A slight rumor is the Kona N will not make it to North America. I saw it on the Tork Facebook page 1 or 2 people said they talked to a Hyundai rep and they said the Kona N is Euro / Asian car only. Now this is just a rumor. But not one some of us want to hear.
I feel like that would be a huge mistake and wouldn’t help propel this new N performance brand in the right direction. AWD crossovers are huge in the states and I feel this would do well
With the passing of time it looks as if it may make it here. The AWD will add to fill a segment hole. Plus, it fits better with older buyers. The Veloster N doesn't fit the older crowd as well.
From what I’ve gathered from reading the Hyundai USA Media site, it looks like the US will get the Kona N Line in 2021. However, the true “N” version could take longer to reach the US market. I think part of the reason for the delay in the “N” version, is particularly due to Hyundai’s still testing to determine which engine/transmission combination will be in the production model. They keep mentioning that it will also be AWD! I see they have tested two different HP versions of the 2.0 Turbo. And have also considered using the 2.5 Turbo. For transmissions, they have at least three possible options. The wet or dry version of the DCT seven speed, a new eight speed DCT, and a standard trans of some type. If nothing else, they have achieved great anticipation of the forthcoming “N” model!
I can tell you they will NEVER use the 2.5 turbo in a Kona N. Tuned that could make 400hp with the same OEM turbo I bet. No way out of shear liability issues would they do that. 2.0 is set in stone.
I agree. Also, with Hyundai pushing the Elantra, Sonata and even talks of the New Tuscon N, I cannot see them not releasing it for North America. IMHO, I believe it will make an appearance about 6 months after the release of the 22 revamped Kona.
That’s exactly what they are testing. The “N” is said to be AWD, whichever motor is used. Having owned a 2016 Tucson Ultimate with FWD, I knew how “goosey” it was with the 1.6 Turbo. That’s the primary reason I went with AWD on my 2020 Kona Ultimate! Plus, having the independent rear suspension dramatically improves the handling. And the Torque Vectoring really works in putting the power to the ground! Even though we get snow here occasionally, my reasons for getting the AWD was purely for the enhanced performance!
Hyundai previewed the first N-tuned variant of the Kona in a series of Christmas-themed Instagram posts. The SUV is scheduled to make its debut in 2021.
That's good because, I will be buying a used one at one point. AND with a DCT that will be tuned correctly, unlike Hyundai's POS tuning of any 7-speed DCT.
A CVT would last me no longer then 30,000 miles IF it was built for some sort of performance. If it was a Nissain CVT from 5 years ago. 5,000 to 10,000 . I will take a DCT. I expect no longer then 30,000 miles and I will be putting in a clutch in my Kona. If it was a CVT, to fix them you put in a new $6,000 trans.
The trend is zero transmission. Most new cars will be EV in about 10 years. from what I have learn about CVT over the years. I would avoid them. If you keep your cars for long, belts or chains don't last as long as gears.