Hyundai has launched the facelifted i30 N hot hatch, as well as the first-ever Kona N hot crossover, in South Africa.
Both high-performance Hyundai vehicles start at R749,900 and sport a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine.
Performance
The new Hyundai i30 N and Kona N are fitted with sporty equipment that gives them an advantage over the standard models they are based on.
The highlight of the cars is a turbo-petrol plant that produces 206kW and 392Nm, mated to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels.
A “corner-carving” limited-slip differential is also fitted to achieve a “unique carving feeling” through bends, as well as a stiffer front axle, active variable exhaust system, and high-performance tyres and brakes.
The “N Grin Control system” then makes available significant adjustments to handling and performance characteristics, allowing drivers to temporarily unleash maximum power for 20 seconds at the push of a button, access launch control, tune traction control settings, and change drive modes.
Rev-matching is another standard feature in these top-of-the-line cars, which “synchronizes engine speed to the input shaft speed for the next gear, reducing wear and enhancing durability,” said Hyundai.
The respective performance figures for the i30 N and Kona N are as follows:
| Specification | i30 N | Kona N |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100km/h | 5.4 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| 100-0km/h | 39.8 metres | 33.3 metres |
| Top speed | 250km/h | 240km/h |
| Combined fuel consumption | 8.9l/100km | 8.9l/100km |
| Curb weight | 1,455kg | 1,510kg |
Features
Standard features on these range-topping Hyundais are plentiful, with each model getting its own performance-oriented software programmes.
The i30 N also offers a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, cruise control, leather/suede upholstery, electric and heated front seats, a wireless charger, automatic LED lights, paddle shifters, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On top of these features, the Kona N gets adaptive cruise control, a standard sunroof, a heads-up display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker “Krell” surround sound system, and a full leather upholstery.
A reverse camera, all-round parking sensors, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and ABS with hill assist are fitted in both cars, too.
In addition, cargo capacity comes in at 515kg for the hatchback and 500kg for the SUV, with maximum towing capacity pegged at 1,600kg for both.
Price
The South African pricing for the new Hyundai performance cars is as follows:
- Hyundai i30 N – R749,900
- Hyundai Kona N – R749,900
Each purchase includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, and 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance.
Hyundai i30 N
Hyundai Kona N
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