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New Hyundai Kona N 2021 rendered: Hot small SUV to get aggressive look and plenty of power

The Kona N might very well end up looking like this. (Image credit: KSS Studio)

It’s no secret Hyundai’s first performance-focused SUV, the Kona N, is on its way, and now we have our best look at it yet.

This render comes courtesy of KKS Studio and is based on recent spy shots of a Kona N prototype undergoing developmental testing at the Nurburgring.

It’s worth keeping in mind the Kona N will be released alongside the facelifted version of the regular Kona, which goes some way in explaining the bold new look depicted in this render.

Of course, we’re referencing the latest version of Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, which is much wider and a little bit shorter than before.

The render also shows the Kona N’s new daytime running lights (DRLs) and headlights, which are separated from one another, as per the current regular Kona.

The Kona N ups the visual ante, though, with its Performance Blue paintwork, aggressive front bumper, large alloy wheels, branded brake callipers and chunky side skirts, while contrasting gloss-black and red trim feature throughout.

Of course, time will tell how accurate this render is, but we’d wager it’s not too far off.

As reported, the Kona N is expected to be revealed next month, with it to borrow its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the i30 N small car, which currently punches out 202kW of power and up to 378Nm of torque on overboost.

This unit will be mated to a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as well as an all-wheel-drive system for the first time. A sports exhaust system could also be heard during the aforementioned Nurburgring developmental testing.

And the news gets better for Australian buyers, with a local Hyundai spokesperson previously telling CarsGuide the company will “be studying the business case for any new (N) product that should become available, including an AWD SUV”.