My DD search is still going on and I'm being completely ridiculous. I've purchased a Grom and a PWC instead in the mean time. I've come across a Kona N that was an absolute hoot to test drive. It meets like 90% of my DD requirements and just curious what the hives take on this in the long term.
Buy it. In 2 years when you want something more I'll buy it from you.
My Ex has the regular Kona and it's been great. Just know that it's not a true off-roader and that is really it's only flaw. The DCT don't like that amount of slip.
But being it's FWD anyways, I doubt you would take it anywhere that this is an issue.
I remember seeing the base Kona on a list of "10 cars that are faster than you'd expect." Every single one of the N cars has received a ton of praise for being fun to drive. Unfortunately Hyundai keeps missing the mark with the styling of the N cars, otherwise I'd have an Elantra N right now
In reply to calteg :
Can confirm. I spent a little time behind the wheel of a 2020 Limited model, and yeah, plenty quick off the line for most people. I can only imagine how much of a riot the N model is like.
bmw88rider said:My Ex has the regular Kona and it's been great. Just know that it's not a true off-roader and that is really it's only flaw. The DCT don't like that amount of slip.
But being it's FWD anyways, I doubt you would take it anywhere that this is an issue.
Save the clutches; spin the tires!
N Line, yes, N, sadly, not yet. (Kona N Line review to come soon.)
It seems to have less interest than even the Veloster N which has always sold poorly.
Chrissmith said:It seems to have less interest than even the Veloster N which has always sold poorly.
I really think they missed the mark not making it AWD.
I understand that fwd is lighter and was probably a decision made to keep it at the $35k price point.
Unfortunately, I don't think it's something most buyers will want. Not many people shopping for a fully loaded cuv that doesn't have awd.
I'd like one, but I'm not most people. Actually, if I'm interested in a new car it's probably an indication that it will be a sales dud, lol.
Not Kona N, but I have an Elantra N. Think I'm at 1/6 miles so far are on track. It's a absolutely excellent street and track car. Highly highly recommend.
bobzilla said:Buy it. In 2 years when you want something more I'll buy it from you.
If I follow through, I will hold you to this Bob.
David S. Wallens said:N Line, yes, N, sadly, not yet. (Kona N Line review to come soon.)
I have noticed it's nearly impossible to communicate that the N and N Line are not the same thing to salespeople if you are trying to find a dealer who has one in stock.
BlueInGreen - Jon said:I understand that fwd is lighter and was probably a decision made to keep it at the $35k price point.
Unfortunately, I don't think it's something most buyers will want. Not many people shopping for a fully loaded cuv that doesn't have awd.
I'd like one, but I'm not most people. Actually, if I'm interested in a new car it's probably an indication that it will be a sales dud, lol.
I really just need something fun to get me from point A to point B. I've been striking out trying to land a Elantra N. I have to make two 1000 mile round trips a month as well. AWD isn't a requirement however it would be nice. I have my Sequoia to tow things and do off-roading things with. With those round trips I'm doing in the Sequoia and gas prices at their current mark, my math says even a $35k car will pay for itself if it gets over 25mpgs on the highway.
Friend of ours drove one in Sebring. Said it was a set of wheels and 1" lowering springs fro being perfect.
bobzilla said:Friend of ours drove one in Sebring. Said it was a set of wheels and 1" lowering springs fro being perfect.
I may have put a refundable deposit down on it. I really wanted the MDX Type S Advance with the massaging seats, absurd amount of speaker sound system (bit of an audiophile), and the 3rd row; but, really hard to justify spending double the money on something just to commute in.
Test drove one a week ago. Really liked it but... just didn't love it. Not sure why.
Really enjoyed the Veloster N when I drove that. Might get one of those if I can get it for sticker in blue.
Tk8398 said:David S. Wallens said:N Line, yes, N, sadly, not yet. (Kona N Line review to come soon.)
I have noticed it's nearly impossible to communicate that the N and N Line are not the same thing to salespeople if you are trying to find a dealer who has one in stock.
From a marketing perspective it's confusing. A more logical progesion like N and N+ or something would be more sensible.
All the reviews of the N models seem to heap on the praise, looks like Hyundai got them right. I would be more interested if they had a rwd platform.
Pretty strong endorsement for the Kona N from this reviewer:
"I've had more fun in this front-wheel-drive crossover than any sports car or supercar I've had the pleasure of driving"
2022 Hyundai Kona N Review: The Real Ultimate Driving Machine
This weird little SUV is one of the best vehicles I've ever driven, taking everything good about the Veloster N and applying it to an overall nicer package. It shares its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with Hyundai's other N cars, putting out 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 29 lb-ft, and the Kona's peak torque comes on a little later. Hyundai's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only option for the Kona N, which is fine by me as the Veloster N's standard six-speed manual kinda sucks
I'm not sure I can trust this review.
So I bought one and I got it for MSRP. I also was in and out of this dealer in less than an hour. Props to Hyundai for that E36 M3 - the last two dealership purchases I made combined for 12 hours of hell and one of those cars wasn't even for me.
Anyways - this car doesn't make sense in terms of what it is. It's not as low as a GTI, not as high as the normal Kona, has less storage space than the Veloster N it kind of replaces. What does make sense is that it is an absolute blast to drive. Even though I've been babying it during break it period, it just puts a smile on my face. It handles well, it has plenty of torque, and the levels of custimization for your driving preference seem endless.
The Hyundai/KIA/Genesis infotainment is pretty amazing as well. I've already had a few people go "what the hell is that?" I'm assuming because it's so ugly.
The dual clutch is a werid one for me. It shifts so fast which is awesome but I still would prefer a manual so I do wish i would have gone with the Elantra with a third pedal.
The seats have plenty of bolster and are pretty comfy.
The sound system is OK. The 21 year old JBLs in my Sequoia sound better.
Overall I'm very impressed. 10 years ago I would have never even thought about buying a Hyundai.
I almost walked away with a Santa Cruz Limited instead but I have the Sequoia serving that purpose. The girlfriend might grab it though!
bobzilla said:Buy it. In 2 years when you want something more I'll buy it from you.
Clock is ticking.
I rode in one at an autocross. The guy could really drive and I was shocked at the speed and ability of the car. He really put it through it's paces. It is his concession to parenthood, (not that he is giving up his other cars), but the car was just amazing. I am thinking of getting one for my wife.
DirtyBird222 said:bobzilla said:Buy it. In 2 years when you want something more I'll buy it from you.
Clock is ticking.
Yes! Wife is getting Seth's Niro, I'm getting a Kona.
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