Due to the aggressive styling cues and robust highway presence, you could possibly be excused for mistaking the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Line for the flagship Kona N. Whereas the Kona N Line doesn’t have the identical efficiency credentials because the true N mannequin, it’s nonetheless a really spectacular car, as we not too long ago found after spending every week with one.

Hyundai facelifted the Kona within the latter half of final 12 months. No vital alterations have been made to the outside or inside of the crossover however it does sport some noticeable modifications, together with a revised entrance fascia with re-designed LED daytime working lights, new headlamp items, and an up to date grille.

The Kona N Line, and the flagship N Line Premium that we examined, stands out from lesser variants because of a particular physique package that features a bespoke entrance finish with three sporty trying, albeit pretend, vents above the blacked-out grille. There are additionally new entrance and rear bumpers and for probably the most half, the bodykit of the N Line is identical because the full-blown Kona N. That’s factor because it makes the car actually stand out from the gang, significantly when painted in a few of the vivid colours supplied by Hyundai. A set of putting 18-inch wheels full the look. Park the Kona N Line and it’s laborious to withstand the urge to show round for an additional fast glimpse.

A Fashionable, Effectively-Outfitted Inside

The South Korean automobile producer has continued the updates into the cabin of the facelifted Kona. One of the vital upgrades made is the fitment of a brand new 10.25-inch infotainment system that features navigation, DAB+ radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This method runs Hyundai’s newest software program and is an enormous enchancment over the previous mannequin.

Premium fashions like our check automobile additionally come commonplace with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that’s good, albeit not mind-blowing. Some dashings of pink and a handful of N badges have additionally been sprinkled by the cabin and remind you that you just’re not driving a “common” Kona.

Learn Additionally: Hyundai Kona N Debuts As A Track-Capable Crossover With Up To 286 HP

Arguably the spotlight of the up to date inside is the fitment of a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster. This is identical display as utilized by the latest-generation i20, amongst different Hyundai fashions, and actually provides to the fashion and premium really feel of the crossover. The display may also change its shows relying on the driving mode. Numerous different welcome options are discovered throughout the cabin of the Kona N Line Premium, together with electrically adjustable, heated, and cooled entrance seats. The rear outboard seats are additionally heated, though there aren’t any air vents on the rear, which is a bit of odd.

The entrance seats are properly bolstered and assist to carry you in once you’re hustling the crossover by corners. The seating place was a tad too excessive for my style however will probably be completely tremendous for many patrons.

Highly effective Engine, Numb Steering

As with different N line fashions produced by Hyundai, the Kona N Line isn’t a balls-to-the-wall efficiency machine like fully-fledged N fashions however it’s additionally far more than a easy trim bundle that provides some good exterior and inside trimmings. Certainly, it encompasses a powertrain that you just gained’t discover in some other Kona mannequin.

Specifically, it boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 196 hp (146 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Coupled to this engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends energy by all 4 wheels.

The engine and transmission make for a formidable duo when out on the open highway. We have been by no means left craving for extra energy throughout our week with the Kona and really discovered it fairly fulfilling to drive by some twisty mountain roads. Positive, it doesn’t provide the identical sense of event because the flagship Kona N little question will however it’s greater than fast sufficient to get you in a whole lot of bother with the legislation. The grip supplied by the Continental PremiumContact 6 tires is spectacular however the steering is kind of numb, making it troublesome to seek out the boundaries of those tires.

For probably the most half, the dual-clutch transmission works nicely and shifts by the gears with out challenge. Nonetheless, we have been shocked that Hyundai didn’t match any paddle shifters to the N Line Premium, which means you’re compelled to make use of the shifter if you wish to take management of the gears for your self. The gearbox can be somewhat hesitant at gradual speeds, making it troublesome to get off the road easily.

As commonplace, all Kona N Line Premium fashions come outfitted with Hyundai’s SmartSense expertise bundle that features security options like blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle owner detection, lane-keeping help, rear-cross site visitors alert with emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, and a lane-keeping help perform. Hyundai’s adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping help methods are often fairly good and it was no totally different with our press automobile because it persistently stored us centered on well-marked freeway lanes.

The Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium has a youthful exuberance to it that may little question attraction to youthful customers. Priced from AU$42,400 (US$32,815) earlier than on-road prices, nevertheless, it’s just a few thousand {dollars} lower than a 2021 i30 N.

Picture Credit: Brad Anderson/CarScoops