Hyundai Kona N - Hatch-U-V - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

What happened to hot hatchbacks, and why is the Kona an SUV? Shouldn't we call it what it is? The guys drive it and determine how Hyundai's magic 'N' designation applies to an SUV...
#hyundai #hyundain #hyundaikonan #konan #hothatch
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[@oxouk]

I'm a Hyundai salesman. Yesterday I had an 82 year old lady ask if Hyundai made anything fun and sporty as she wanted her last car to be exciting. I took her for a drive in the only racing red Kona N on our lot. She got a serious lesson in torque steer and when we pulled up next to a "Carolina Squatted" Silverado with chrome wheels and glass packs driven by your typical young boy with his hat on backwards, I showed her how "safely" it can get off the line. Once we got up to the legal speed limit, the young man finally caught up and proceeded to flip us the bird knowing that he just got embarrassed by a compact Hyundai with an 82 year old passenger grinning from ear to ear. She didn't buy the car but thanked me for "The most excitement I've had in a long time".

[@TestDriveVideos]

Sounds like an all time great test drive. Hats off to you. Wish she would have bought it. Thanks for watching!

[@cultofmodernism8477]

Well, why didn't she buy it? She came to the lot; she wanted something fun and sporty; and she found something fun and sporty. Was there a markup?

[@oxouk]

@@cultofmodernism8477 the exhaust note was too loud

[@Andrew-zs5tc]

Sounds like the N Line would be perfect for her.

[@oxouk]

@@Andrew-zs5tc agreed. Inventory was the only issue at that time.

[@ryanm9628]

Kona N had a very fast time with Car and Driver on their track. Beat the GTI by 5 seconds. Not a sports car? The lap times are not subjective. It even beat the Acura TLX S type, which has 350 horse power. Don’t sleep on this car.

[@kevonrcguy2205]

Then two guys was talking stuff my car old heads

[@oraclemiata845]

RIP Kona N. Your two model years will make you a unicorn one day. To those that know, you know.

[@kevonrcguy2205]

I got a 2023 sonic blue

[@Affalterbach1967]

Raise a compact to make it a crossover then lower it to make it sporty.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Isn’t that what Merc did with the AMG flavor of the GLA? I could be wrong.

[@krishnapatel2863]

Lmfao shhhhhhhh

[@afrikengunner]

Ita more than that, that car has a more bracing underneath tha the tiguan R

[@paulklp8262]

Kona N is just a lifted i30N (sold in Aus and Europe). I owned a base i30 and now a Kona N. Same internals, but KN is much nicer overall. Weird they don't sell the i30N in the US because that's what you get if you lower a Kona N.

[@oraclemiata845]

I own one and absolutely love it. Much like Nebraska, it’s not for everyone.

[@JeLifeCoach]

Lmao

[@diydrivenGA]

Honestly this car is genius: the size of a GTI with power closer to an R but still FWD Slightly raised since many people like that for their daily driver All the sounds you'd want from a fun car Price was decent (markups still prevail despite recent recall). Just need to prove this engine is stout and the powertrain can make it to 100k no problem and up to 200k with some investment for consumables. Imagine is Honda came up with a Type R Honda fit pushing mid 200s HP/TQ. That would be a track monster and a fun daily.

[@philipwood8776]

It better be peppy...It only weighs 3200 lbs

[@paulklp8262]

HRV Type R. Do it Honda.

[@kevonrcguy2205]

@@philipwood8776 I have 2023 Kona n is fast faster than my wrx keep up with my old STI

[@mkei8973]

Hi, from Japan!! New English is here, “ Hutch-U-V”. There are many English words I still don’t know. I gotta study more English from Everyday driver. lol. Actually, Japanese people are not interested in Hyundai because Hyundai couldn’t make a success in Japan in the past . Therefore, only two cars IONIQ5 and NEXO are available in Japan. However, Todd and Paul let me know how Hyundai and other Korean cars are good now. I wanna tell it to Japanese people. Thanks guys as always!!

[@JackiePrime]

I noticed that when I was in Japan recently. I didn’t see one Hyundai. Oddly the most common non-Japanese car I saw was the Porsche Cayan lol. Seems outside of the cities people drive mostly Japanese cars. Then I the cities people want expensive foreign cars.

[@KonaNthusiast]

Hatch U V is the term I have been looking for to describe this car lol

[@noboringcars1227]

There are many of us that would like and want a do-it-all vehicle. I have to drive through significant snow in the Rockies, take a kayak or paddle board to the lake and pick up several family members for dinner. Then I want a pseudo sports car and do SCCA track days. I had a Mercedes GLA 45 which was the only other that can do the same things but with eye bleeding operating costs. I currently have a Tucson Limited and it is a fantastic value but definite;y no sportiness at all. As one who has owned six Mini Coopers this size and abilities appeals to me. Was a great review.

[@the_jarmel]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone....Have a beautiful day ✌️

[@CrazyDavy22]

On the topic of this being more practical than the Veloster: I can fit longer items in my Veloster N than I can in my friend’s Kona. Unless you’ve got kids or are otherwise going to be using that back seat a lot, the Veloster is just as practical.

[@soundtreks]

My next car. This thing is nice!

[@mikeyinid]

I've had mine for 8 days, looked everywhere for a brand new Elantra N and couldn't find one. My local dealer had this sitting on the lot for almost a year and I never even gave it a look. Went up there and took it for a drive and knew I was taking it home. No regrets. This is not a stop light to stop light romper. It's more of a 30-100 rocket and pretty good in the corners. I have more fun driving the KN than I do my Scat Pack.

[@psewgobind]

I like the front end of my 2021 better. Ground high is preferred since it's possible to float the car after a serious snow storm. Not a sport car, but with proper driving, it'll take on a sport car at the track and still have CUV utility. If I had to compromise and reduce my Kona Luxury and Elantra N into one car, this Kona N would be a no brainer.

[@DriverJ-N]

14:39 literally the most fun thing about the Kona N this was actually the biggest reason i got one to the catch people off guard lmao and being in Texas this happens so often I just laugh and make sure the exhaust pops loudly as I pass them 🤣🤣🤣😂 most fast cars look fast but the kona N only looks fast to people who know what it is but to other people its just a hyundai suv that they think can beat it with a 1990 corrolla boy are they in for a surprise.. if i was driving a supra/corvette for example not many people would try and race cause they know they have no chance.. but a kona? everyone trying to race/cut infront of me even 80 year olds and i love it haha... The Kona N is The Honey Badger of cars. Also I've seen some lowered Kona Ns man do they look good.

[@mikeyinid]

Only problem with lowering a kona n is the subframe is in the way, You can do maybe 2 inches max. Needs 3-4

[@VerryJerry90]

Chill N mode 😂

[@markthibault8579]

Definitely needs it. I found it way to frantic myself when I test drove one. I greatly prefer Normal (chill) mode in my Mk7.5 GTI.

[@Stclairm1]

C&D just ran a 3:06 at Lightning Lap!!

[@JoanKwagala-zs5jx]

Nice car. Altogether

[@Liisjak]

It's marked up to 42k euro here but it comes with more stuff than the one you were testing...managed to snag one for 36k :D

[@123lfghhhhs6]

Elantra N next🔥🔥🔥

[@CapELarry]

I’ve had my Kona N for a couple months now and love it more and more each time I drive it. It’s a HOOT when you rip it. As for the torque steer, there’s some but most people get it wrong. It will overdrive the outside tire during turns in N mode. It’s a different feeling, but it’s actually executed pretty well. It’s much different than true torque steer like in older overpowered GM FWD cars.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

What did you drive before the hyundai?

[@buildmorefarms1007]

They are discontinued

[@eddieescobar4722]

Wow this Lil hatch u-v ...😅💪💯is sweet for what it is

[@purnakumal1663]

How fuel efficient is Kona? How much kilometer will ot go for 1 ltr gas?

[@shoh1979]

04:10 i30N is exactly that hot hatch. But as you know... Hyundai does know Americans says it's good but do not buy hatchbacks.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We’ve driven the i30N a few times when in Germany. It’s excellent and we wish we got it here. Thanks for watching!

[@donteadoss]

Was waiting on *this* review … definitely in love with the Kona N and besides needing more space for my own usage, I wished the US spec have the pano roof, and I would’ve grabbed one instead of the Sonata N-Line, which I incredibly love as well. Dope review as always!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed. The Sonata is an great choice. Thank for watching!

[@donteadoss]

@@TestDriveVideos absolutely - such a personal pleasure watching and listening to you guys on the podcast as well!

[@joeschmoe5009]

Hatch-u-v or hatchover? Maybe crossback?

[@tassadarforaiur]

It's really a shame about the missing technology on the n, vs normal Kona. Most obviously, at least parking sensors would have been appreciated. Such a short car, you'd think it would be a dream for city parking, but the turning radius is unimpressive when you get to it. Sometimes I wonder if the cx30 would have been better, but then I put my Kona n in n-mode, and have fun while I'm on the highway, or peeling away from a red light.

[@tassadarforaiur]

And speaking of stupid inconveniences, the kona n has a wireless charging pad with NFC for blue link, but Android auto is still wired only.

[@Boujizz]

Change your tires to Pilot Sport/DWS 06+/anything other than Pirelli You won't have to feel Ackerman skip on full turns and parking sensors are useless, camera is king

[@carloscervantes836]

I have this car. The constant song and dance octane learning after every fill up is atrocious. All the missing features for US model found in EU; Smart Cruz(fusion emergency stop!), heads up display, heated steering wheel, heated AND cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power folding side mirrors, forged wheels, moonroof... No AWD option was a bad move IMO. I like the overall design and ground clearance but personally, I find no AWD kind of kills my desire to invest more money into the car after driving it for a while. I don't find it anything special performance wise. PS: Currently under a recall for transmission.

[@jacquesc3166]

Best comment I've read so far... can you elaborate on that octane-driven song & dance, and what the transmission recall is about? The point of higher ground clearance should naturally lead to an AWD package for snow/ice driving... Hyundai missed the mark.

[@carloscervantes836]

@@jacquesc3166 1. Octane learning: On page 6-51 of the owners manual, it states that once the ECU detects a refueling event, the car resets the fuel reading. What this mean is that the car detunes, lowing performance until it is satisfied the fuel used can sustain max performance. How do you get the car to become satisfied you might ask? Song and dance; If high speed driving is not possible, you switch the transmission into manual mode, while in either 4th or 5th gear, you are expected to slowly accelerate with the pedal depressed between 40-70%, between 22 and 75mph, repeatedly, for 5 min or more. If high speed driving is possible, you switch the transmission into manual mode, while in 8th gear, you set cruse control speed to between 68-99mph, and drive for 5 min or more. In practical terms. You have to act like an idiot in low speed driving for 5 min or more, hoping you have a road you can even do this in safely. OR You have to hope no one merges on your lane or any traffic pulls you below 68 mph AND Both methods have taken more than 5 min. There is no prompt to tell you it's done. If you always fuel with premium, you can't tell the car this, it has to relearn every single time. More details about this system aren't given; does it start all over if you drop below 68 for a bit(seems like it)? I've driven on the highway for 10m+ following high speed method only to still be stuck at 15psi and only going over when my tank is about to hit 1/4. *The manual list low speed method as a track solution as if it makes up for this horrid system. 2. Transmission: From NHTSA website "WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION HIGH-PRESSURE ELECTRIC OIL PUMP IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL FAULT TRIGGERING DTC(S) AND ILLUMINATION OF MULTIPLE WARNING LAMPS ON THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY.THE INTERNAL FAULT DETECTION FORCES THE VEHICLE TO ENTER A "FAIL-SAFE"LIMITED-MOBILITY DRIVE MODE, RESULTING IN APPROXIMATELY 20-30 SECONDS OF UNIMPEDED MOTIVE POWER, FOLLOWED BY A COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE MOTIVE POWERDUE TO DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES AND DRIVE GEARS." 3. AWD Agree, given the nature of the car, AWD should have been an option. IMO, they half assed it given they are going to focus on their electric line going forward.

[@jacquesc3166]

@@carloscervantes836 Well, that did not disappoint. Thanks. The octane/ECU "flexibility" from Hyundai seems more annoying than Mazda's Turbo 2.5 (loses 20 some HP with 87 octane). Good luck with the DCT. Wish I could send over a Chandler Bing's OMG gif at the whole thing, but don't know how on youtube.

[@tedadamgreen]

Hatch-U-V!! Love it and this vehicle too Great video

[@diydrivenGA]

Love the KN, but lost me at gas mileage....in reality it gets 22mpg. A tuned GTI has similar power numbers (a touch more) and gets 25-30

[@oraclemiata845]

I get 37 on the highway in eco driving it conscientiously.

[@cindysue5474]

There are lowering springs out there just waiting for Eibach to release theirs they tested one on the Kona N and they dropped it down 1.5 inch.

[@Utsusemi]

Lowering springs on electronic variable dampening struts is a very bad idea. Think about it. What is a lowering spring? It will introduce constant compression at all times, at all settings.

[@cindysue5474]

@@Utsusemi You bring up a good point will look up his video and ask if there are any problems.

[@Utsusemi]

@@cindysue5474 Hehe, I learned the hard way with my veloster n. . . . .

[@mikeyinid]

!.5 isn't enough to get it looking right. Need 3-4, and it's not possible because of the subframe.

[@cindysue5474]

@@mikeyinid A 3 to 4 inch drop is to much.

[@jdarms27]

This or a CX30 turbo? I'm leaning to the CX30, but I'm old.

[@markthibault8579]

If you need back seat room, make sure you test drive the Mazdas as most of the models below the CX-5 are very tight in the back now given the rounded rear ends Mazdas have.

[@AarmOZ84]

Reminds me of a Toyota C-HR. But the engine isn't underpowered and they replaced the CVT with an 8 speed DSG.

[@aroundomaha]

I like the idea but don’t think I’ll put my money on one. The KonaN has a ZFG attitude kind of like the 86 GLHS. I just wish they had lowered it like a hatch and that it weighed in about 400 pounds lighter.

[@nealmcdaniel7876]

That's the i30 N ! ;-)

[@aroundomaha]

@@nealmcdaniel7876 If they sold the i30 here I would stand in line for one, though I wish it were about 200 pounds lighter.

[@oraclemiata845]

It absolutely gives ZF…

[@buildmorefarms1007]

This is quicker than the GTi !

[@Pauli-COJ]

Soooo.... What you want is an i30n basically? Haha

[@TestDriveVideos]

We wish they sold it in the US!

[@mattdirks7896]

Me Too!

[@ericblasvegas1575]

I have an Elantra GT N Line from 2020. What I would do for that engine in my car. It’s sad the car buying public is SUV crazy. I have more room, better features (minus the blind spot monitoring) and IMO better styling.

[@Pauli-COJ]

@@ericblasvegas1575 what body style though? IIRC the elantra gt (US name for the i30, correct?) is only offered in the USA as a sedan and not hatchback, no?

[@ericblasvegas1575]

I have a hatchback. Only way I prefer it.

[@JulyOverland]

Hyundai does not have to make Kona lower nor turn it into a hatch, it already has i20/i30N that been winning a lot of WRC already BTW, you can NOT find a GTI at the same price as Kona N

[@TestDriveVideos]

We so wish the i20/i30N were sold in the US.

[@mcarlkv53]

can't wait to you guys test drive a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, 2024 dodge hornet, and a 2024 chevy tray....you guys give great reviews!

[@L0rdVadr]

Hatch UV….. I like it. Re: Suspension, do you think the Veloster N sport suspension parts would work on this car because you did mention that it’s riding on the same running gear underneath just lifted? I’m gonna say yes. #lowerit Great review as usual guys. And happy thanksgiving

[@CrazyDavy22]

I don’t think so. The Kona and Veloster are based on different platforms. I’m sure a lot of the parts are interchangeable but I doubt it’s like a Honda or Subaru where you can just swap the components from another model with a lower ride height.

[@mikeyinid]

I know the springs do, not sure about anything else. But I doubt the springs would help much, VN rode pretty rough as well.

[@theman4235]

Disagree on more usability. My Veloster N can fit 4 tires + more in the hatch with seats down. It also has more leg room in the rear than the Kona N.

[@natemoothart6967]

I hope you guys drive the Elantra N soon, it's the best of all the Ns!

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great review…if you guys want this in a hatch that’s lower try the i30 N…it’s great!…not sure if you get that in the States? Comes in manual and now auto!👍🇦🇺🇬🇧😎🏁

[@TestDriveVideos]

We love the i30N, it's a wonderful hatch. Too bad we only get to drive it when we go to Europe! Thanks for watching!

[@pppcorn]

when will the stop sale on these be over?

[@cindysue5474]

Hard to tell they are sending out letters in dec.Well I don't need a letter everyone knows already that the trannys may be bad so they need to start sending out new trannys plus the limp mode fix with a software upgrade.

[@pppcorn]

@@cindysue5474 if the recall causes you injury then the dealer is liable (since they chose to sell a stop sale car) if they dont want to sell it then hyundai buys it back from the dealer... if u buy it the dealer should have told you as you should get a rebate (buying a stop sale)

[@cindysue5474]

@@pppcorn That will be on hyundai not the dealer. There was a recall on the Elantra N for a seat belt problem the dealer was not allowed to sell them that order came from Hyundai the guy that sold us our car told us that.

[@pppcorn]

@@cindysue5474 the active stop sale on the kona N is well known and still active for transmission. it includes the elantra N and four other models ( if you have the 8 speed transmission ) and its a federal law to stop selling, even if they are used. i would look into it as your dealer might be out of the loop

[@katiecannon8186]

This cute little Kona is going away. Next year it gets bigger - because of course ☹️ Of Hyundai was more reliable, I’d have bought a Kona with turbo because it’s really the perfect size for young people, single/couples, empty nesters.

[@EdwardBoicourtIV]

This is a modern Dodge Caliber SRT-4.

[@jacquesc3166]

Haha, yes Sir... in 7-10 years these will have rust on multiple panels, will be driven by 20 some year olds and will sound like a blow-off valve on 4 wheels.

[@EdwardBoicourtIV]

@@jacquesc3166 I can't wait.

[@cindysue5474]

Having a SRT4 in the past I have to agree this is what Dodge should be building do a ground up engine not the world engine used in the Caliber.

[@oraclemiata845]

It’s a turbo hatchback, so I guess they share that in common… but that’s a hell of a disservice to the Kona N.

[@philipwood8776]

It beats everybody off the li.e cause it only weighs a bit more than 3000lbs....lol

[@TML34]

What happened to the other video?

[@TestDriveVideos]

What video?

[@TML34]

@@TestDriveVideos the m2 vs. cayman vs. Supra? Is that an old one??

[@TML34]

@@TestDriveVideos sorry, my KZbin feed showed it as new, but it’s not. Lol thought maybe the manual Supra was one of the cars.

[@dogsandcars202]

It’s not just that it’s too high on its suspension. If you look at the wheel clearances to the body it’s already very low if you were to lower even more and be like a freaking low rider. Is that the actual car itself is very tall

[@Boujizz]

I can limbo under my stock KonaN height, I installed lowered springs and it's 2" roughly front to rear and is much nicer in every way.

[@cindysue5474]

@@Boujizz What springs?

[@Boujizz]

@@cindysue5474 I went with H&R

[@LEVI-rs8vc]

What car do u drive

[@TestDriveVideos]

Our guys have owned quite a few things over the 15 years they've hosted our show. Currently, Paul has a Porsche Cayman GTS, and Ford Expedition. Todd has a Lotus Elise and a Porsche Cayenne. They also have a Nissan 300zx and a 928 that are part of our current long-term road trip series. And the show owns a new Toyota GR86 that has been the subject of many comparisons. Thanks for watching!

[@LEVI-rs8vc]

Oh sorry this is supposed to be a comment to your basher lol

[@kevonrcguy2205]

These two guys was talking a lot of crap about this car. I sure it would smoke most of the cars they own right now.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Seems this might be the first video or ours you’ve watched. Our guys have been very public about the cars they own, from SUVs to dedicated sports cars like Porsche and Lotus. As always they discuss the pros and cons of this and every car. If you’re a fan we applaud you as our main goal is for people to own and drive a car they love! Thanks for watching!

[@Sonic_1000]

I dont notice any body roll with my Kona in N mode. It's stiff af

[@mikeyinid]

To stiff. Wish they could have dialed it back a bit but that's not what they were going for.

[@markthibault8579]

Hyundai already has the i30N hatchback which has better backseat room, is lower, and is more of a GTI competitor. However, it's not offered in North America. The Kona N we get is simply compromised too much with its tiny back seat and overly high ride height. Plus, I found the DSG in it to be too jerky when compared to the VW DSG. So, it's a hard pass for me. I'll stick with my Mk7.5 GTI.

[@carloscervantes836]

Ground clearance has already been a benefit on multiple roads so for NA and in my area, strong positive. They should have offered AWD, I would have for sure payed for it and it would have kept me from now wanting to trade it in. I like the i30N more but yeah, not offered in US.

[@Boujizz]

I daily my KonaN on a 62km trip, I use ECO mode recently as it's winter and I want to save on gas as well. The shifting is almost non-existent compared to most dual clutches, and you can adjust the transmission feel in 3 different ways if needed in custom modes as well.

[@hbm_54]

This *IS* a hatchback/little wagon!! I dunno' why people keep calling these little hatchback wagons anything else.

[@gauchegaucho]

I can't believe I'm saying it but i think my Kona N is more fun than my ND Miata

[@oraclemiata845]

It’s different fun from my modded NA.

[@NGMonocrom]

The KIA boys will get a kick out of taking these.

[@drogon4235]

People didn't buy the Veloster N because you couldn't find one anywhere. They didn't make enough to know the real numbers they could have sold.

[@cayman9873]

Needs a manual

[@CapELarry]

They offer the manual in the Elantra N and Veloster N. While I love a manual, it helps them to keep costs down by not developing/certifying that powertrain.

[@44actual]

Def needs a manual. I bought the VN because this lacks it.

[@docterfreeze2918]

used GLA 45 AMG's are at or below the price of these new. I'd take the AMG.

[@oraclemiata845]

That’s great. 🎉 I wouldn’t.

[@RP0415]

Used GLA 45 is certainly better and faster but good luck getting a manufacturer warranty or service plan for an 8 year old vehicle. The money you’d save on the purchase price of the car will be spent on repairs and maintenance.

[@caliwong]

Really cringe review with the dad jokes...

[@philipwood8776]

$39,000 for a little car which sounds like a moped, no vents for the back passengers and no awd...29 mpg on the freeway...gtf outta here

[@billshoe22191]

Would much rather have an i30 N. Kona N is so ugly too. This is worse than a Veloster N in every way.

[@LEVI-rs8vc]

Love it and i came from type r

[@danielmurphy639]

All I care about is steering feel but nothing has steering feel can’t find one car that has it

[@seanshong2048]

Hey Paul, if you guys are going through the trouble of pronouncing Porsche correctly, do us Koreans a favor and pronounce Hyundai correctly

[@TestDriveVideos]

When Hyundai launched in the US, there were commercials declaring “Hyundai, like Sunday”. And to this day, all the US marketing people use and promote this pronunciation. We’re happy to adapt if the brand would like us to. Thanks for watching!

[@brookhugginson8687]

I love your channel and your inspiring videos! You really need Promo*SM!!