Hyundai Kona N Line Test: Unique Style – News

In the past, we have already thought about the South Korean crossover Hyudnai Kona in a purely electric version, which was to be specially developed. In addition, the automaker also offers a car with a hybrid drive and pure combustion engines. Almost everyone will find something they like, that is, except for fans of diesel engines, which are missing from the menu.

At the outset, it is worth noting that the Hyundai Kona has grown significantly between generations. The wheelbase has been extended by 6 cm, the car is 175 mm longer and has also grown in height and width. The design has changed, which gives it an even more futuristic look thanks to thin headlights (in the test version N Line Style connected by a bar with illumination at the front) and transparent shape.

While the first generation also offered a very sporty Kona N model, which was developed by the famous N division, the new generation is already unlucky in this regard. However, customers who want a sporty style can order the N Line equipment, or the test version of the N Line Style, which offers a rich standard equipment.

Sportiness is revealed, for example, with a different body kit, where the two bumpers have been given more aerodynamic shapes. There is a hint of a diffuser in the rear bumper and there is also a dual chrome exhaust tip. Smartly designed 18″ alloy wheels fill the wheel arches. The look of the tested car is further enhanced by the deep red color in combination with the optional black roof.

The cabin features a modern dashboard with a pair of 12.3-inch connected screens that form a digital instrument panel and infotainment display. The instrument panel offers a classic and slightly futuristic presentation, but the practical function is to display the camera view after the blind spot when the turn signals are activated.

Infotainment has a nice interface, at least the basic one. In terms of speed, however, it is rather average. Unnecessary and high-sensitivity assistance systems are connected to it, and the cancellation takes place partially through the screen. The path to the right menu is a bit long, but the programmable button on the steering wheel can shorten it.

On the other hand, retaining​​​​a larger number of analog buttons deserves a lot of praise. This also applies to the air conditioning panel, which can be used very intuitively and without taking your eyes off the road for a long time.

Also in the central tunnel we find several classic buttons, including the control of the all-wheel drive system or the heating and ventilation of the front seats. By moving the automatic transmission selector to the steering column below the steering wheel, the center tunnel also offers plenty of space, including pull-out cup holders. And of course, there’s also a wireless charger and USB-C connectors.

Thanks to the Premium package, which is only available for the N Line Style equipment, the tested Kona also received sport-shaped seats, covered in a combination of suede and leather, with elegant red thread stitching. Thanks to the special shape of the backrest and the seat, it offers a pleasant position in the corners without feeling uncomfortable or cramped.

The rear seats, again in the same combination of colors and upholstery, offer enough space above the head and in front of the knees even for medium-sized adult passengers thanks to the obvious increase in the a wheelbarrow. The test equipment also includes heating of the outer seats and USB-C connectors.

The luggage compartment offers a standard volume of 466 liters, but there is also space under the floor for a reserve, which reduces the volume to 407 liters. After folding down the seats, divided in a practical ratio of 40:20:40, the crew will get a volume of 1,300 liters, as well as an almost flat loading area.

As we have already said, the Hyundai Kona offers a wide range of power units. Those interested can also choose between manual and automatic transmissions, and there’s also an all-wheel drive system.

The N Line equipment is also available with the basic three-cylinder engine, but the tested car received the top-of-the-line turbocharged 16-cylinder with the highest output of 146 kW (198 hp) and the highest torque of 265 Nm in a relatively wide range of revolutions.

The engine, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system, promises to propel the approximately 1.5 ton crossover from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of to 210 km/h

As it is already clear from the parameters, there is certainly no lack of vitality in the top four cylinders. The engine is also nicely refined and gets along well with the gearbox. Of course, it is possible to use the paddles under the steering wheel, but this was hardly necessary, except when I was trying to drive​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The chassis, which is specially tuned for the N Line version, is also nicely tuned, although the cabin starts to get louder and sometimes even a little unpleasant vibration on worse roads. Overall, though, noise reduction is pretty solid.

It is also worth adding that when you drive on a nice asphalt, it pleases with the confident behavior and the stability in the corners. After all, the all-wheel drive version is also equipped with a multi-link rear suspension, while the front-wheel drive models have a simpler crank rear axle.

However, looking at the average consumption indicator, which should be on paper around 7.1 l / 100 km, a little more pleasant. In practice, it is indeed achievable, but with a very relaxed drive. However, as soon as you start to use more capacity of the engine, the consumption starts to move more in the range of 8 to 9 l / 100 kilometers.

Hyundai Kona equipment in N Line combines unusual design with a practical cabin. In addition, the test motor provides a reasonable driving spirit, and the all-wheel drive system gives a little more confidence in polluted conditions. The wear depends largely on the driver’s ability to resist the temptation to drive the car at a faster speed.

Perhaps only a look at the price list is still painful, because today the very basic event starts at a reasonable promotional price of CZK 559,990. The tested N Line Style equipment will cost at least CZK 699,990, but with a three-cylinder engine.

Those who want the proven sixteen-wheeler, the only one that offers all-wheel drive, will pay at least CZK 819,990. Including additional packages, the price is even 922,890 CZK, which is just a little too much for a compact SUV / crossover.