2021 Hyundai Kona N uncovered! New go-fast small SUV to take on Volkswagen T-Roc R with i30 N formula

Hyundai has taken another step closer to the full reveal of its first performance SUV, the Kona N, by dropping its camouflage.

Due in Australia in the third quarter of this year, the Kona N follows in the tyre tracks of the i30 N hot hatch, which established Hyundai’s N performance sub-brand upon its full reveal in July 2017.

In fact, the similarities between the Kona N and facelifted i30 N are numerous, with the former combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission just like the latter.

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That said, Hyundai is yet to confirm the Kona N’s outputs, although it’s likely to match the facelifted i30 N’s 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque. Either way, it will line up against the 221kW/400Nm Volkswagen T-Roc R, which is due locally next year.

For now, what we do know is the Kona N ups the visual ante over the regular Kona small SUV with its more aggressive front and rear fascias, which have more or less been outed by these new darkened teaser images.

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Look a little more closely and you’ll notice the Kona N looks awfully similar to the warmed-over Kona N Line.

However, look a little more closely and you’ll notice the Kona N looks awfully similar to the warmed-over Kona N Line, with the differences being the former’s lower red accents, 10-spoke alloy wheels, double-wing spoiler with an integrated triangular brake light, large exhaust tailpipes and ‘N’ badging.

We’re yet to catch a glimpse of the Kona N’s interior, but it’s safe to say it won’t stray too far from the Kona N Line formula, although a unique steering wheel and front seats can be expected. That said, we’ll find out more soon, so stay tuned.