The second generation Hyundai KONA is already on sale in many markets around the world, with a choice of seeing its gasoline, hybrid and all-electric powertrains and with the N-Line model available. So the model its actually pending is the N high performance variant but according to the latest interview with Hyundai’s Heads for EV strategy.
At the time of the European press event, Mr. Park remarked that if the second generation KONA N will happen, it may return as an all-electric vehicle. “For Kona, we have a focus on ICE, EV, and hybrid, and are considering N as well. We are seeing the feedback and market reaction from the market about Ioniq 5 N.” Park said.
While this can make you think if this is the end of Hyundai N combustion engines, it makes sense to clarify that Hyundai designed the new Kona from the beginning as an all-electric car and then adapted it to use with internal combustion either, so it will be easy to create an all-electric N than make room for a big combustion engine.
With the first electric N product already debuted, the recently launched and long awaited IONIQ 5 N, the South Korean automaker has put a lot of effort to ensure it will drive and feel like a combustion-engined performance vehicle. “Technically, it’s easier for us to make an N high-performance version of the dedicated EV because of the platform,” Park said. “We can bring out the high-performance output; but based on the non-dedicated platform with an ICE or EV, we have to look at different options,” Park added.
To be more clear, Mr. Park said: “The ICE N is not our consideration. Based on the feedback of IONIQ 5 N, we’ll make a future decision.” So the decision is not that far has the feedback received from the IONIQ 5 N was overwhelming.
Rendering: Avarvarii
