Hyundai Kona N to bow out but there's 'still stock' in SA

Hyundai SA has confirmed production of the 206 kW Kona N has ended, though says there’s “more than enough” stock in Mzansi to meet local demand for some time…

Production of the 206 kW Hyundai Kona N has officially ceased, with no official confirmation the world will see a 2nd-generation version of the high-performance crossover.

A spokesperson from Hyundai Automotive South Africa confirmed to Cars.co.za the Kona N was no longer being built but added there was “more than enough stock” in Mzansi – considering this flagship derivative’s “niche” standing – to satisfy local demand for some time.

So, for the moment, the Kona N remains on Hyundai Automotive SA’s official price list. The Kona N joined the local line-up as recently as April 2022, launching alongside the facelifted i30 N hot hatch with which it shares a powertrain.

Currently priced at R811 900, the Kona N’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sends 206 kW and 392 Nm to the front axle via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. As a result, the 0-100 kph sprint takes just 5.5 seconds, according to the South Korean firm, while top speed comes in at 240 kph.

Highlights include an aggressively styled body kit (including a double-wing rear spoiler), lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels, red brake callipers, an electronic limited slip differential, launch control, a head-up display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a raft of driver-assistance features and as many as 5 driving modes.

As an aside, the 2nd-generation Kona range was initially due to arrive in South Africa in the 4th quarter of 2023, though Hyundai Automotive SA now says this model introduction has been “put on the back-burner”. If it receives the green light for a local launch, expect that to happen only in 2024.

For the record, 259 units of the Kona – including the full-fat N derivative – have been registered in South Africa over the opening 8 months of 2023. This nameplate’s best month of the year so far was February with 50 units, while registrations slowed to 15 units in August.

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