N T-GDi 280 2WD DCT Auto Start/Stop 5dr

Wonderfully entertaining!

I have owned or used a multitude of different cars over very many years and now having retired I realised that I had never actually had a high performance/sports car. I needed to change from my MB SLC200 as with a dodgy hip it was too difficult to get in and out of. I also wanted something with a higher view of the road and more practical than the SLC.

The Hyundai Kona N caught my eye - a compact SUV style which seemed to tick all the boxes for my needs - high performance, handling, warranty, equipment, adjustable suspension, climate, leather, reversing camera, ease of access etc.

I bought a 3 month old ex-demo with 500 miles on the clock in Oct 22. It is a bit "raw", somewhat noisy esp with road noise, the ride is very firm but not "crashy" as was the SLC. The boot is pretty small and rear space is cramped - front seems roomy enough and the special N seats are supremely comfortable, supportive with electric adjustment as well as heated and/or ventilated. Unusually Hyundai seems to have included nearly everything from the options list as standard on this version - the only omissions being sun roof, seat memory and auto windows (only one for the driver).

How does it drive. An absolute hoot - the 8 speed DCT I am sure can read my mind as it is in the required gear 99.9% of the time and the electronic LSD feels like it hauls you around fast corners on rails when it is safe to "make progress"!

You need to adopt a delicate right foot control as even in "Normal" drive mode as it can feel like an eager puppy wanting to get off the leash. Select one of the various customisable "N" modes (steering, gearbox, engine, suspension, LSD, ESC etc. etc.) and I defy you to stop grinning! Absolutely phenomenal!

It even has "launch control" mode (never used it) and a red "boost" button on the steering wheel which turns everything up to full monty, selects the lowest gear possible for your current speed, plus a small turbo boost for 40 seconds - mind blowing BUT you need dry grippy tarmac and a very firm grip on the steering before you even think of using this otherwise you might end up heading on a different course than intended! In any case you always need to take corrective action to keep your line as basically the tyres can't quite cope with this amount of power. Used sensibly and in the right conditions it is a fantastic "overtake" aid - used without concentration and in damp conditions, you could easily get closely acquainted with the hedge!

Basically you have to put up with the hard ride (but very comfortable seats), road noise, small boot, cramped rear seats and somewhat bland interior if you want the high performance and superb handling it provides. For the moment I am more than happy with the compromise.

Would I buy it again - absolutely, although it seems to be out of production and the updated Kona range does not offer an "N" model, shame.

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