2021 Hyundai Kona N to spearhead brand's performance onslaught that also includes Tucson N Line, i30 N automatic, i20 N and Sonata N Line

Hyundai Australia has confirmed no less than eight new N and N Line vehicles to hit local showrooms by the end of 2021, led by its first full-fat performance SUV, the Kona N.

Though the brand stopped short of confirming outputs and performance, the Kona N will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For reference, the 2.0-litre engine found in the updated i30 N punches out 206kW/392Nm.

It is still unconfirmed if the Kona N will be front-wheel drive like its i30 and Veloster N siblings, or if the first N SUV will be all-wheel drive to better take the fight to the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Mini Countryman JCW.

Regardless, expect to see a zero-to-100km/h acceleration time of around 5.9 seconds, as seen on the new i30 N hatchback.

A full reveal is planned in a few weeks, while local pricing and specs are expected closer to its Australian launch, but Hyundai N vice-president and head of brand management Till Wartenberg promised the Kona N will deliver on the performance brand’s promise.

“As N brand’s first ‘hot SUV’, Kona N will offer plenty of versatility and driving thrills that N-thusiasts have come to expect from the brand,” he said.

“You can take this vehicle anywhere – from road to track.”

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Kona buyers wanting the sporty looks without the performance engine however, can also opt for the N Line version, which is due to land in the first quarter of 2021 alongside the facelifted small SUV line-up.

The updated i30 N with a new dual-clutch automatic option and revised i30 N Line is also due before the middle of the year, while the new i30 Sedan line-up will also score an N flagship.

Hyundai Australia is also prepping to return to the light hatchback segment with the new i20 N, designed to take on the Ford Fiesta ST, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Toyota GR Yaris.

The new-generation Sonata mid-size sedan will also finally be launched in Australia this year, available in the single N Line grade, as a sportier and more premium alternative to the likes of the Toyota Camry.

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Hyundai’s next-gen Tucson mid-size SUV will also receive the N Line treatment in the second half of 2021, marking the eighth sporty product rollout for this year.

However, the i30 Sedan N Line was delayed from its original late-2020 arrival to early 2021, meaning nine N and N Line vehicles will land in Australia.

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