I giggle at the fact that he looks like a banker or accountant, but has silly fun thumbnails and always crawls into the trunk and then appears close the lid and trap himself inside as a transition to his next chunk of good info. Probably my favorite car reviewer just because he doesn't act the way he looks 😁
Toyota: it's very expensive to develop a sports car, so we had to hire BMW to make the Supra. American brands: people aren't buying sedans anymore, so we have to stop making them. Honda: imposible to add turbo to the HRV is a Family oriented CUV. Hyundai: LET ME SHOW YOU, HOW GREAT I'M!!!
I do not disagree... BUT.. Hyundai has mainly just put the same engine and suspension on other vehicles that they already have, and do not get me wrong its awesome to see this, but it is really the same car that can fit different lifestyles as oppose to many sports car options. again, still dope.
@@poppachoppa8956 Exactly, they figured it out! I totally see your point.✌🏼 Now Imagine a Supra with it's own Toyota inline v6, and then they make it fit into an Avalon TRD, I'm 100% it wouldn't have being discontinued, oh, and by the way, we made it fit into a Highlander TRD that is competing vs MDX type S and the Ms and AMGs, of Europe. Wouldn't that be amazing?🧐
@@HappyCarReviews Honestly, anything to get these engines in consumers hands at a reasonable price before electric vehicles become so widespread that it takes center stage. The Veloster N powertrain being used everywhere is a really cool proof of concept for other manufacturers to follow suit, fingers crossed!
Thanks for another thorough review. I'm about the same height as you and I really appreciate that you go through the back seats where many reviews skip right over that haha. I like to go on road trips with friends and several of us are over 6 foot tall.
Alex, great review but please dont fall for the "SUV" marketing nonsense. This is a good front wheel drive hot hatch - the only difference is they have raised the seat floor with blocks to fool drivers into thinking its an SUV as they sell well. The ground clearance is nothing like an SUV - most including the RAV4 etc have over 8 inches of ground clearance. Fun fact - the low slung Kia Stinger GT has more ground clearance than this and that offers AWD!
Alex had already reviewed the Kona N some weeks ago and the thumbnail text did address the nebulousness of what this vehicle does or looks like vs what Hyundai markets it as (crossover): "Whatever it is...its fun!"
It’s kind of moot. Basically “everything” is an suv/cuv these days-“cars” are basically gone because they don’t sell. Yes, the niro is just a raised unibody hatchback, but so are 80% of the new vehicles made now.
I know and I had to decide between the two of these vehicles last weekend and I ended up buying a Kona N. I was replacing the VN DCT and I went to a much more comfortable vehicle and I am so pleased with the purchase.
I agree about the three "whatever they are" at the front just below the hood line. Make them useful of eliminate them (I would light them with the DRL's).
This thing looks awesome! I kind of want a stubby little daily with some zip like this. I was looking at Stingers but I cant find a 4 banger new and the price/fuel economy on the v6's are a bit yikes. Probably wont be able to find this thing at MSRP either, with the current car market, though =/
I owned a stinger 3.3TT GT for a year.This is a better vehicle for all around use.The stinger sits very low and is really a sports car.The skirts etc--had dings and nicks on it and I am a careful driver and ceramic coat the car.I sold it for a huge profit 6 months ago--bought a CX-30 premium plus turbo--and just traded the mazda today--even trade on a 22 KONA N--paid 1k for the taxes and fees and the KONA is just way better overall then a stinger because of the ride height--better fuel mileage.The stinger--I have videos of me at public drag---- does have insane performance.I have 100s of hours of track time and for a daily driver the KONA N is perfect--I am starting a learning curve and will shoot videos after the break in period for the KONA--but for something under 40k--it has exceptional performance--also the brakes are fantastic--i plan on putting cross drilled and vented rotors on mine soon to make it totally track level.
tell Hyundai Corp, I was in California Concord Hyundai dealer trying to buy a Kona N, they wanted + $10K for a $35K car almost 20-25% over MSRP !!!! that CRAZY !!!
Just got one of these for my wife this past weekend. We both love it. Went from 2020 veloster with the performance pkg. got tired of the manual, really like the extra room and the dct
Kona looks awsome but your statement that the Kona is better than the Veloster N is asinine! The veloster and the elantra have a better center to gravity unlike the kona which make them better track cars! The kona is marketed for a more reserved/family vehicle with a less aggressive but still good performance. As for the Veloster N, it's not going anway! Lol. It's still thier first and most popular in the N series.
@@anonymous00117 The N Line Kona is the same as the Limited 1.6T. The Elantra N Line actually does have suspension tuning changes (Stiffer front spring rate and shock tuning), multi-link rear suspension, and some other small tweaks over base Elantras including the 1.6T engine. The Kona N Line and Tucson N Line are the two fully appearance based N Line's so far. All other N Line models have very functional upgrades over their base counterparts.
The veloster is gonna sail off into the sunset because in 2020 they only sold 7,000 of them and in 2021 so far they haven't even broken 2,000 in sales. It wouldn't surprise me if they replaced the veloster and veloster N with an elantra hatch and hatch N, since the veloster shares a platform with it already. Tbh it might just end up being a rebrand the same way the subaru outback completely took over the legacy wagon sales despite them being functionally the same
I snagged an outgoing Mk 7.5 Autobahn and LOVE IT. And its footprint with what it offers is got about the most practical, functional space available in North America. I also wanted it for the tow capacity. I did a lot of in-depth research and it's got the identical Transmission, clutch, engine and tune that you get out of the European version and it's rated to tow 700kg unbraked and 1600 kg with trailer brakes... so for us Americans: you can tow in excess of 1,500-3,500lbs and be within "factory spec". Remembering the laws are different over there and driving conditions can be very different depending on where you're at, I would shave a bit off this if I was going to hit the freeway with semis and pickup trucks with massive campers on going 80mph without anti away hitches, but you should be able to tow 2,000 pounds without any issue if you're responsible.
@@NoZenith Good points but the consumer market for towing with either the GTI or the Kona N is limited enough to hold national conventions in a Holiday Inn ballroom.
@@sabrimo4020 It doesn't need to open for it to serve the purpose. Just need it to exist so you can have natural light come in and make the cabin feel open. Otherwise it feels like you are in a dungeon when you are on long trips - like what Compact SUVs are USED FOR. No one wants to be driving in a dark lit cabin for 7 hours. That's the point of the moonroof it to make it feel spacious and airy. This is why Tesla cars feel so great because you feel like you are driving around in a glass house. Stupid oversight by Hyundai here for their CUV product...
Agreed, by the time they put in AWD and beef up the DCT to handle said AWD, it will cost as much as a Golf R. In that case I might as well just buy the Golf R.
Didn't know the Kona N had a torque vectoring differential. Really interesting, especially at this price point. Do any competitors come with it? All I'm aware of are the Golf R and TLX, which aren't direct competitors.
It's an e-LSD and it's available on the Veloster N and now, the Elantra N too. The later model GTIs (2018+ Performance Packs) have them along with the Focus ST (the current model that we don't get in the US) does too. Although the GTI mk7.5 doesn't lock as hard as a Veloster N. The GTI mk8 can lock as hard and is adjustable via the infotainment, just like the Veloster N. There's also the Corvette C7 (don't know which models) that comes with an e-LSD and is currently the only car that I know of that is RWD with the e-LSD. Lookup "VW VAQ" if you want to know more on how it works as they are all clutch type LSDs and they all work the same.
Sadly my issue with this car is just purely on a daily drive basis. Why? If we hit the EPA rated 23 average MPG with the itty-bitty 13.2 gallon tank we are talking a comical 303.6 mile range if we use every bit of gas in the tank. Leave a gallon in reserve and we are talking the hilarious number of 280.6 for range. Ouch that’s getting gas a lot.
I really dislike DCTs so I would prefer a manual or normal auto, but the thing I can't wrap my head around is Hyundai not making AWD available in these performance vehicles. That's the deal breaker to me.
Just tell the wife that this is a practical Asian reliable CUV that is easy to park so you get her buy in. Win/win. Btw, Alex keeps referencing the Golf R, that hot hatch is way more expensive, like $40k.
I really like so much about this car. From the "you can't always get what you want desk", manual transmission. Looking to replace my '05 WRX hatch next year for something that has some zip to the right pedal and comes with a third pedal.
If they made this AWD I would trade my Veloster N for it right now. This could have been a Korean Focus RS lol but alas the Veloster N is still the best driver's experience you can get under $40k (Type Rs are all being marked up closer to $50k everywhere)
On the fence with this one. I like some aspects of it, but don't like other parts of it. Love the looks, but really don't like the fake vents and lights and lack of sun roof. Lots of power without AWD and no manual. Would you guys go with this or GTI?
Brian, I feel the same way. If it had AWD and a manual transmission option I think it would be a great alternative to the GTI. I think it will all come down to price. If it's going to be the same MSRP as the GTI, I think people will choose the GTI. Other than the infotainment unit of the new GTI, I think VW has the upper hand over this vehicle. If Hyundai prices this 2-3 thousand dollars less than the GTI, it may take some sales away from VW but still not enough to be a serious sales threat.
I've seen reviewers say no one would cross shop this with a GTI. This literally is a GTI. Nearly identical width, length, cargo space; the GTI has better rear legroom; the N is 2" taller. The GTI's motor is underrated, and the N's motor is overrated... net result the quarter mile is nearly identical. GTI gets better mpg and is cheaper. So sure - Hyundai did a good job making this, but the GTI has existed for a long time.
Wonder how durable these DCTs will be in city/stop and go heavy traffic. That is a lot of clutch slipping to start. Hopefully it is easy to change the fluid.
Yeah abut the fluid change. If it’s one of those “fIlL fOr LiFe” systems, where the life of the whole transmission is defined by how long the fluid lasts, that’d be a real fail.
My wife has an '18 Soul turbo, with the 7-speed DCT, which I believe was Kia/Hyundai's first effort at a DCT. It's awful, especially off the line and when moving slowly. I suspect they've gotten better by now, and this is obviously a different unit being 8-speed.
An interesting pair of reviews of Hyundai's "N" offerings today. As a GTI owner the more interesting to me is the Kona N. In fact, the Kona N strikes me as the most direct rival of the GTI in the US market. Calling the Hyundai a "crossover" or "SUV" stretches the definition of that category to or beyond the breaking point. The Kona N is a "hot hatch." Period. I haven't driven the Kona N, of course. Nor the MK8 GTI for that matter. So I'll reserve judgment about their respective strengths and weaknesses. But while my experience and biases favor the VW, I have to admit that the Kona N is the only vehicle I'd cross shop versus a GTI.
I think fake vents on cars spoil them but I would like to see on the Konami n that the ones on the front should be opened up for use of an induction air kit that I think would sound good
There's some doubt that Hyundai will be making the Kona N in 2024. They always make cars that end up being discontinued. At any rate the styling of the 2024 Kona will be dramatically different. I'll keep my GTI thanks.
They actually listened to suggestions that were made. biggest problem will be what happens when dealers get them, i expect those greedy ones will tack on ADM stickers to hijack additional pure profit over msrp. 🙄😤🤮
Hey Alex, could you sometimes have a short person review the seats for comfort please? Have any short women driven this car? How about fitting a purse or two close at hand? I'm 5'3". In the 2012 Camry it feels like the driver's seat was designed for a tall man. It provides little back support and it can create pain points.
I still love my 2016 Veloster R-Spec. It has less power than the Kona N, but just as much cargo capacity. It gets better fuel mileage and uses 87 octane. OK, not quite as fast, but greater practicality. I have no need to "upgrade".
Amazing car! Is the dual clutch transmission any good? Those transmission are a little jumpy between first and second gear on heavy traffic. Is that problem solved in this car?
As an owner of the KN, it is leagues better than their previous 7-speed DCT, but you can sometimes catch first gear being a little rough. Doesn't happen often though.
Fortunately, Hyundai's resale value plummets, so it'll be better to wait 2 years and get a better deal on a one owner lease with low mileage and a clean Carfax.
No manual, no thanks. Hyundai cares more about $ than they do building culture. Not saying that is the wrong decision, but it's a short term play. Building culture is a long term play and can pay off down the road. Putting a manual in this forces every enthusiast to take it seriously, and some will make the switch to this and then hype builds online and it snowballs from there, growing the brand culture. Right now this vehicle will exist for a few years and then be discontinued and it will essentially be forgotten about. The TRUE enthusiast market cannot take this seriously at the moment.
Sorry, but hoping to "build culture" by offering a manual transmission is analogous to trying to sell cameras that use conventional film in an era of digital photography.
Considering that KIA is discontinuing the Stinger as a result of slow sales, I'm sure it gives Hyundai pause in terms of a full "N" version of the Sonata as you suggest.
Hyundai has FAILED, it NEEDS AWD and it is way to high for no reason. It's roll center is way out of wack, it is a street racer NOT and off road car. And every review calls this problem out. AND no, you non AWD knowing people can't convince me the 2WD eLSD is good enough. NO, it is not. It is an axle tramp nightmare like all FWD high HP cars. And every review calls this out. This car was meant to be AWD. The weight is a BS excuse because to get a Kona balanced you need to add 100+ lbs in the rear in AWD form as the Kona was designed with too much weight cantilevered over the front wheels. In AWD form the Kona AWD N would steal 1/4 of the sales from the Golf R and would pull a chunk from the WRX and some from BMW and Audi, as many who buy those cars used, would now buy a new Kona N AWD. BUT NOT in 2WD form, it is a stinker in this under performing 2WD form to grab "next level buyers." Let alone more females who have money and always buy specialty AWD cars for safety as long as it has an automatic trans as it would have, those buyers are not buying a 2WD Kona N Hyundai failed on this one. So all you people who NEVER drove a properly setup AWD sports car can chime in with very weak arguments. Remember, a tire can only grip 100% if it has to put down 100% power input and 100% steering input you are not going anywhere fast. In AWD form and a non OEM alignment an AWD will dance through the corners, this 2WD car will not. Sales have been lost by a large number, because of this stupid choice of FWD only. What a shame. Oh yea, Hyundai, why does North America get the heavy UGLY cast rims and Europe gets the nice light weight forged rims?
Seems like a great little car. However, I do find it frustrating that all the reviewers seem to be pretending we will be actually able to buy one for MSRP. To some extent, I suppose it might depend on where you live, but this will be a high demand car that will only be available in limited numbers for the foreseeable future and will likely cost 10%-15% more than MSRP.
Even because I'm a N fan, I don't understand Hyundai's direction with it. Why does Kona N have different blue color from all other N models? Why does it have a more powerful engine, but have basic seats instead of those with lighting N logo? 🤔
They actually made the PP blue in other regions. The Sonic Blue color that we get in the US, is also available in other regions and it was intended to become the N color for N-SUVs over the PP Blue. Basic seats have a lot of bolstering, and the intent was for these to focus a bit more on comfort... the EN/VN seats look nice, but don't feel as comfortable as the KN seats. I do agree that they should've added a lighting N logo to them... that was just a cruel move.
While I agree the scale is a great idea, I also have the same issue…it seems to exaggerate differences between fairly similar cars. I wonder if it might be more useful if it covered the full scale off passenger vehicles, e.g., from a Mini Cooper on the left & Chevy suburban on the extreme right.