Hyundai Kona N | Spotted

Rumours continue to circulate regarding a return to petrol power for Hyundai’s flagship N models, despite it having recently committed to an all-electric future. It’s easy to understand the logic: having proven so popular at £35,000 and under, the brand could certainly do with enthusiast-focused models at less than the £65k asked for the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N. Moreover, Hyundai’s combustion engines were never the most efficient; a new generation – or else some hybrid assistance – would really help address one of the main N car gripes. 

There would most certainly be interest in a new era of combustion-powered Ns. The first star shone briefly if very brightly, introducing two brilliant hot hatches in the shape of the i20 and i30. From a standing start, Hyundai created two of the best cars in their respective classes, which is now reflected in strong residual values. Moreover, like all good performance sub divisions, it created a mad little curio as well: remember the Kona N?

Ostensibly this was Hyundai’s Puma, the N model rivalling the ST version like the i20 did the Fiesta. But to address those moans that are usually along the lines of ‘why wouldn’t you just buy the hatch?’ – or maybe just because they could – Hyundai gave its small SUV more power than the hatch. A lot more: while the i20 got a 1.6 turbo for 204hp, the Kona was actually motored along by the i30’s 2.0-litre, meaning 280hp. With an eight-speed dual-clutch standard (though still front-drive), a Kona N could scrabble to 62mph in 5.5 seconds. Honest. 

A Kona was a little longer and about 300kg heavier than an i20 N, but the message was clear: this was a small SUV unlike any other in terms of performance. It would do 150mph, while all a Puma ST could offer was a Mountune upgrade to 235hp. The Hyundai handled like a proper N, too, the PH review praising it for decent traction, minimal torque steer and useful throttle adjustability. Oh sure, the ride was super firm and the economy couldn’t even officially hit 35, but the Kona N was a giggle alright. We needed that in 2021; we definitely need it now. 

With the i30 available at the same time, you’d really have to buy into the Kona’s wackiness. Because if the i20 couldn’t compete on power, the larger hatch absolutely could. For about the same money as the small SUV as well. But as the hot hatch has become rationalised into extinction, so the slightly left-field options look more appealing than ever. Some Konas will still have years of warranty remaining…

Like its more traditional hot hatch siblings, the Kona N has clung onto its value as eagerly as it does the tarmac. What were £35k cars new are still more than £25,000 in most instances now, even with production having finished three years ago. There are actually 11 for sale on PH, which is more than expected, all weirdly nestled in the Kona rather than our dedicated ‘Kona N’ section. They take some finding! This two-owner example has just been through its first MOT, which it failed for – you guessed it – a very worn front tyre. And it’s hard to place too much faith in a Sailfish. But otherwise it looks as weird and wonderful as ever. A return to that from Hyundai at an accessible price would surely be welcomed. 

Engine: 1998cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 289@2,100rpm
MPG: 33.2 (WLTP combined)
CO2: 194g/km (WLTP)
Year registered: 2023
Recorded mileage: 21,500
Price new: £35,395
Yours for: £25,995