I drove the new Hyundai Kona N

IT gets under your skin, the Kona N.

I approached him, thinking I was vaccinated against such cars. I mean, really, a heated up crossover?

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That much power and performance goes well with a hot hatchback like the excellent i30 N.

But in a shorter, taller crossover, you’re likely to hit and rock anywhere in the store.

But somehow they managed and made a grinning car.

Mind you, it has some serious engineering and technology.

All designed to make the N version feel very different than your basic Kona 1 liter. Or indeed the sacred battery-electric version.

That Kona N has a 2 liter engine with 280 hp. It has redesigned the suspension.

The dash screen lets you dive into menus for a maze of driver settings.

Gas response, gear changes, adaptive dampers, steering assistance, locking diff effect, exhaust volume.

Outside, spoilers and fenders hang from the nose and roof.

Plate-sized brake discs shine with light wheels.

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The lacquer is riddled with a multitude of lattices and slats.

Some are dummies, mind you. All edged with red stripes.

Because the N isn’t just about going fast, it’s about looking fast.

And feel fast. Honestly, the Kona N has goofy-firm suspension.

That all means it’s a bit of a messy mover compared to the best hot hatches. But it’s also super engaging.

And very capable. The tires stick hard and the brakes force you to a halt.

Engine and transmission form a great partnership. It’s laughable.

But sometimes it goes a little far. The dash screens show a lot of additional live information like the pressure you are applying to the brakes. Guys, this isn’t F1.

And if you drive ambitiously, you should look at the road and not at those confusing displays.

Like many new cars, it has a camera that reads road signs to remind you of speed limits or no-overtaking zones. But it also informs you about double curved signs.

Not to slow you down, but to urge you to switch those electronic parameters into N mode and go Apex hunting.

Aside from those screens, the interior is a bit drab.

The space in the back is pretty tight and the boot isn’t huge. But then it’s a compact car. And it has great front seats.

If you want a crossover, not a hatchback, and can afford the thirst, the Kona N is about as much fun as you can get. It might just go viral.

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