Hyundai Kona N 2022 Review (incl. 0-100): is it BETTER than the legendary i30N?!

Check this out - the all-new Hyundai Kona N has finally arrived! But is it better than the legendary Hyundai i30N (aka my FAVOURITE hot hatch?) In today's review, I'll let you know!
Skip Ahead:
Intro 00:00
Exterior 00:47
Exhaust 03:33
Interior 04:16
Infotainment 06:13
Rear Seats 08:16
Practicality 09:12
Specs and Engine 09:39
0-100 km/h 10:45
On the Road 11:34
Kona N vs i30N 15:50
Verdict 18:19
Some other car reviews you will love!
- i30 N DCT Review: • Hyundai i30 N DCT 2022...
- i20 N Review: • Hyundai i20N 2022 hot ...
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#konan #review #hyundai

[@CarSauce]

Would you take a Kona N or an i30 N?

[@semyon74]

I30N Sedan please.

[@justtime79]

I30N sedan for me!

[@Xenogenesis_]

Kona N

[@CarSauce]

@@semyon74 it's coming!

[@semyon74]

@@CarSauce that’s what she said 🤭.

[@cyanomical]

How aweome is the presenter's energy?! Instant sub

[@jacobbby93]

Well after watching this review 1000 times since you've done it. My kona N is finally almost in my garage. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. Woo!

[@wedgett1]

Matt, this has been your best review yet! Amazing work!

[@keithlynch3086]

Can’t wait to pass my Elantra GT N-Line to my daughter and get a Kona N. 52,000 miles and zero issues very happy with Hyundai

[@jhref]

Can I pretty please request that you keep reviewing the lower spec variants? So many channels do the top spec, so we've seen them. When you're nickel and dime-ing just trying to get the best car you can afford, it's good to have an expert opinion on that too.

[@FroStylll]

Excellent review Matty, quality of your video editing has improved so much, it’s up there with the best now like Carwow and Straightpipes!

[@CarSauce]

Thank you!

[@concerncitizen8988]

Nice, honest review. 👍 I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevethomas760]

From the "you can't always get what you want desk". The I30 here in the US or a manual Kona N. A few splashes of color in the interior would help jazz it up. The practicality, better everyday seats make the Kona a better choice for me, but no manual. For some reason I keep coming back to look at it. Enjoyed the review

[@drumflip1253]

My daily car, such a fun car. love your review!

[@xxxdids]

Too good Matt 😱😱

[@jhref]

Great review my dude. Subbed.

[@RossReviewsau]

Good stuff bro 🤣 quality is really starting to come through!

[@CarSauce]

Thanks man!!! You too 😀

[@rashwanmarashli4400]

Great review

[@shanestone2349]

I’d have the KONA N- great review Matt

[@danieljohnallen]

Great video

[@jaknowbi5800]

Excellent review as always, Matt! You should review again the Kona N-Line tho! I just received my Kona N-Line last week and I was also in doubt because of that horrible transmission from 1st to 2nd gear. But I was surprised tho that when I drove my Kona for the first time, it didn't have that horrible punch from 1st to 2nd gear anymore! So I'm guessing maybe Hyundai already fixed that stuff?? So yeah maybe you can give it another try with the Kona N-Line. Just make sure it's the new arrival tho. 😂😂

[@Damo1998]

It uses a different transmission

[@scottzastrow9696]

I've got the Kona Ultimate. It has everything this car has (minus launch control) plus I have AWD. In sport mode this car is so fast you don't need launch control. For me, the Kona Ultimate is the sweet spot for this car right now.

[@Boujizz]

You're kidding, right? You just compared roller skates to roller blades. They both function in the same way, just you can perform a hell of a lot better in one over the other. Your taste for "fast" is slow to me, this car is acceptable fast at best.

[@claudiadavies5110]

Great video and so brilliant you're reviewing all the Ns!

[@CarSauce]

Thank you!

[@gavinlewis3049]

Hello from the UK, I had an i30n and I was going to go from the manual i30n to the auto kona N, but my dealer messed me about when it came to the test drive, so I moved to the cupra formentor vz2 310, an excellent car and more refined for everyday use, not as fun possibly as the N products but I'm sure you guys in Australia will love the formentor when it comes to you next year.

[@DriverJ-N]

this color is insane on this car... i think this is my favorite looking N car now

[@CarSauce]

I feel like I’m cheating on Performance Blue, but this is 🥵

[@mattkangg]

man if only they had this in Clean Slate colour

[@alg1829]

Getting my new Kona N Premium on Thursday , very exciting. Coming out of a WRX

[@markbrko]

I’m so with you when you were driving and just accelerating and letting it go.. I miss them feels

[@BBRBGR]

Firstly, subbed. You're not obnoxious like some other car KZbinrs. Also, after this review I'm seriously considering trading in my Tiguan 162TSI for a Kona N Premium.

[@whelangc]

Well Matt after getting an i20N I trading in my Wifes Kona N Line for one yesterday ... getting it next week . We love the Kona

[@saadal-karawi686]

Heyy Matt, Great review mate, How does the ride and suspension compared to the i30n ? Comfort wise. Thanks

[@ozbigfoot2769]

Great work as always Matt, love ya work. At this price tough call between kona n and sonata n line?

[@tomw4637]

I think I would definitely rather air vents than the handbrake. Also I wish the premium model gave better materials and dual zone air con. Option would be nice

[@telelaci2]

Exactly. They think everybody wannabe teen racer and wanna pull the handbrake all time. Air vent and usb connector would be much-much better.

[@loyallion6477]

What I know from a i30 N Performance that ive driven from a friend multible times all is good, good sound system, good driving car, good infotainment system, and good manual shifter as its a manual, only thing i would say is it would be nice to have a 4-wheel drive. But for the price you get A LOT OF CAR!

[@Davidroscoe]

Don’t think I’d part with my I 30 N but I am tempted I love this car

[@_nezmo_]

Any thoughts on this Kona N versus the Megane RS Trophy? I'm going to test drive the RS Trophy this week but I hear this is available

[@ben130i8]

…People actually like the way this looks? i30 N looks 10x better. If I had to get an suv it’d be a used X5 M50d

[@CarSauce]

Fair enough!

[@SeanGT83]

I have the FL i30n. The boot is too small in the Kona for a family car, rear seat room also particularly tight. Though I like the N mode dash and showing of oil and coolant temps, more accessible than the i30.

[@mwboost]

Everyone pretty much is just nit picking between the N models for storage and cabin space. Hardly a difference.

[@chokerphillips7937]

i brought one of these after coming from a Jaguar Type SVR Previous to that i has a Porsche 911 991 Turbo I'm not saying in anyway is better or faster but its defiantly more fun drive and it crazy i love this little pocket rocket

[@xtremegamer78]

Do you have a problem how firm the ride is ?

[@chokerphillips7937]

@@xtremegamer78 not really I dropped mine 30 mm with Eibach springs I like that firm ride feels solid and connected, going in. In a couple of days turbo back exhaust change including de cat, bigger turbo inlet pipe, induction kit high pressure fuel pump bigger inter cooler and remap looking for 400 bhp and over 500 n/m torque, should be ballistic 👍

[@danielcurme1371]

bought a kona n still waiting for it to arrive

[@ohbollox2it]

In the uk you only get the single option which is your premium - you also get the forged alloys in the UK as standard

[@DEATHSTARER]

Love the Kona N.Except that I’m not a fan of those rims.Much prefer the all black rims.

[@CarSauce]

Totally agree, the rims look fine but the i30 N wins there for sure

[@popsandbangs8858]

U can swap them easy

[@cartan7074]

Couldn't agree more. My biggest disappointment is that we're not getting the black wheels in Aust unlike in some countries. 😫

[@popsandbangs8858]

@@cartan7074 they’re the i30 n rims

[@zahab210]

Love the black rims. They kinda remind me of Alfa Romeo rims but a bit less round.

[@impreza99rs]

I love it.

[@brentonappleby9836]

How would you rate this against the i20n? Which one do you find the most exciting to drive in the real world?

[@MrMcTavishOBS]

I would highly recommend against getting the matte colors especially if you live in a cold climate. I have a Veloster rally edition in the matte blue and it's required that you hand wash it. I didn't think I would mind be when it's -20F for several weeks with salt in the road, that car is dirty the whole time. You can't take those matte colors through touchless car washes

[@tubejorrit]

I really hate the fact it has 4 taillights in the back. Why can't they do normal taillights? There are also oldskool bulbs inside instead of LED's which is not of this time.

[@adamk4662]

Im waiting for my Kona N Premium in Cyber Grey to arrive early Jan.

[@aminzarrin2226]

this thing makes the GLA35 look boring and overpriced

[@Recker096]

CAN U REVIEW PORSCHE MACAN? Please matt. Thanks.

[@robertceroli3512]

Sounds like it would give the GLA Amg Merc a run for its money

[@CarSauce]

Which is crazy being about half the price :D

[@mattharris1088]

Hey Matt, any recommendations between a Kona N or a Renault Megane RS? I'm currently deciding which one to get and i'm stuck trying to decide. Any thoughts? Cheers

[@steverobertson1912]

Which one did you end up getting?

[@mattharris1088]

@@steverobertson1912 kona N. Wanted the spare tyre and the extra ride height for my steep driveway. Both were great cars though.

[@steverobertson1912]

Cool, hope you're enjoying it. I think I've decided on an RS

[@RD-ni7qe]

What would you buy between an Escape ST-Line and Kona N to live with every day?

[@CarSauce]

If I had a family I was carrying often, the Escape - it's much bigger inside! But if its mainly you and a passenger, Kona N allllll the way

[@RD-ni7qe]

@@CarSauce Cheers Matt!

[@elmin2323]

Kona also gets the Digital display

[@DefiantMacca]

I notice another well renowned site posted 5.7 seconds 0-100. Have you still got the receipt for the new timing kit ? :)

[@CarSauce]

I mean conditions vary haha, I'm happy with it and I'll bloody stick to it :D

[@DefiantMacca]

@@CarSauce Great review mate and in the colour im picking up in mid Jan ... i will probably be 50 views at least :)

[@juliuscesar9864]

@@CarSauce the more you watch a video, the nore you pick up on. You said i30N (I see you are definitely sitting in a Kona) before the 0-100 section 😅 and manufacturer claims is 5.5secs. How the hell you get 5.1? The i30N is good for a 5.2 for comparison.

[@gavinbradley6134]

Move over Mat from Car Wow,this lad is such a hoot.

[@vl7582]

the main drawback with these N cars is that they are all wrong wheel drive, thats a deal breaker for me :(

[@CarSauce]

Fair! I love FWD for some strange reason :D

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Spend more time on a track with a variety of drivetrain configurations and you'll appreciate FWD for what it is and what it can do. My track car is RWD, so I'm not a FWD fan boy just an experienced driver. I raced an ITR for several seasons in the early 00's, so experience, experience, experience.

[@steverobertson1912]

Have you driven a Renault Megane RS 300 ?

[@alexi21san]

If only the Tucson had a better engine in the n line it would be ideal for some .Kona is too small for me personally.Good car though for most people.

[@teddym2808]

I would like this car with AWD. I don't want 200+ KW in a FWD. Been there, done that. Why they offer the 146KW with AWD but not this model doesn't make any sense whatsoever to me. I'd actually buy this over the Ateca I am planning to buy if it had AWD. Oh well.

[@oldcodger5730]

Looks like you're having too much fun.

[@camdcam]

How about compared to the i30N Sedan?

[@CarSauce]

I'll have to drive it next week and let you know!

[@rickigloo1561]

10:47 I30n ?? Or kona?

[@shari_8410]

lol really Interessting what Hyundai do provide in different Countries ... Here in Germany you can't order the Kona N in that special Color .. also in my Kona N there is the premium Soundsystem by Krell and not by Harman Kardon , I really Hope Hyundai will learn it one day to provide any Versions of their builded Models ..for the Custumer available and choiceable in the Configurator ... one Model dos have those things other Model dont get that things and so on.... stupid imo , so why to Hell Hyundai not provide a really Basic Version of each Model and add orderable add ons for xtra price when the Customer wish like to have it at the conficurator . nothing easy as that ...

[@oraclemiata845]

Willing to bet they’re the same sound system.

[@battlepug3122]

I'd take the i30N. I don't think the Kona is gonna age well as far as looks

[@CarSauce]

Fair enough!

[@damo5701]

I think the Kona will age a lot better than I30 N sedan but perhaps not as well as the hatch. I like the fastback best of all for exterior design.

[@gsd4me00]

Exterior looks are spot on as far as I am concerned.

[@bigdog9927]

Nice vid bro. Thinking of getting the Kona but would have to sell the 130n which I don't know if I could do! So really appreciated the direct comparison.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Funny, that's what people said about the Golf GTI in the mid-80's when hot-hatches were still a new thing. Compact crossovers are the new hot-hatch, so it will not only age well but in time look like a classic.

[@diduladesilva694]

Is there gonna be a new Hyundai i30 N fastback 2022 ?

[@CarSauce]

Yes! A limited edition

[@diduladesilva694]

@@CarSauce OK dude pls do a in depth review of that when it comes out...Need to sauce that too😂🔥

[@jacobbby93]

I have an i20n ordered. Matt, is it worth the extra 20k difference for the kona? I've test drove the i30n(can't find a kona nearby) and it's soooo much faster and funner than the i20n 😂 I'm worried I'll get sick of the i20n cause I'm a bitch 😂

[@SACarContent]

So many negatives yet you’d recommend it? For me it’s too much money for not much extra apart from space over the i30N. The fact that “performance” SUV’s are a thing annoys me and I hate them all.

[@i30n_fb]

Same price as a i30n dct

[@CarSauce]

The only real negatives are in the interior for me, but with the performance you get I think it's offset considering the price - sorry I should have made that clear!

[@AshSolarion]

The eu version has much better rims

[@storms13]

You remind me of DankPods…. Do all Aussies sound like this?!?

[@happydude911]

I30 sedan in n line or n is much better imo

[@CarSauce]

I'll have to find out for myself (although my current long termer is the n-line sedan, and I would take a Kona N haha!)

[@juliuscesar9864]

@@CarSauce that's saying something 😅. Sorry Kona N over the i30N sedan any day!

[@ryanwanx]

10:46 launch i30 N? 🤔

[@steveturnbull9542]

Turning circle is poor because same body as usual Kona, with tyres much wider, so limited steering to not tear off arches

[@Joe-dt4pm]

Kona N

[@CarSauce]

yes

[@v2s2m29]

10:45 you said i30n instead of Kona n 😂

[@alastairh9607]

That thing is actually sick. I'll pretend it's a wagon.

[@stevethomas760]

From a WRX wagon owner since '02, works for me

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Smart man. I'm kinda doing the same, but I'm not anti compact crossover. Help that I'm almost 50 and old, so there's that. Cheers.

[@stevethomas760]

@@thepassionofthegoose5472 Just turned 72, not old it you compare me to a Redwood. I still enjoy a little pep in the right pedal

[@Sp33dYAU]

PERFECT #dadspec daily .... sweet n sour SAUCCCE a plenty.

[@CarSauce]

😫

[@rickigloo1561]

How much? 🤑

[@alfiedog7770]

Why is your hashtag konan ;)

[@anthonywarry]

I considered this car but went with the hatch in the end. I'm buying the N for fun and I think the Kona is a compromise, the boot is a tad small and the hatch is a bit prettier in my eyes.

[@bamakos]

The interior of the Kona N is disappointing, can’t wait for the i30N sedan review….

[@dombatts]

Many more hits than misses for Hyundai , Bravo. But the I30 Nline manual should never have been allowed out of the factory with an EPB . Makes zero sense as any manual diehard will attest . A bean counters victory over common sense . Ditto the hideous digital display binnacle.

[@CarSauce]

Hyundai is killing it right now for sure

[@jhref]

What's a EPB?

[@dombatts]

@@jhref electric / electronic parking brake ( button )

[@jhref]

@@dombatts thanks. Have a great day.

[@timcollins380]

i30N for me please, in a manual to keep my 2021 manual Mustang GT company in the garage.

[@CarSauce]

I do love me an i30 N 🥳

[@themip160]

Kona

[@louieluis8840]

Looked like an audi

[@PlasticAssasin8]

a dual clutch is nobody's thing

[@JackiePrime]

10:45 now we’re gonna launch the i30N

[@NY20N]

For a big car it’s not practical size wise my i20N is more usable but I’d love one none the less

[@justinsmith8659]

What's the obsession with exhaust crackles on everything these days?? It still sounds like a lawnmower.. and 52k, FWD... naah.. AWD and maybe it's worth the money.

[@rabbitolychee6395]

Yes it's way better. Sorry to the owners of i30 N's but they are shit lol Kona is better

[@index6738]

55k for FWD 4 banger arse dragging shopping trolley. Yeah, nah. Let me know when this chics ride can do figure 8.

[@blerdninja2562]

Its like 35k in america. Thats not to bad honestly.

[@sokidding]

리뷰 졸라 유쾌하네 ㅋㅋㅋ 킴카디시안 빵뎅이 드립 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@steveturnbull9542]

Euro spec wheels are so much nicer on Kona n you get them on the i39n. We don't get the matte gold or sunroof 🥲But your steering wheel is on the correct side

[@afarangi4839]

This car is absolute piece of junk, I test drove the 2023 for about 250 feet, and returned to the dealership, garbage ride

[@oraclemiata845]

And that’s how we know your lying. 😂

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

I30 n isn’t legendary

[@noblemav]

Kona N