at less than the £65k asked for the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N. Moreover, Hyundai’s combustion engines were never the most efficient; a new generation - or else some hybrid assistance - would really help address one of the main N car gripes. There would most certainly be interest in a new era of combustion-powered Ns. The first star shone briefly if very brightly, introducing two brilliant hot hatches in the shape of the i20 and i30. From a standing start, Hyundai created two of the best cars in their respective classes, which is now reflected in strong residual values. Moreover, like all good performance sub divisions, it created a mad little curio as well: remember the Kona N? Ostensibly this was Hyundai’s Puma, the N model rivalling the ST version like the i20 did the Fiesta. But to address those moans that are usually along the lines of ‘why wouldn’t you just buy the hatch?’ - or maybe just because they could - Hyundai gave its small SUV more power than the hatch. A lot more: while the i20 got a 1.6 turbo for 204hp, the Kona was actually motored along by the i30’s 2.0-litre, meaning 280hp. With an eight-speed dual-clutch standard , a Kona N could scrabble to 62mph in 5.5 seconds. Honest. A Kona was a little longer and about 300kg heavier than an i20 N, but the message was clear: this was a small SUV unlike any other in terms of performance. It would do 150mph, while all a Puma ST could offer was a Mountune upgrade to 235hp. The Hyundai handled like a proper N, too,praising it for decent traction, minimal torque steer and useful throttle adjustability. Oh sure, the ride was super firm and the economy couldn’t even officially hit 35, but the Kona N was a giggle alright. We needed that in 2021; we definitely need it now. With the i30 available at the same time, you’d really have to buy into the Kona’s wackiness. Because if the i20 couldn’t compete on power, the larger hatch absolutely could. For about the same money as the small SUV as well. But as the hot hatch has become rationalised into extinction, so the slightly left-field options look more appealing than ever. Some Konas will still have years of warranty remaining… Like its more traditional hot hatch siblings, the Kona N has clung onto its value as eagerly as it does the tarmac. What were £35k cars new are still more than £25,000 in most instances now, even with production having finished three years ago. There are actually 11 for sale on PH, which is more than expected, all weirdly nestled in the Kona rather than our dedicated ‘Kona N’ section. They take some finding!has just been through its first MOT, which it failed for - you guessed it - a very worn front tyre. And it’s hard to place too much faith in a Sailfish. But otherwise it looks as weird and wonderful as ever. A return to that from Hyundai at an accessible price would surely be welcomed.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Martin Short Spotted For 1st Time Since Daughter’s DeathMartin Short was spotted in Los Angeles for the first time since his daughter Katherine Short was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home in February
Read more »
Man runs from ICE, jumps Santa Barbara County Jail fenceBy KAREN VELIE Upon his release from the Santa Barbara County Mail Jail on Friday morning, an illegal immigrant spotted Immigration and Customs
Read more »
Choppers scrambled after private plane scare at Palm Beach airport while Trump's Air Force One sat on tarmacDrone spotted near Air Force One halts flights at Palm Beach airport
Read more »
Fighter jets scrambled, flares deployed after plane spotted near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resortFighter jets were scrambled over Palm Beach after a civilian plane breached restricted airspace near President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, officials said.
Read more »
Sen. Lindsey Graham spotted at Disney World amid government shutdownSouth Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham turned his attention away from the war in Iran to knosh at Disney World, according to photos snapped at a restaurant populated by characters from “the most magical place on Earth.”
Read more »
Senator Lindsey Graham Spotted at Disney World Amidst DHS Funding DebateSenator Lindsey Graham was seen at Disney World as the House voted on a short-term bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Graham explained his presence, saying he attended a meeting in South Florida on normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Read more »