Hyundai are definitely stamping their mark on the motoring world now, more so than in the past. These 'N' series are absolutely awesome and will compete with many of the 'bigger' names around. They're design is brilliant and very individual also... Great review Ped 👌😎
Collected my i20N just before xmas. Brilliant. Good service, great tech and spec levels, 5 years warranty. Digital dash. The rear bench in the i20N is actually bigger than the Kona and i30. At least in my experiment for my 3 kids
I bought a Kona N in Sonic Blue, here in (sunny & dry Arizona) in May 2022. The first thing I did, even before driving out of the delivery bay at the dealership, was go into the Custom "N" page and dial the suspension firmness down to its "Normal" setting. I've left it there ever since. Likewise, I've pretty much driven everywhere in "Normal" mode: The Kona N is plenty haul-ass quick for most real-world driving situations. Credit the drivetrain, and especially the marvelous 8-speed WET dual clutch transmission, which is so intuitive as to make the paddle shifters superfluous. The only downside is that the US-spec Kona doesn't come with as much kit as the version you get in the UK! No space-saver spare, no sunroof, no ventilated seats, no retractable mirrors, no front camera, no power passenger seat. Also, fewer color choices (although "Sonic Blue" is a unique to the American Kona).
We in the UK don't get a space saver either, nor a sunroof or a front camera. I believe the sonic blue (which I have) is also unique to the Kona here also.
Had mine about 6 months and great car. Only thing that lets it down is the pirelli p zero tires, great on the track just not on the road. I Switched the Michelin ps5 and what a great difference's it makes.
Unfortunately adding 4/AWD to the chassis would probably take the price above the £40K (luxury) tax bracket. If it’s that important the Kona is available as 4WD with a 1.6L variant engine…
Kona N is fantastic. Fun, quick, somewhat practical and for the money excellent enthusiast value. Owned one but ultimately traded it in for a manual Veloster N.
Styling wise High and Die are nailing it lately on their smaller motors like this and the Sportage - and the Tuscon looks better in the tin than in pictures
My personal preference would be the VW T-Roc R. Has the performance and handling for a bit of fun, yet doesn't stick out as a hoon machine. 4Motion all wheel drive is perfect for towing my caravan, yet can cope with just about anything the changeable New Zealand weather can throw at us. Is big enough to carry 4 people and luggage, yet small enough to fit in any car park. Also, being that little bit higher than a conventional hatchback, easier for a 66 year old to get in and out of.
I must be odd like the styling, and the front daytime running lights are my favourite, The N line looks fun, I had the Kona Electric 64kw, wow super impressive car, very quick super efficient 3.5 - 6kwh (yes 6) and 330 miles in the summer, stick in sport mode dials go red and a demon possess the car.
Super review. I took ownership of mine in March last year. A great car but the mpg is bloody awful if you keep playing with the right foot in 'N' mode. BTW, that Spacesaver is NOT standard; the KonaN comes with gunk. A lot of owners, including myself, have made up their own spare kit - the official one is £800!!!
Hi, i've just taken delivery of one of these and as you said it did not come with space saver as standard and the dealer wanted silly money for one!! May ask you said you made your own spare kit up what size wheel and tyre did you use and did you have a problem matching the wheel to the studs?
Bought one of these and sold it a month later while I still had my license 😂 fantastic car that just wants to go fast! I now drive a Kona Hybrid and my license is safe 😂
Good review thank you. I have one in red as well and it is my daily car. It has its compromises but these are overcome by the fun factor! My car now has Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and the more compliant sidewalls greatly improve the ride without affecting the handling. It's a cheeky but secure car and has every "extra" you would ever need included in its base price, so great VFM!
Great review. Your point about the space saver spare wheel is misleading, the press car you test drove may well have had a spare if you purchase a Kona N from a Hyundai dealer like i did last month all that you get is an emergency kit of foam and a compressor. My supplying dealer did quote me £754 to supply as an accessory option a wheel and jack but no space saver tyre this was at a further cost. I did contact Hyundai customer services on the 4th December about the extortionate cost but 6 weeks on i am still waiting for a reply. Nevertheless still a great car.
Owned an i20N for 10 months and sat in a Kona N at a dealership and was shocked at how cramped the back was - no chance I was ever going to get a rear facing child seat in the back of that thing! Original i30N still hits the sweet spot for performance and practicality in the N range... Just a shame it isn't the bargain it was in 2017/18.
Hi ped its will from sunderland , the one with the terrible megane trophy R , my wifes car ia a Kona N and its a fantastic car , had it aprox 18 months now , love it !
I nearly went for a kona N after I had my i30 fastback N for a couple of years, I went to go test drive in my local dealer, I made a,booking at a specific time, it was after I had finished work too, they made me wait for an hour with not even so much of an explanation, so I walked out and haven't been back since, I am now in a cupra formentor vz2 310, I love the car, granted its not as fun on the B roads but still lots of fun, has the golf R engine so bags of power with 4 wheel drive, and because vw know how to make hot hatches you can daily, it is much more comfortable, I can travel to Wales and back no problem.
Well and traditional car review, didn't realise how much I'd missed them, brilliant. And what a car. No way an SUV, more of a big hot hatch in my view. Looks fun to drive.
I recently picked up a 2023 Kona. It's not the N, but it's very nice. I've only just started playing with the manumatic mode and it's silly. It changes the gearing and makes the car sound a lot louder, but it still seems like you're going the same speed 😂😂😂
I bought one last June, and I've not looked back. Tried the i30N I found it uncomfortable. This comes fully loaded which is what I need as it's my main car. The space saver isn't standard I wasn't even offered it as an optional extra. I have Dark Knight Grey, but I don't believe you can get this colour now not from new anyway. I can get pretty good MPG for what I use it for, on average 38. However when it's in N-mode that's a different story pushing mid 20's, depends how much fun I'm having it's awesome. The Pirelli P-Zero's are awful on this car. I know many owners including myself have changed to Michelins PS4 and in some cases CrossClimate 2s, I opted for the Pilots Sport 5's and it changed the cars performance overnight. I'd buy another one tomorrow...if I had the money it's just such good fun to drive.
Hyundai is a brand that while I may never buy one the respect for the brand is justified in the build quality, warranty, and they now are making really interesting Cars. If they hone everything they are learning there is going to be a scary full Electric hot hatch on the cards soon😁 Hyundai are not seen as a cheap option but more a smart option now the full Electric Cars look a bit different and it’s refreshing. As I’ve been saying for years brand snobbery is not a thing these days customers are not as loyal as They once were. Gone are the days of “I only buy BMW” thinking why would you want anything else.
Agree on the styling. Thrown all together especially on the front. Seems to drive like a focus ST and I assume they took that as a benchmark. Backseat is a bit of a letdown as it should be this car's strong point over a hot hatch. Oh, and still that almost stick on I pad on the dash...Cheers.
I think the I30n fastback is way prettier, that'd be the one we would have. My better half has had 2 Hyundai's and loves em, I think they are great for the money!
I think that looks great Pete, top review too 👍🏻 The front end is a bit baby Urus..... the rear alot Focus RS. I get the interior trim quality being down market if the performance & handling are sorted when it's a 36k car, add an upmarket interior, the price is now over 40k & then the badge snobbery would impact sales (Kia Stinger 🤔). It is a shame they didn't make it a few inches longer though at the Kona's design stage, so the rear cabin was fully usable. They've moved forward though & all credit to them.
Thanks, balanced review as always. I had about 6 months use of a Hyundai IX35. Great reliable car but I suffered from the same driving position issues you mentioned here, could never get the steering wheel quite close enough. Perhaps we have a weird leg to arm length ratio😂
I rather like this car but tonight, the Hyundai website appears to have crashed! Whilst the N might be too much, I wonder what the other models might be like for Hilary…meanwhile, maybe these are among the most useable “fun” cars around…small, light, fairly simple, fun and not crazily overpriced. I shall look again tomorrow! 🤔😬😀😀😀Richard
Driven lots of Kona's (although not the N version), when I worked at a Hyundai dealership. The lower end models were gutless, crashy, and pretty cheap inside. I think they are a level above Ford/Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Renault, but still not quite on a par with /Audi/BMW. Kona's are quite cramped inside, and I don't really 'get' why manufacturer's are obsessed with making cars taller, heavier, and yet no bigger inside than a hatchback, and claiming they are somehow 'better' than the hatchback equivalent.
@@JohnLee-db9zt Show me where I compared a Kona to a BMW please. QUOTE : I think they are a level above Ford/Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Renault, but still not quite on a par with /Audi/BMW. To say they are not quite on a par with Audi/BMW is a compliment, to even get close is amazing considering Hyundai's cost less. Learn to read pleb.
Hi, love your stuff, 250 bhp+ needs 4 wheel drive. My mate has the i30n and it will spin in 4th gear if you give it some. That kona looks the nuts though
I'd happily take a hybrid, self charging only, on top of a pukka i.c.e, for even better torque/acceleration!! But as far as the whole EV propaganda/lies are concerned, I'd rather hang myself 😒😬😉
Nice Review Pete,Front End is a Complete Mess,And that is Not a Diffuser,I Had a Ren Clio Cup200 And that Had a Proper Diffuser That actually Gave Some Downforce ,If Your Reviewing Cars And Want to Sound Credible You Need to Say What your Actually Looking at and Not be Frightened of Offending ! That Car is Not Pleasant in a Lot of Areas
A friend had a G35 and another G37 which I spent a but of time in, but my last car was a Q50 which I traded for my Kona N. I mostly "liked" my Q50, but I absolutely love my Kona N!
Thanks for this Pete. Considering a replacement for my 2017 Clubman JCW, and I'm looking at the "small SUV", so this is very useful. I'm tied between the countryman JCW, Kona N & T-Roc R. I don't think the Puma works for me but I should really try one I guess.
Saw one the other day in black, it was raining then, lol... It actually looked quite good. Arguably the best colour for the unusual styling. Effectively, everything blended better! Personally think the original analogue i30N performance pack dials looked great, the digital looks awful in comparison, from videos at least. More bunny hopping 🥱🥱🥱 Totally disappointing imo. Also think that the N grin button is a gimmick, never loved the steering in my 2017 original i30N performance pack, the firmest was arguably best, albeit slightly artificial. I drove that in N Custom with all to max, bar suspension in the middle setting. When it was cold and damp, I'd also change esc from sport to normal. Never turned it fully off, nor tried out the launch control, which was actually quite rare in a manual. Mk3 focus RS had it also. Normal, sport and eco totally pointless for me. Plus I personally believe that steering feel should be always the same. Our subconscious becomes used to it. When I was in N Custom settings stated, and went onto a motorway, rather than changing the exhaust to normal, less droan, I flicked the car to normal for convenience and safety vs trying to adjust it on the touch screen. This however turns the steering to jelly in comparison to the firmest, which could easily find your steering input being very different to what you're used to. Far too wallowy and arguably dangerous. Having at least 2 Custom settings would have been great. Like you say, Full fat N is ridiculous re suspension firmness. It's arguably too much even for a track. But at least it has adjustability whilst keeping other criteria to the max, compared to say an fk8.
I never use N Mode in my i30n either. The roads are terrible it hurts. Custom all the way as you did. Everything to the max except suspension. Looking at either the Kona N or Sedan N (not sure if that’s in UK yet) as next upgrade.
Hi Ped Spectacular performance in this class and price range. However fell the potential market limited as a daily driver - rear sear space, that bouncy ride, potential license loser. If I was in a certain younger age group then I would possibly already have one, but now thanks but no thanks.😥
One thing I don't get about this is no matter what way you put it it is still classed as an SUV which by its nature is jacked up which is then partially lowered to make it handle better for the sporty version rendering the raised part pointless which really means you'd be better handling wise going for the i20n or i30n if it's a sporty one you want. The bottom line is that in my opinion sporty SUVs like this and the Cupra SUVs for example are all pointless because due to their higher centre of gravity there's no way they can handle as well meaning you're better with a proper hot hatch.
Not even SUVs. Just lifted hatchbacks. Weigh more, handle worse than, less fuel efficient than their hatchback counterparts. No extra benefits other than its easier to get into
Great review as always.A little bit too hard core for me I think.I like a bit of power but with comfort.Also I have to say I am not too keen on the looks.But there is no denying that it is very quick.
Great review as always Pete. How did the DSG perform when you were doing more mundane things like hill starts or reversing? That is where I find they can be a little quirky and unpredictable.
We don’t get the Elantra in the UK just the Fastback I30N. The Elantra gets good reviews but the front end is even more challenging to the eye than the Kona for me.
In Australia Kona N Premium is $18,000 cheaper than a JCW Clubman with the same internal space. Is it worth saving the $18k for a daily driver with 'fun-factor' before performance ICE engine cars disappear forever? What would you choose Petrol Ped?
The biggest problem with Hyundai N cars is NO SUNROOF in the UK!!! Why not Hyundai?!? I'd be more than happy to pay 5k extra for this + Alcantara trim.
Good review! Found your civic type R reference slightly odd, though. The FK8 (the previous version to the current FL5) had a fantastic ride! Best in class, I think and all the reviews said the same. This looked awful in comparison!
Really like this car. One on my list if I could afford it. But still in this day and age cannot understand why paint is an extra. Maybe we should go in and say you don't want any paint and see what happens.🤣. Cool all the same.
Hi Pete, there is quite a lot of deliberation between Puma ST and Kona owners and car journalists alike over, which is the better car to live with. Most (all I've found) over the last year have gone in favour of the Puma ST. You've driven both over the last year. What's your thoughts?
Tough one that. I’d like to drive them back to back. Puma ST from memory has much better ride. It also needs the performance pack with LSD to go toe to toe 👍
Front styling is a little "Marmite", I don't mind it but it's not the best. Agree about the rear, Pete, - nice arse! Inside, stuck on iPad? Really? I thought we'd moved on from that. Overall, a cracking little motor, though. Me Like.
So the i20N is 12k less has more room in the back and bar the auto box is a more usable hot hatch. Hard to choose the kona over one of them unless you have to have that odd combo , I’d say the i20N is the better b road basher
Great car 🙂🙂 God help us if we ever lose the ICE. You just cannot get that same feel and response from an EV no matter how technologically advanced it is.
So, A tomato (American) is a Tomato a potato is a (potato) I say Hyundai you say Hundi! . In a shrinking market what is more important is how we say it or if we buy it?
I honestly think it looks brilliant in red... £36 to £37k is certainly not mad expensive. Shame the rear seats are so tight! My 13yr old son is over 6ft!! So he definitely will not fit.
My son has just bought one and his verdict, brutal. He let his sensible friend drive it and said to him, you do realise you are doing 100 mph.
Hyundai are definitely stamping their mark on the motoring world now, more so than in the past. These 'N' series are absolutely awesome and will compete with many of the 'bigger' names around. They're design is brilliant and very individual also... Great review Ped 👌😎
Couldn't agree more!
Collected my i20N just before xmas. Brilliant. Good service, great tech and spec levels, 5 years warranty. Digital dash. The rear bench in the i20N is actually bigger than the Kona and i30. At least in my experiment for my 3 kids
Very nice!
I bought a Kona N in Sonic Blue, here in (sunny & dry Arizona) in May 2022. The first thing I did, even before driving out of the delivery bay at the dealership, was go into the Custom "N" page and dial the suspension firmness down to its "Normal" setting. I've left it there ever since. Likewise, I've pretty much driven everywhere in "Normal" mode: The Kona N is plenty haul-ass quick for most real-world driving situations. Credit the drivetrain, and especially the marvelous 8-speed WET dual clutch transmission, which is so intuitive as to make the paddle shifters superfluous.
The only downside is that the US-spec Kona doesn't come with as much kit as the version you get in the UK! No space-saver spare, no sunroof, no ventilated seats, no retractable mirrors, no front camera, no power passenger seat. Also, fewer color choices (although "Sonic Blue" is a unique to the American Kona).
We in the UK don't get a space saver either, nor a sunroof or a front camera. I believe the sonic blue (which I have) is also unique to the Kona here also.
Have a lot of respect for Hyundai cars, the brand has come a long way in a relatively short time. Good warranty and good model range too.
Couldn't agree more!
@@PetrolPedI have it in the US, very fun car, will probably trade it for the ionic 5 N in 2024 or 2025.
Had mine about 6 months and great car. Only thing that lets it down is the pirelli p zero tires, great on the track just not on the road. I Switched the Michelin ps5 and what a great difference's it makes.
Great honest review. I actually like the styling of Hyundai’s and especially the Kona. A 4WD version would be ace 👍
Yeah that would be awesome 👍
Unfortunately adding 4/AWD to the chassis would probably take the price above the £40K (luxury) tax bracket. If it’s that important the Kona is available as 4WD with a 1.6L variant engine…
@@cholomondeleybiscuitt Maybe but it could be offered as an option and further make it stand out. I would pay more for AWD. I own this car in the US.
The n line has awd option. But it lacks the same power.
Kona N is fantastic. Fun, quick, somewhat practical and for the money excellent enthusiast value. Owned one but ultimately traded it in for a manual Veloster N.
Hats off to Hyundai. won't be many cars like this left. I have an old civic type. R this is the only thing that could probably replace it 👏
Indeed 😢
Styling wise High and Die are nailing it lately on their smaller motors like this and the Sportage - and the Tuscon looks better in the tin than in pictures
My personal preference would be the VW T-Roc R. Has the performance and handling for a bit of fun, yet doesn't stick out as a hoon machine. 4Motion all wheel drive is perfect for towing my caravan, yet can cope with just about anything the changeable New Zealand weather can throw at us. Is big enough to carry 4 people and luggage, yet small enough to fit in any car park. Also, being that little bit higher than a conventional hatchback, easier for a 66 year old to get in and out of.
Not in same price bracket though especially when you add a few toys. It'll also throw you into higher VED for 6 years.
Great car. Even our basic Kona suspension is too hard for the B roads here in the UK. So we now know what we need to buy when we change.
Yes like it but really don’t like the lower rear lights in that clear glass
I love the look of the Kona N, and would be perfect if it was 4wd, and that’s coming from an FK8 civic Type R owner 👍🏻
👍
100%. 300 bhp without fat tyres you really need awd, especially in the wet. Hell, my Audi S1 only had 230 bhp and it benefited from Quattro.
Ran mine on mankan ar1s , brill
Nankan
And 3 seats in the back! My i20N with 200bhp even spins at 3rd gear hard roll on! Admittedly in cold wet UK
I must be odd like the styling, and the front daytime running lights are my favourite, The N line looks fun, I had the Kona Electric 64kw, wow super impressive car, very quick super efficient 3.5 - 6kwh (yes 6) and 330 miles in the summer, stick in sport mode dials go red and a demon possess the car.
You have excellent taste!😀
Super review. I took ownership of mine in March last year. A great car but the mpg is bloody awful if you keep playing with the right foot in 'N' mode. BTW, that Spacesaver is NOT standard; the KonaN comes with gunk. A lot of owners, including myself, have made up their own spare kit - the official one is £800!!!
Thanks for sharing
Hi, i've just taken delivery of one of these and as you said it did not come with space saver as standard and the dealer wanted silly money for one!! May ask you said you made your own spare kit up what size wheel and tyre did you use and did you have a problem matching the wheel to the studs?
Bought one of these and sold it a month later while I still had my license 😂 fantastic car that just wants to go fast! I now drive a Kona Hybrid and my license is safe 😂
😂😂
😂😂😂
First i30n was without the OPF, Kona and i30n FL have the filter. Hence the difference in decibels.
Good review thank you. I have one in red as well and it is my daily car. It has its compromises but these are overcome by the fun factor! My car now has Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and the more compliant sidewalls greatly improve the ride without affecting the handling. It's a cheeky but secure car and has every "extra" you would ever need included in its base price, so great VFM!
Thanks for sharing
Great review. Your point about the space saver spare wheel is misleading, the press car you test drove may well have had a spare if you purchase a Kona N from a Hyundai dealer like i did last month all that you get is an emergency kit of foam and a compressor. My supplying dealer did quote me £754 to supply as an accessory option a wheel and jack but no space saver tyre this was at a further cost. I did contact Hyundai customer services on the 4th December about the extortionate cost but 6 weeks on i am still waiting for a reply. Nevertheless still a great car.
SO nice its not a Electric wheel chair special your testing
Owned an i20N for 10 months and sat in a Kona N at a dealership and was shocked at how cramped the back was - no chance I was ever going to get a rear facing child seat in the back of that thing! Original i30N still hits the sweet spot for performance and practicality in the N range... Just a shame it isn't the bargain it was in 2017/18.
I would have gone i30N if it was offered in the US. Sad but no AWD along all the missing features is making me consider getting rid of the Kona N.
Top FYI folks - Hyundai N has 5 years warranty including TRACK DAYS! at least my i20N has
I said that in the vid 👍
Hi ped its will from sunderland , the one with the terrible megane trophy R , my wifes car ia a Kona N and its a fantastic car , had it aprox 18 months now , love it !
Hi Mate 👋
12 trackdays , no problems what so-ever , only replaced front brake pads n tyres , now running on goodyear f1s
I nearly went for a kona N after I had my i30 fastback N for a couple of years, I went to go test drive in my local dealer, I made a,booking at a specific time, it was after I had finished work too, they made me wait for an hour with not even so much of an explanation, so I walked out and haven't been back since, I am now in a cupra formentor vz2 310, I love the car, granted its not as fun on the B roads but still lots of fun, has the golf R engine so bags of power with 4 wheel drive, and because vw know how to make hot hatches you can daily, it is much more comfortable, I can travel to Wales and back no problem.
Well and traditional car review, didn't realise how much I'd missed them, brilliant. And what a car. No way an SUV, more of a big hot hatch in my view. Looks fun to drive.
Glad you enjoyed it
I recently picked up a 2023 Kona. It's not the N, but it's very nice. I've only just started playing with the manumatic mode and it's silly. It changes the gearing and makes the car sound a lot louder, but it still seems like you're going the same speed 😂😂😂
Very nice!
I bought one last June, and I've not looked back. Tried the i30N I found it uncomfortable. This comes fully loaded which is what I need as it's my main car. The space saver isn't standard I wasn't even offered it as an optional extra. I have Dark Knight Grey, but I don't believe you can get this colour now not from new anyway. I can get pretty good MPG for what I use it for, on average 38. However when it's in N-mode that's a different story pushing mid 20's, depends how much fun I'm having it's awesome. The Pirelli P-Zero's are awful on this car. I know many owners including myself have changed to Michelins PS4 and in some cases CrossClimate 2s, I opted for the Pilots Sport 5's and it changed the cars performance overnight. I'd buy another one tomorrow...if I had the money it's just such good fun to drive.
Thanks for this 👍
Happy to see all the buttons on the interia, but all those fake vents and fake diffuser looks a bit tacky. Still not a bad car at a reasonable cost
Hyundai is a brand that while I may never buy one the respect for the brand is justified in the build quality, warranty, and they now are making really interesting Cars. If they hone everything they are learning there is going to be a scary full Electric hot hatch on the cards soon😁
Hyundai are not seen as a cheap option but more a smart option now the full Electric Cars look a bit different and it’s refreshing. As I’ve been saying for years brand snobbery is not a thing these days customers are not as loyal as They once were. Gone are the days of “I only buy BMW” thinking why would you want anything else.
Agree on the styling. Thrown all together especially on the front. Seems to drive like a focus ST and I assume they took that as a benchmark. Backseat is a bit of a letdown as it should be this car's strong point over a hot hatch. Oh, and still that almost stick on I pad on the dash...Cheers.
I all ways recommend Hyundai / kia to customers thay are smashing it. All so Hyundai has launched the world's first production hydrogen car
I think the I30n fastback is way prettier, that'd be the one we would have. My better half has had 2 Hyundai's and loves em, I think they are great for the money!
Evening, looks like you've been having too much fun. 👍🤣
Yep 🙌
Great review. The lease on my i30n Fasttback is up at the end of Feb and a Kona N is on order to take over from it.
Good choice
Nice 👌
Every time this bloke reviews an N car its bloody raining
I know. Tell me about it 😂
A very interesting vehicle ti say the least! Good luck with the channel in 2023 👍👍
Thanks 👍
The lad has an i20N that's a cracking car, trying to persuade the better half to get one of these...
👍
Hyundai bring fire to all their motors nowadays.
Great on track , ask the people who i passed and lapped on circuit , the were all amazed by it ! (12 and counting last year )
😂😂😂
I can’t believe you didn’t do a ‘ Harry Hun’day’ on it Pete. 😘 Seriously it looks really nice, great review mate.
Great review Sir Pete!! I love the color. I’d say this is just a oversized hot hatch with all the hot hatch fun. I’d still want a amg a45 though
Hi ped it definitely showed how serious Hyundai were about the sporting intentions when they hired Albert bierman the guru from bmw
Yep 👍
I think that looks great Pete, top review too 👍🏻
The front end is a bit baby Urus..... the rear alot Focus RS.
I get the interior trim quality being down market if the performance & handling are sorted when it's a 36k car, add an upmarket interior, the price is now over 40k & then the badge snobbery would impact sales (Kia Stinger 🤔).
It is a shame they didn't make it a few inches longer though at the Kona's design stage, so the rear cabin was fully usable.
They've moved forward though & all credit to them.
I think the quality of trim is good and the build quality excellent after 10,000 miles of trouble free motoring
I owned a focus rs mk3 for six months , then the engine blew up !
Thanks, balanced review as always. I had about 6 months use of a Hyundai IX35. Great reliable car but I suffered from the same driving position issues you mentioned here, could never get the steering wheel quite close enough. Perhaps we have a weird leg to arm length ratio😂
😂😂😂
I rather like this car but tonight, the Hyundai website appears to have crashed! Whilst the N might be too much, I wonder what the other models might be like for Hilary…meanwhile, maybe these are among the most useable “fun” cars around…small, light, fairly simple, fun and not crazily overpriced. I shall look again tomorrow! 🤔😬😀😀😀Richard
Great one Pete, have to say it does look great fun, shame about the weather!!!
It really is!
£36k. It is NOT bang for buck for 98% of UK residents mate. Other than that. Good vid. Cheers.
Unusual that you got one with a spare wheel.... Mine has the crappy foam stuff
Driven lots of Kona's (although not the N version), when I worked at a Hyundai dealership.
The lower end models were gutless, crashy, and pretty cheap inside.
I think they are a level above Ford/Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Renault, but still not quite on a par with /Audi/BMW.
Kona's are quite cramped inside, and I don't really 'get' why manufacturer's are obsessed with making cars taller, heavier, and yet no bigger inside than a hatchback, and claiming they are somehow 'better' than the hatchback equivalent.
You’re actually comparing a Kona to a BMW/Audi? They’re are in two completely different classes. 🙄
@@JohnLee-db9zt Show me where I compared a Kona to a BMW please.
QUOTE : I think they are a level above Ford/Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Renault, but still not quite on a par with /Audi/BMW.
To say they are not quite on a par with Audi/BMW is a compliment, to even get close is amazing considering Hyundai's cost less.
Learn to read pleb.
Let's compare apples to apples!
Hi, love your stuff, 250 bhp+ needs 4 wheel drive. My mate has the i30n and it will spin in 4th gear if you give it some. That kona looks the nuts though
Thanks 👍
Looks and sounds amazing, I’m seriously considering getting one
Great car 👍
I’ve got ordered and I’m just waiting for it to arrive, should be here in a couple of weeks.
I’ve now got my Kona N, absolutely fantastic car with an amazing build quality, so much better than the AMG A35 I used to own 👍
@@stvhodga209I bought one on Friday. It's fun to drive 😎
Great review Pete. Hope you are keeping well mate.
Very good thanks 👍
Great car. No hybrid EV nonsense. Good value in today's market too. Buy one before our freedom to choose is taken from us.
Agree
Indeed 👍
I'd happily take a hybrid, self charging only, on top of a pukka i.c.e, for even better torque/acceleration!!
But as far as the whole EV propaganda/lies are concerned, I'd rather hang myself 😒😬😉
Nice Review Pete,Front End is a Complete Mess,And that is Not a Diffuser,I Had a Ren Clio Cup200 And that Had a Proper Diffuser That actually Gave Some Downforce ,If Your Reviewing Cars And Want to Sound Credible You Need to Say What your Actually Looking at and Not be Frightened of Offending !
That Car is Not Pleasant in a Lot of Areas
Now a megane rs trophy r has a proper diffuser , carbon fibre !
Car styling is subjective, and your spelling and grammar, on the other hand - now thats offensive..
love it great car😁
I've been eyeing this car as my daily driver. Currently driving my 300k g35!
A friend had a G35 and another G37 which I spent a but of time in, but my last car was a Q50 which I traded for my Kona N. I mostly "liked" my Q50, but I absolutely love my Kona N!
I had a mate called Unday. It is definitely "Hi, Unday!"
Thanks for this Pete. Considering a replacement for my 2017 Clubman JCW, and I'm looking at the "small SUV", so this is very useful. I'm tied between the countryman JCW, Kona N & T-Roc R. I don't think the Puma works for me but I should really try one I guess.
First!! Evening all! Hope everyone is doing well and has a lovely weekend.
You too!!
Saw one the other day in black, it was raining then, lol...
It actually looked quite good. Arguably the best colour for the unusual styling. Effectively, everything blended better!
Personally think the original analogue i30N performance pack dials looked great, the digital looks awful in comparison, from videos at least.
More bunny hopping 🥱🥱🥱
Totally disappointing imo.
Also think that the N grin button is a gimmick, never loved the steering in my 2017 original i30N performance pack, the firmest was arguably best, albeit slightly artificial. I drove that in N Custom with all to max, bar suspension in the middle setting.
When it was cold and damp, I'd also change esc from sport to normal. Never turned it fully off, nor tried out the launch control, which was actually quite rare in a manual. Mk3 focus RS had it also.
Normal, sport and eco totally pointless for me. Plus I personally believe that steering feel should be always the same.
Our subconscious becomes used to it.
When I was in N Custom settings stated, and went onto a motorway, rather than changing the exhaust to normal, less droan, I flicked the car to normal for convenience and safety vs trying to adjust it on the touch screen. This however turns the steering to jelly in comparison to the firmest, which could easily find your steering input being very different to what you're used to. Far too wallowy and arguably dangerous.
Having at least 2 Custom settings would have been great.
Like you say, Full fat N is ridiculous re suspension firmness. It's arguably too much even for a track.
But at least it has adjustability whilst keeping other criteria to the max, compared to say an fk8.
Thanks for this 👍
I think that press car could well be the only one in the UK with a spare wheel, i had to buy mine separately.
Well done mate formthe correct saying of hyundai and more importantly calling evs correctly as BEVs. Cheers
👊
I never use N Mode in my i30n either. The roads are terrible it hurts. Custom all the way as you did. Everything to the max except suspension. Looking at either the Kona N or Sedan N (not sure if that’s in UK yet) as next upgrade.
👍
Space no probs...pups in the back...!!!
I enjoyed watching the Video. My favourite Kona Model In the Range 😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
😂 I like the front but not so keen on the back 🤷🏻♂️
That is why they have different cars for different tastes!
@@lou52m yeah, err, did you actually watch this video before making this comment?
Hi Ped
Spectacular performance in this class and price range. However fell the potential market limited as a daily driver - rear sear space, that bouncy ride, potential license loser. If I was in a certain younger age group then I would possibly already have one, but now thanks but no thanks.😥
That is why they have different cars for different tastes!
Nice I like it but sill like i30n a bit more 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
One thing I don't get about this is no matter what way you put it it is still classed as an SUV which by its nature is jacked up which is then partially lowered to make it handle better for the sporty version rendering the raised part pointless which really means you'd be better handling wise going for the i20n or i30n if it's a sporty one you want. The bottom line is that in my opinion sporty SUVs like this and the Cupra SUVs for example are all pointless because due to their higher centre of gravity there's no way they can handle as well meaning you're better with a proper hot hatch.
Not even SUVs. Just lifted hatchbacks. Weigh more, handle worse than, less fuel efficient than their hatchback counterparts. No extra benefits other than its easier to get into
They are popular in a lot of markets because they are easier to get in and out of 👍
@@PetrolPed yes but so is a standard SUV
@@Insetta 👍It's predominantly the visual Chelsea tractor trend/fad🥱🥱🥱, albeit dwarfed.
When you reach a certain age, but you're still a petrolhead, you will appreciate the idea!@@Insetta
Shame UK doesn't get the N sedan as that it's the best N by a long way
Great review as always.A little bit too hard core for me I think.I like a bit of power but with comfort.Also I have to say I am not too keen on the looks.But there is no denying that it is very quick.
Fair enough!
Seems competitively priced, especially when compared with an EV around the £36K mark.
Great review as always Pete. How did the DSG perform when you were doing more mundane things like hill starts or reversing? That is where I find they can be a little quirky and unpredictable.
Really good 👍
You should try the Elantra N / i30 Sedan N. Same engine, next generation platform. An amazing car!
We don’t get the Elantra in the UK just the Fastback I30N. The Elantra gets good reviews but the front end is even more challenging to the eye than the Kona for me.
@@Buck3366 Yeah, I know about the availability. I have the DCT in Australia. The UK is really missing out. Also, I like how it looks :)
LC on FWD cars is so painful to experience. Wheels skip on wet surface is a nightmare if you come from AWD cars for example
I’m looking forward to Brits one day learning how to say Lancia. I think it’s gonna be a long wait
Lan-cha 😜👍
In Australia Kona N Premium is $18,000 cheaper than a JCW Clubman with the same internal space.
Is it worth saving the $18k for a daily driver with 'fun-factor' before performance ICE engine cars disappear forever?
What would you choose Petrol Ped?
The biggest problem with Hyundai N cars is NO SUNROOF in the UK!!! Why not Hyundai?!? I'd be more than happy to pay 5k extra for this + Alcantara trim.
Good review! Found your civic type R reference slightly odd, though. The FK8 (the previous version to the current FL5) had a fantastic ride! Best in class, I think and all the reviews said the same. This looked awful in comparison!
I love this car however due to how cramped back seats were, I didnt buy one! I regret it a bit but my kids comfort came first.
You should have bought one for yourself!😀😀
How are the interior plastics?! That was what put me off the i30n along with the wheel skip issue. Sounds nice!
Good quality
Could be better but everything you touch it nice 👌
@@PetrolPed Like every manufacturer, it is cheap.
Really like this car. One on my list if I could afford it. But still in this day and age cannot understand why paint is an extra. Maybe we should go in and say you don't want any paint and see what happens.🤣. Cool all the same.
😂😂😂
Hi Pete, there is quite a lot of deliberation between Puma ST and Kona owners and car journalists alike over, which is the better car to live with. Most (all I've found) over the last year have gone in favour of the Puma ST. You've driven both over the last year. What's your thoughts?
Had a puma before kona , not a bad car
Tough one that. I’d like to drive them back to back. Puma ST from memory has much better ride. It also needs the performance pack with LSD to go toe to toe 👍
Sounds good
Front styling is a little "Marmite", I don't mind it but it's not the best. Agree about the rear, Pete, - nice arse! Inside, stuck on iPad? Really? I thought we'd moved on from that. Overall, a cracking little motor, though. Me Like.
👍
So the i20N is 12k less has more room in the back and bar the auto box is a more usable hot hatch. Hard to choose the kona over one of them unless you have to have that odd combo , I’d say the i20N is the better b road basher
Could be 👍
Brillant video
Thanks 🙏🏻
mine coming next week
Enjoy 👍
Great car 🙂🙂 God help us if we ever lose the ICE. You just cannot get that same feel and response from an EV no matter how technologically advanced it is.
which is more fun... this or a puma st?
Very close call that one. The Puma ST is the best car Ford make 👌
Impressive 4 pot pull, that suspension would be dire round Lincolnshire.
Did ok at blyton park n cadwell park rac circuits
😂😂😂
Do you think the Kona N is a bit more comfortable than the i30 N?
A little taller so easier to in and out 👍
@@PetrolPed is the Kona N suspension any softer?
So, A tomato (American) is a Tomato a potato is a (potato) I say Hyundai you say Hundi! . In a shrinking market what is more important is how we say it or if we buy it?
Plenty of people are buying them 👍
We ran out of them! I happen to buy one of the last ones in red! LOOOOOVE it!@@PetrolPed
I honestly think it looks brilliant in red... £36 to £37k is certainly not mad expensive. Shame the rear seats are so tight! My 13yr old son is over 6ft!! So he definitely will not fit.
HYUN(HEUN) DAI(DE~) = means Modern Times. :D
Good car just too odd looking. Just far too busy .....at both ends they could easily lose both sets of the lower light clusters to start with
Suspension isn't designed to give a comfy ride it's to keep the wheels on the road.
Depends on the car 👍
I30n vs Kona n? They sound the same which is louder
Difficult to say as I drove the i30N a couple to years ago when cars were a bit more noisy 😬
@@PetrolPed here in Australia we don't get the GPF