Are you looking for a car that costs around $35,000 and provides ample space for photography equipment, all while putting a smile on your face every time you drive it?
According to one owner, the Hyundai Kona N checks all these boxes. After owning a 2022 model for a year, he shared his thoughts in a 12-minute YouTube video where he discusses what he likes and dislikes about this Korean hot crossover.
The owner purchased the car because he wanted something fun and practical for his photography business. He needed a spacious trunk to transport all his gear to photo shoots. Although he hadn’t heard of the Kona N before, he conducted extensive research and discovered that Albert Biermann, known for his work with BMW M, had played a role in creating Hyundai’s performance sub-brand.
His previous favorite cars were the Volkswagen Golf R32 and the Audi S4, both equipped with dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Kona N has a similar transmission, so he took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with this Korean crossover.
After using it as a daily driver for a year, the owner appreciates the comfort of the seats and the excellent infotainment system. The system includes up-to-date maps, reliable navigation, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it’s not without its flaws, such as the firm ride quality and the all-black interior without any colorful accents.
That said, the owner of this red Kona N appreciates Hyundai’s effort in improving the performance aspects of the vehicle, including the brakes, transmission, steering, and engine.
In the United States, the 2023 Hyundai Kona N starts at $34,950 (excluding destination charge). It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a wet friction dual clutch.
As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the video above. After watching it, feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.