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 :)
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.
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.
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!
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 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
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! 👌
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 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.
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.
"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.
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👌
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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???
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
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 :)
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 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
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.
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 .
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...!
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.
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.
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.
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..!”🪰🪰🪰🪰🤬🤪
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…
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.
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.
‘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.
@@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.
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 :)
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.
@khronin how has the car been for you
That launch control is smooth for a FWD.
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.
Agreed! It’s great fun to drive. I just wish they spent a little more time on the interior.
find someone to change the upholstery shouldn't be too complicated and neither would it be expensive I think
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.
Geez hasn’t Hyundai come along way.. had the first exel.. said I’d never buy a Hyundai again.. but these new ones drove amazingly
Agreed I drive a kia never thought I would buy Korean.
By far the nicest N car.
A category by itself.
I bought my Kona N back in 2022 coming from a Fastback N…the SUV type is more than I needed it’s a lot easier to hop in and out of.
Another wicked review thank you as always
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.
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!
Had mine 3 days and in love. Coming from a Mazda 3 MPS. Loving the higher seating.
god the mazda 3 is boring , you must be loving it
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 .
Me too!!! Miss my MPS though.... She was a true lady :)
@@davidgriggs3967rubbish. My MPS was bulletproof. Never had a single issue
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.
Thanks for the feedback! Will be keen to try the Michelins on the sedan.
Ive got the Kona N on the way, Which Tyres should I get mate? You surely know your stuff!
@@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.
@@snehaldasari7528 I live in the country. Mostly highway driving daily.
Great review 👏 👌
I'm still waiting on the renault megane rs Paul 😁
Sweet waited for you to do this and I get to pick up mine on Thursday as well
Congrats on the purchase!
Sold, this thing is so good!!
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
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! 👌
I mean theres Kona n line too. Or Sonata n line
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 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.
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!
True!
@@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 i20N has too small an engine, that model needs the 2.0L from the i30N/Kona N/i30N Sedan/Veloster N.
@@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!!!!
I wish they could've made a more aggressive front and year look, but I'm happy either way. Can't wait to get one!
I had a 1994 Hyundai with the engine before the excel and it was bulletproof sold it to a friend who loved it.
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.
Nice review, looking forward to the i30N sedan review!
It's about time he did one
Great review . Doing the hard yards though with the bloody flies!!
😅
"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.
Sweet as I get to pick up mine on Thursday as well
I'm like this it looks very nice especially in blue even in gray and red
It’s lacking something very crucial: all wheel drive.
Hyundai, please make a Kona N with all wheel drive or a Tucson N with all wheel drive.
Yeah.. but wont find anything better for the price this offers
@@xtremegamer78 There is the Audi SQ2 with four wheel drive and an extra 20 horsepower, but it’s a few grand more than the Kona N.
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👌
@@fullaudio7880 I've got a Kona N on order..Been told it's not back in production yet though.
@@xtremegamer78 I love my new i30N, what about the i30N sedan? Or you want the ride height of the Kona?
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!
Miles? That's yank measurements. You're supposed to be metric
Its like WV R in suv style..with more safety tech..with fun to drive..with cheaper money..its a really tough strong car..
Great review Paul!
Whens that i30 Sedan N review coming?! lol
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.
Great review. Hope you got some Aeroguard, mate!
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
I30N has more interior space head space and a bigger boot.
It’s strange that the i30n has more space interior wise. I think Hyundai need to go back to the drawing board with the Kona N’s interior size.
@@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
@@Hansanaw that’s why I said Hyundai need to make the Kona N match or exceed the space in the i30N.
Surely Hyundai could change that horrid beeping sound to a different tone by now. The rest of the infotainment seems really modern.
For almost 50 gran, the interior should be of premium colours and/or coloured areas, better materials for seats, or a two tone trim interior.
If you want comfort you get a N-line or normal Kona it's that simple.
Looks kinda funky & overstyled, not sure if I like it or not
Great as always.
However, with all those bugs, we should start a petition for Paul to wear a beekeeper suit on the next upload x)
Do all ausies walk around waving flies away all the time in the summer like that?
Summer in the bush! That's why it's called the Australian wave 😂
NO, not 'always', only at certain times 'when the flies are out', if you know what I mean.
- Only when the flies are out.
Regards.
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
I'm waiting for Elantra N review , ah sorry Avante N, no it is i30 sedan N. Love your channel tough.
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.
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
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???
Super agree the suspension should have had an actual comfort mode.
Where's the Elantra N review? Did I miss it?
Agree i don't like the spilt rear light design the brake, indicators etc seperate. Don't know how that got past ADR.
Hey you could do standing reviews indoors just a suggestion to save you from flies, I can feel you tho lots of flies here in Pakistan as well.
Why call it an suv when it's a crossover?
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.
Thank you! Someone gets it!
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
Could also sort of be compared with the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
With better build quality as well!
That's much bigger. My friend has one.
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 :)
Bodies*!
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 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
Too many flies! 🪲
As an Aussie, you don't even notice the flies. The arm action is as automatic as breathing
Hey Paul please review the RS Q3!!!
Paul "N" Maric!
😅
Cork hat you need 🏆
I30 sedan N next please!
Aka the Elantra N in North America and the Avante N in South Korea.
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.
Tropical strength Aerogard mate
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 .
Mariću odlično si ga izanalizarao 👍
Awesome car!
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...!
Even my old Mazda 3 MPS which was over 14 yes old had the start button on the left
Does my head in how can buy a Tuscon 2L Turbo AWD for the same price but no LED lights 😩
What will be the imapact of bycothyundai?
Invest in some aeroguard mate
Did Australia get a bespoke suspension tune for the Kona N like the other N cars?
I think so. Why our Kona N's are a little on the stiff side, compared with UK versions that ride much better.
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.
Looks more like a hatchback small car. A SUV for me would be size of a PRADO.
That’s a big suv!
Its just a jacked up hatchback. A crossover, as they call it.
There is no point of this vehicle what so ever it's better at nothing than both the sedan and the hatch
Even the front grill to this would’ve been great for the Santa Cruz. Too bad they messed up!
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.
Mate change ur location go in the city somewhere will be less fly's
How can you stand long pants when it’s that hot out?
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.
Exactly. It's about compromise..... Money, trim, performance....
Hyundai IONIQ5 💗 KONA
When she available in dubai
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..!”🪰🪰🪰🪰🤬🤪
Haha. Mate I was wearing half a tonne of Bushmans. These flies are immune!
@@CarExpertAus Mmm. Try say napalm next time?…💪🏻😂
I thought these were AWD?
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…
U know what's missing now Paul... i30 N aka Elantra N
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.
Pretty sure that model doesn't have electronically adjustable dampers, that's an N thing
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.
Why do you care? Insurance pays for it
Thanks.
‘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 😳.
Petrol ⛽️ double in nz. $4pl there $2.15l here Melb.
@@jasonwright9405 yeah, nah. Filled up for NZ$2.50/L today (~A$2.35)
Tail lights are confusing
Agreed!
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.
So it’s an i30N with a lift.
I'd go the sedan over this.
Looking forward to trying the sedan!
@@CarExpertAus when you do test the sedan, please make sure to use NGS when launching as I think you might have forgotten it with the Kona ;)
i30 N Sedan has an intrusive rear boot limiting strut. And a sedan will never be as versatile as a Hatch/SUV.
@@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)
That launch control looked a bit anemic, if I'm honest. Nothing compared to an Audi RS6 launching that's for sure.
It's tail light looks inspirited by old tucson
Yeah I can see that too.
Insect repellent on order i guess.
Wish they made it AWD
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.
I am going to try a set of 18s and then I will probably get a set of PS to get the best out of it.
The front reminds me of the jeep cherokee design the 2016 one
Is the ride firm? Lol
TATA 🔥
Pity its not awd