Hyundai Spicing Up Kona SUV With N Performance Versions Boasting Up To 275 HP

Hyundai’s expansion plans of its N performance lineup include a hot version of the Kona crossover, which was spotted once again doing some development laps at the Nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage.

The Korean automaker is also working on the mid-life facelift of the Kona, which explains the covers on the test car pictured here. In addition to the styling revisions of the facelift, the upcoming Hyundai Kona N will feature model-specific bumpers with more aero and bigger air intakes, deeper side sills and a rear roof spoiler in a similar fashion with the i30 N.

The new Hyundai Kona N will ride on bigger wheels shod in stickier rubber and feature bigger brakes to match the power of the engine. Speaking of which, that’s expected to be the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit as found in the i30 N, offered again in two power guises: 247 HP (250 PS) in the base N model and 271 HP (275 PS) in the faster Performance derivative.

The performance version of the Kona will also feature a model-specific suspension setup to help it go around corners more like its i30 N and Veloster N siblings while the dual exhaust tips hopefully will provide a vivid aural experience.

Last time we heard, Hyundai was going to offer the Kona N with front-wheel drive and manual transmission only, but that decision could have changed in light of the recently launched competition in Europe.

The only other small crossover with similar sporty credentials at the moment is the VW T-Roc R, which employs a 296 HP 2.0-liter turbo engine sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The new Hyundai Kona N is expected to be revealed towards the end of the year, alongside the also under-development i20 N hot hatch, with sales to start early next year.