I got to know the Hyundai Kona N Line pretty well after driving it almost 1,500 km. It’s a crossover from Hyundai that’s gaining popularity, especially among younger drivers and those looking for a stylish, high-performance, and versatile vehicle.
The Kona really shines in the city and smaller suburban towns, moving with ease and speed. Plus, its hybrid engine is a big win, saving on fuel – something all drivers appreciate these days.
On my test, the Kona N Line ran 16.8 km on just one liter of gas, which means it used less than 6 liters for every 100km. That’s with quite a mix of driving conditions – highways, hills, rough dirt roads, and even a bit in Sport mode to make up time after getting stuck in traffic due to an accident.
Hyundai Kona N Line Engine Specs
Let’s talk about what’s under the hood of the Hyundai Kona N Line.
It’s got a super adaptable 3-cylinder engine that’s not even 1,000 cc (actually, it’s 998) and puts out 120 horsepower, or 88.3 kW, if you prefer. There’s also a 48-volt electric motor thrown into the mix.
Hyundai uses a small regular engine, light hybrid tech, and a 6-speed iMT manual gearbox to hit its goal of top-notch efficiency. The iMT clutch is electronic, not the usual mechanical kind. It can disconnect the engine from the transmission after you let off the gas, making things more efficient.
The car can coast in two different ways, either idling the engine or turning it off completely to save even more fuel. Step on the brake or gas, and the engine jumps back to life in the same gear, thanks to the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.
The test car, a slick chalk white with a black roof, sported 235/45 Pirelli P7 Cinturatos on 18″ rims, a good fit tire-wise, designed for less rolling resistance and a smoother, more efficient ride.
They aimed to max out ride comfort and lower CO2 emissions while also getting better sound insulation. So, it hits a sweet spot between eco-friendly and sporty driving.
Also, the Kona N Line’s steering is tweaked to go with the new suspension setup and tires. The springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars have all been adjusted to give a smoother ride and more insulation. Steering is now more straightforward and comfy, with the effort needed being well-balanced at any speed.
Design and aesthetic characteristics
The Kona N Line isn’t just about what’s under the hood. It’s got a look that turns heads too.
Right away, you’ll notice its sporty front and back ends, plus body-colored details and special diamond-cut wheels. The front is pretty striking, with a dynamic front bumper that blends smoothly with the body-colored wheel arches.
Unlike the New Kona’s solid “skid plate,” the N Line shows off a unique N-style aerodynamic spoiler with cool angular fins for a sleek look. It’s got bigger, techier air intakes, each with its own special design and surface treatment.
The back of the Kona N Line we tested keeps up that energetic, emotional look. The rear bumper includes a large, central aerodynamic diffuser in a color that pops against the body color and a double-side exhaust. Sharp lines and N-style fins on the rear bumper strip at the back corners boost the aerodynamics.
The Hyundai Kona has become a segment icon with its bold, innovative design and adventurous spirit. The design updates front and back give it a classier, more refined look, but it keeps that signature sturdiness.
LED tech in the improved DLR headlights lights up the night clearly. From the side, it keeps the muscly, sculpted shape of the earlier Kona, but the sporty, wedge-like silhouette is even more pronounced thanks to a front end that’s sharper, cleaner, and more harmonious.
The new rear lights stretch horizontally in their design, echoing the unique front signature. The new rear bumper is also made from a contrasting material, upping the feel of protective armor.”
Inside the Kona N Line
The interior of the Kona N Line had us doing a double-take! It’s stepped up its game from the previous model, bringing in a more polished and innovative appearance, complemented by a notable leap in tech that really elevates the whole vibe inside.
Now, let’s get into the techy details. The Kona N Line is decked out with the latest in connectivity and onboard tech. One of the standout new features is a 10.25″ digital cluster, introducing fresh connectivity features to explore and play with.
And speaking of screens, the new AVN (that’s Audio Video Navigation) screen lets you do a little tech multitasking with a split-screen function and manages multiple Bluetooth connections.
The latest update to Bluelink throws in extras like Last Mile Navigation, Connected Routing, Live Parking Information, and a whole lot more. Plus, with the new ‘User Profile’ function, you can swing your favorite settings from one Hyundai to another, which is pretty neat.
Voice recognition also makes the cut, letting the driver turn on and manage functions like climate control, rear window, and side mirror heating, and yes, even steering wheel heating, just by using their voice.
And, not to leave it out, the Display Audio is now 8″ (up from 7″), comes with DAB radio and has been upgraded to include wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Handy, right?
Safety, Driving Assistance, and other features
The N Line is serving up a healthy dose of safety features and driver-assistance goodies to make sure you and your passengers can keep the good times rolling with peace of mind.
First up, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) got an upgrade and now comes with a snazzy Stop&Go function. And here’s a nifty new addition – the Departure Warning (LDVA) gives you a heads up when that car in front of you is on the move, like at traffic lights or in those motorway queues. Lane Following Assist (LFA) is here to gently keep you centered in your lane.
In the updated feature list, there’s the Autonomous Emergency Braking that’s got eyes for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, using a sensor and camera to keep a keen watch for potential smash-ups. This new system is leveling up with an extended detection range and it’s pretty robust, even when the weather decides to throw a tantrum. If it smells a collision brewing and you don’t step in, it’ll hit the brakes for you.
Let’s talk about Rear Seat Alert (RSA) – a clever system that nudges you to check the back seat when you’re hopping out of the vehicle.
And hey, the Speed Limit Recognition is like your road rule reminder, using its camera and nav system info to showcase the speed limit right there on your display. Push past the speed limit and you’ll get a visual nudge on the cluster.
Wrapping it up, all these new additions are not just practical but they’ve also got the backs of your backseat passengers, who now get their own USB port and cozy heated seats!
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