Following the launch of the facelifted Hyundai Kona model in April, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially announced the arrival of the Kona N Line in Malaysia featuring the improved 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The turbocharged engine now makes 198 hp at 6,000 rpm, an increase of 21 hp with the torque value maintaining at 265 Nm. It continues to be paired with the Smartstream 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and drive the front wheels only.
The official figure of the benchmark century sprint has not been shared but expect the added 21 hp to slightly reduce the previous 1.6 Turbo’s time of 7.7 seconds.
For those who aren’t too attracted by the Kona N Line styling, the ‘regular’ Kona variant with also be available with the updated 1.6 Turbo engine, making a total of four variants of Hyundai Kona models available (two 2.0-litre and two 1.6 Turbo) in Malaysia.
The Hyundai Kona N Line, exclusively available only with the high-performance turbocharged engine, features a sporty and progressive design. The front bumper, which bears a close resemblance to the 280-hp Kona N, is now in full-body colour and styled more aggressively via squarer corners with gloss black grille inserts placed under the LED headlamp units. The new upper grille also features an ‘N Line’ emblem.
The side cladding is now colour-coded too, making the Hyundai Kona N Line appear much sportier like a tall hatchback. Complementing the ‘N Line’ emblems on the fenders are exclusive diamond-cut 18-inch wheel design and side skirts.
At the rear, the bumper incorporates a large central diffuser motif in a contrasting colour with the double-tipped exhaust tailpipes exposed at the right corner. Additional aerodynamic edges complement the sporty design of the Hyundai Kona N Line.
Inside, the Hyundai Kona N Line shares most of its features with the Kona 2.0 Active, such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and remote engine start.
The N Line treatment however applies red stitching on the leather-suede combination seats, metallic foot pedals and N logo on the shift lever, steering wheel and seats.
There are no technical changes to the suspension and powertrain of the Kona N Line, as the N Line variant is purely cosmetic.
As for safety features, both the 1.6 Turbo variants get the full suite of Hyundai’s Smartsense advanced driver assistance system, adding Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go plus an updated autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist detection capabilities.
Interested parties can now head to Hyundai’s online showroom to place a booking, from as low as RM300. Prices are not out yet thus we at Autobuzz.my will keep the information posted once it is available.
Entry into the Hyundai Kona range in Malaysia starts at RM119,888 for the 2.0 Standard.
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