Hyundai has as soon as once more teased the brand new Kona N, revealing extra of the high-riding scorching hatchback’s design earlier than its reveal within the coming weeks. These photos be part of earlier revelations about its technical underpinnings from earlier this 12 months, which confirmed it will sit someplace between the Ford Puma ST and VW T-Roc R in energy, value and efficiency. When it goes on sale in early summer season this 12 months it’ll be part of the refreshed i30 N and new i20 N in Hyundai’s efficiency line-up, increasing the N vary into a brand new sector and bumping up consciousness of the sub-brand each right here and overseas. 

The Kona N will discover its technical foundation within the i30 N’s 2-litre Theta engine, which is able to produce the identical 278bhp as within the now up to date hatchback. Torque is rated at 289lb ft, and these outputs are despatched to the entrance wheels by way of Hyundai’s new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically managed limited-slip differential. There’s been no phrase on whether or not Hyundai can even supply the six-speed handbook gearbox. 

The Kona N will characteristic the identical steering system and dampers because the smaller hatch, too, however retuned to swimsuit the Kona’s marginally increased centre of gravity and shorter wheelbase. 

These parts make it apparent that the Kona N shall be a stronger SUV than the equally sized Ford Puma ST, which has an 80bhp deficit from its three-cylinder turbo engine. This benefit is predicted to be mirrored within the Hyundai’s price-point, which is predicted to be round £33,000, making it costlier than the £31,365 being requested for the Efficiency Pack-equipped Puma.

The Kona N will sit decrease on each the pricing and efficiency scales than the Volkswagen T-Roc R, whose 297bhp and £40,700 value make it fairly considerably costlier and marginally extra highly effective than the Hyundai. 

The brand new N variant can even coincide with a wider replace for the Kona vary, one that may combine the sharp and aggressive design language that’s quickly being utilized to different new Hyundai fashions. Look carefully and also you’ll spot parts such because the angular mesh sample and sharp new LED lighting signatures hiding beneath the camouflage as proof for this.  

We anticipate to see the Kona N in remaining type within the subsequent few months, with first examples reaching prospects in early summer season.