Page 19 - Motoring Winter 2022

HYUNDAI SA LAUNCH

HYUNDAI i30 N and KONA N

ome cars are built to be practical, some
to be economical and then there are
Sthe cars that are just built to be FUN.
The N range from Hyundai very definitely
falls into the last category.
N stands for Namyang, the Hyundai
R & D Division in Korea. It also stands for
Nurbergring, the famous track in Germany
where the cars are tested and honed. The
WRC (World Rally Championship) is where
they’ve been proven.
With this pedigree behind them, the
latest i30N hatch and new Kona N Crossover/
SUVs have arrived in SA. To prove the fun Hyundai KONA N
factor again, search and find the button on track with its lower body and ride height, but the Kona was nevertheless amazing on the track.
the steering wheel with the legend ‘NGS’. In Out on the road, with most settings at the highest and the suspension on its softest setting,
some languages, this is a form of over-boost cruising was easy and smooth. In this mode, the gearbox shifts seamlessly and smoothly and,
button. In Hyundai-speak it translates as N over Franschhoek Pass, progress was swifter than many other vehicles.
division Grin System and BOY does it work! Both versions add a host of luxury and safety items to the mix. Lane keep assist gently pulls
One prod provides instant over-boost and the car back into line when needed. The Kona N has active cruise control, and a head-up display.
rocket acceleration for 20 seconds with a At the end of the day, the i30 is definitely the more focused performance monster, with the
bright red countdown in front of the driver. Kona being more comfort and family orientated, yet boasting the same manic prowess if the
I used the NGS button on the road mood captures you.
section for overtaking and it’s instantaneous Both versions are currently priced at R749 900, including a 5-year/75 000km service plan and
and honestly does induce a manic grin and 7-year/200 000km warranty. n
cackle from the driver.
The new cars are not one-trick ponies Use this link to watch our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAgYvcAEMqo
though. The 2l turbo engine blasts out
206kW and 392Nm to the front wheels
through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
gearbox. It has the obvious Eco, normal
and sport modes, accessed by blue buttons
at the bottom left of the steering wheel.
Another similar button at bottom right goes
straight to N mode. But this mode can be
fully customised. Engine, gearshifts, exhaust,
suspension and more can be set to the
driver’s choice of combinations with 3 levels
available for each. There are also 3 memory
settings for the owner to save his or her
preferences.
The launch included both track and
road sessions. For the track, there is even
a special setting for the gearbox where it is
optimised electronically and you can get on
with keeping the car on track and setting
the fastest lap times. The electronic-limited
slip diff and various other suspension and
handling tweaks ensure that the vehicle can
take it all on the track.
Naturally, the i30 is more suited to the Hyundai i30 N

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