I have a Kon N and love it. I have problems with my knees and wanted something easy to get in and out. The Kona N does that and still has the handling and performance I want. I do not find the suspension too hard. The suspension has the feel of being planted to the road and I love that.
I also just got one.I traded a CX-30 turbo for it and like the kona n more.I got lucky cause my CX-30 went up in price and I paid 1k for the taxes and own the Kona N.I also want t vehicle that sits higher because in addition to being easier to drive--the skirts--front bumper etc are way less likely to get scuffed up.Brakes are also prb one of the best i have ever had--and I owned a 2020 Stinger with brembos and another 1k in geomet cross drilled rotors and this bites as hard as those do and similiar to a freind who has a C7 vette with the track package brakes.
Barely firm enough. Seriously, the firmness is bearable and gives a feeling of plantedness ( is that a word?), which is nice. Had this car for 4 months and enjoying it. Perfect car for near 70 year old :)
Great review Paul. I've had one since October 2021 in basic trim to not wait 6-8 months! Awesome car and I love the exhaust tone! I don't think there is anything on the market at this stage that competes with it on price (T-ROC R yes but with AWD - it'll hit showrooms circa $70k). You be the judge... They've done an incredible job but if there is one thing, I really wished & hoped for a better and softer interior. I like to rest my elbow on the side whilst driving and found the materials way too hard to the point of discomfort for long drives. Hope this will be an improvement in the next gen.
Yes there are 3 that competes with it. they are i30n i20n and i30 sedan n. All of them are either more comfortable, more roomy, faster, have better tech and drive better with better interior or a mixture of all the above.
@@damienfrizzell9394 Think of 'compete' in a broader sense - what other car brands are offering in the small SUV space. Sensible buyers will not cross shop between the N range but with other brands. Make your mind up on the kind of vehicle you find suitable for your circumstance and see what the market offers.
@@interizkiller the way I see it there is nothing a small SUV can offer that any other shape car can't already do . all this model does it take all of the dimensional and drivability of the above parameters and lessen them.
Have been watching a few videos presented by Paul lately and I have to say there is something refreshing about them. They’re straight to the point, cover all the little things a potential buyer wants to see and above all aren’t annoying to watch & listen to! (some YT channels are just painful to watch lol) One thing I would love to see is testing this feature: Does holding down the lock and unlock button on the key, open and close the windows! Living in hot QLD it’s such an underrated feature and something I wish all cars had!
My sister just bought one. She's waiting eagerly for it. She was totally blown away by it on the test drive and couldn't stop raving on. 🙂 When you consider she has two kids that have left the nest, then you know it has brought back her youthful exuberance. Happy for her.
I have one and love it. So much fun. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable. The handling is great. Exceptional value for money. I fitted a full size spare. A space saver is useless.
I appreciate your work it is detailed and very good. Keep up the good work. If you can get your hands on the base model on Toyota lc I’d love To see it
Just purchased one. Didn’t find the ride firm at all. It feels planted but not firm like my old r33 skyline on coilovers! Love the handling and the brakes! Great noise coming from the exhaust too! Looked at buying a new wrx or sti and ended up with the Kona. Pick it up in 3 days - can’t wait!
Hey Paul is this harder riding in comfort than the I 30 N? My wife has a 2018 Cerato GT which is a great car but WAY WAY to firm it's ridiculous .. I truly don't get them making these so firm when 99 percent of their life will be day to day commuting. Surely it'd make sense to err on the side of comfort? .. Love your work too mate! 👌
MPS's engine's where horribly unreliable , head gasket issues, rod's out the side of the block block with anything more than stock boost. You will be much better off and have more fun with the Kona as it has the same engine as the Mitsubishi evo 10 in it .
As an AU i30N (PDe.3, so pre-facelift) owner, I will disagree with Paul's comments about remaining on the Pirelli P-Zero HNs that come with the car. They have several faults which, depending on where you're located, can be quite frustrating. 1) In cold weather (10c or so), the tyres take a long time to warm up and you experience the front end chattering a fair bit as you turn - especially at full lock 2) In cold weather (10-15c) when wet, these tyres are not at all confidence inspiring - they wont give up grip once warmed up, but getting them warmed up and their feel actually isnt great 3) The tyres are not suited for Australian coarse bitumen roads - thats a lot of the tyre noise drone that Paul experiences in the on-road test 4) They are expensive (see below) I recently had to prematurely replace my Pirellis (sub-10k) due to sidewall damage, I switched across to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and: - The Pirellis were more expensive, by $50/tyre, than the Michelins - The Michelins are a step higher, in terms of absolute performance, than the Pirellis (the HNs, as far as I know, are based on the PZ4s and not the Corsa - the Corsa series being the competitor to the PS4S) - The Michelins are a fair step more compliant than the Pirellis - The Michelins are quieter (I've done a trip from MEL -> ADL -> MEL twice, one on each set of tyres and the Pirellis resulted in about 4-5 dB extra in cabin compared to the Michelins. I will admit it wasn't entirely scientific as the phone wasn't elevated and did sit on the passenger seat so it moving around does result in variance in measurements) Here's the kicker though, the i30N Sedan ships with the Michelin PS4S by default.
@@MrRiffbear1 sorry, missed this entirely. If you’re around the city all the time, live with the pirellis. You ought to get 15k+ km out of it. If you do highway a lot, you might want to look at Michelins. Apparently the Goodyears are good, but I have no firsthand experience with them.
I am coming from the2021 Hyundia VelosterN DCT and I am loving the Kona N . The reason why I made the move to the KonaN was the VN cause my old bones to hurt crawling in and out. The Kona N is much more comfortable and I also am pleased with the ride height. I have a property that is rural and I was always wondering if I could damage the VelosterN when I drove it on the dirt road ( high center with grass ). I have one wish that I could have got it with the heads up display and power folding mirrors. Okay I guess it is two wishes.
Hi Paul, Can you please consider getting a DB meter to quantify the interior noise levels. Which would of been relevant in this review and future review. Secondly, who buys small coffees??!!..Please get regular or medium, 12oz coffees .. Please ask your barista what size coffee they sell the most of. Cheers
I like it. I like it a lot. The ONLY Hyundai I would even consider. Criticisms of it not being and AWD SUV : In my eyes it is is the modern alternative to the old school tiny Hot Hatches. +Plus N Premium model available with a moonroof (A big UP on any other Hyundai N model!) Its got the i30N engine, and its not dragging much more weight than the i30N, (If it was AWD it would be dragging too much fat) It has sophisticated fully independent suspension all round. So a big UP on the i20N with a t-beam bouncing around in its back!
@@user-vk4vd7vr5t Maybe if they also put the 2.0L from the i30N in the i20N! Instead of that ancient 1.6 T Gamma engine. Yeah sure an i20N's suspension would be ok on a flat smooth racing circuit, actually a t-beam rear axle would be an advantage on a circuit. But a pain in the butt doing any sort of back road touring with our potted roads.
@@user-vk4vd7vr5t You completely missed the point mate. The existing Veloster Hatch has a proper multi-link rear end, yet is as cheap as chips, cheaper than chips, since they are running out this (2 doors on kerbside) specific Australian body RHD. We should have got the Veloster N, but the South Koreans refused to make its quirky 3dr body for the Australian market. A Veloster N would have sold like HOT cakes in Australia. The new i20N is just a cheap and nasty super mini hatch, with a gutless uninspiring 1.6. Hell we don't even get the full i20 lineup as the South Koreans think this car doesn't sell here anyway! The Veloster sold like wildfire in Australia!
@@user-vk4vd7vr5t All my info is correct mate. Hyundai has ceased making the quirky 2 door on kerbside specific Veloster for body RHD markets. So Hyundai Australia are doing run-out specials on them right now, and a true bargain with the latest models sophisticated fully independent suspension. Hyundai are still making the Veloster N for LHD markets, as well even Hyundai noticed that this car was selling like hot cakes, most likely because of its gutsy 2.0L Turbo from the i30N. As far as the diminutive i20N hatch you keep raving on and on about. Polo GTi's, Fiesta ST's and other super-mini hot hatches have never sold well in Australia (Hyundai know this). You'll damn see a lot more Kona N's on our roads!!!!
Just got my wife a 2023 Kona N. Has everything. And in that same red. We love that color! So her and me love the Kona N! Already messing around with modifications lol. Performance only intake and catch can so far.
I had a WRX and have now gone to the i30N, I rarely miss the AWD. Drive one and see what you think, the level of grip is extremely impressive for front wheel drive👌
Can LED spotlights be added to the Kona N? Helpful for outback driving where you need to see the roos before you offer them a ride! I understand the CANBUS wiring harness in some modern cars with LED driving lights restrict after market spotlights. Not sure if this is true for the Kona N???
"why would you make a performance SUV that's not really comfortable as a SUV".... The Kona N is not meant to be a grocery getting SUV. Bierman said it himself, it's a performance car that sits a little higher. And on the ring it actually beats the i30N.
LOL!!! As an Australian, yes, I am used to flies but C'mon Paul, you've got to stop filming your videos near what is obviously a dead body...another charming review :)
Have literally looked at the Kona N in the flesh this morning but the brochure specs are indicating that it stil runs a DCT ???? confused also the 2l does list a turbo ????? WT
There is almost no difference in interior space between the i30 and the kona. In terms of elevated viewing I would hazzard a guess that the kona on it's lowest seat height is about the same as the i30 at it's highest, if you're a taller driver this might be an issue but really save yourself the 6K and get an i30 -cars which make noise like this won't be around for much longer, enjoy them while you can
@@mitchjames9350 I30N Hatch: Head room front / rear - 994 mm / 977 mm Leg room front / rear - 1073 mm / 883 mm Shoulder room front / rear - 1427 mm / 1406 mm Cargo area - 381 L Kona N: Head room front / rear - 965 mm/ 961mm Leg room front / rear - 1,054 mm / 893 mm Shoulder room front / rear - 1,409 mm / 1,385 mm Cargo area - 361 L
There's also a little slot for your phone above the wireless charger. 👌🏼😅I also dropped the floor in the boot for a few extras inches of space without that foam storage insert thing.
I don't care about lack of wireless AA as there are a few 3rd party devices that easily fix that issue these days, but the non-widescreen integration of AA is infuriating....I really hope they fix that soon
Great review! I would be interested to see how i30N sedan is different from i30N and Kona N. I heard it has a new platform, unlike i30N and Kona N's old chassis, with better suspension set up. Perhaps Hyundai might have tuned the suspension as much firm as possible because of the limited rigidity of old chassis 🤔.
I agree with most of what you say bar the tyres and suspension. The P Zeros are bloody awful particularly when manoeuvering at low speed, they judder and bounce like hell. The suspension is stiffer than 'normal' but no worse than my MX5 NC (Miata). I noticed a few differences between our models, mine has heads up display and electric front seats as well as being suede/alcantara so i think we get the the better deal here in the UK. I've only had it 4 months and put just 1300 miles on it but i drive to and from work the long way every day, i love it!
I was shocked when you showed the space saver spare in the trunk. I thought it was excluded in all markets. If I get a Konan, I may have to have one shipped internationally.
I reviewed lots of cars before I bought the Kona N. Sadly more and more models are going for no spare at all. You get a can of goo. It saves weight which helps them reach fuel economy targets. I rejected some cars. I think only 1 car had a full spare. Merc no spare. Audi collapsible spare... Google it
I like the Kona EV so much that we drove from NC to GA to purchased one. On 02/05/22, I bought a 2019 Kona EV Ult with only 207 miles on it. It was a "demo" car. On Sunday, 02/06/22 car died on me twice!! I was at the dealership first thing Monday morning. The bad thing is this - I LIKE the car. The drive back from GA was very nice.
Kia/Hyundai need to get rid of the separating of the rear stop lights and Indicator/Reverse lights. I think it looks very disorganised and not much thought has been put into it. Especially when you stop behind them and can't see they are trying to reverse or indicate etc.
I think they're awesome. A blinker flashed, and a brake is solid Amber. Reverse is white. There's nothing confusing at all unless you've never driven a car before
Interesting that the "Start" buttons are on the left hand side on most of these keyless ignition cars given we drive on the Right Hand side here in Aus/NZ and England...! Might be a little confusing to start off with but maybe once we get a hang of it might get easier...!
I wish they made the centre screen slightly angled to the driver .. I feel the screen it too straight one making it a little in easy to watch the Nav .
I reckon the Santa Cruz looks great, they need a N version with fox suspension, bigger brakes, better wheels and tyres, and increased power from the engine.
It’s really not that firm, comfort is fine for everyday use, someone buying this should expect it to handle so it’s not gonna ride like an S-class but it’s great for everyday use.
With the interior trim comments, it isn't a German premium car. It's a Hyundai! For those you pay double the cost of this car. I wouldn't expect an interior that is on par with Audi, BMW, or Mercedes for $60 grand.
The rear lights annoy me because it just creates more expense when trying to repair it after a collision because you have to replace 4 tail lights instead of 2.
Paul mate, I’m getting a bit worried about your arms seemingly going into constant spasms lately! 🤣 I reckon if you’ve had your covid vax like myself, something like an AEROGARD top up could do wonders!🤭 Oh & “Av a good weekend…day…night..!”🪰🪰🪰🪰🤬🤪
i30N sedan is just too hard core for most (load limiting rear strut brace), as its sister the i30N hatch. This new Kona N is a far better compromise for our rough pot holed roads.
My wife has a 2019 Kona Active 1.6 turbo and I find it’s ride to be horribly firm, we live in a rural area and it’s just way to firm. Disappointing that something with electronically adjustable dampers is still too firm.
‘Only’ NZ$70k +orc in NZ (vs $50k in Australia) - thanks Hyundai NZ, but at least you’re consistent with your outrageous pricing across all your cars… 💩
You've got that right. I assume Hyundai NZ distributor buys their cars from Australia instead of Korea, or they can't come up with that ridiculous price for their cars. Seriously, NZ $54000 + ORC for i20N? I thought it was a joke 😳.
What's so confusing? A blinking light is the blinker, 2 solid lights for brakes, and a white light for reverse. Unless you've just got your learners I don't see how this is confusing.
The ride is too firm tbh it’s needs to be softer tbh normal should have been the nmode setting ….it’s livable and not too bad on highways but every now and again it reminds you how firm it is lol… aside from the that this car is amazing in everything else! Enough space for groceries and isn’t bad if you live alone or with 2 others …folding down the seats which is easy to do gives at ton of space…
@@Mexxx65 The Kona has less space in its tiny boot compared to the sedan, and it also has less rear leg space. People obsess over these cross-over SUVs without realising how compromised they are, with poorer performance as well. Plus the strut can be easily removed (but it’s better to retain anyway because its provided better driving performance which the Kona cannot match)
In response to Paul suggesting sticking to the OEM tyre... Yeah nah worst advice ever. Those Pirellis are fucked after 5000km. Yeah they have tread, but the compound turns to shit. And by 15,000ks you are on the wear indicators. Get yourself a set of pilot sport 4's and be happy knowing you can flog them with consistent grip for nearly 50,000ks Anyone who has made the switch on a i30n could tell you the Michelin change is a cut above. And it's funny how the new I30n sedan has made the switch to the Ps4s from the factory.