2024 hyundai Kona N-Line

2024 hYUNDAI kONA n-lINE - DESIGN REVIEW

Overall Grade = C-
AVERAGE

Front End: D+
    Good: Aggression
    Bad: Dual zone aggression
Rear End: C-
    Good: Sport Appeal
    Bad: Add-on effect
Side: C
    Good: Lots of character
    Bad: A bit too much character
Overall Appeal: C
    Good: Wide, road hugging stance
    Bad: Still on the cheap end

​​​Score: 49.05%
Grade: C-
Rating: AVERAGE
AutoLooks Rating: 4.9 out of 10

Front End: 45.10%
Rear End: 49.25%
Side: 50.53%
Overall Appeal: 51.30%

AutoLooks Buy List: NO
Recommended Tuner: MAYBE
Trent Setter: NO
Future Classic: NO
Stock Value: SAME

                Hyundai again has decided to grace us with a sport model of the Kona again.  Not a full N product, but an introduction into the aftermarket world like what their sister brand does with their GR Line products.  Adding some flare to create the illusion of a sport model the N-Line does have a place in the market, as some markets do not allow for aftermarket upgrades.  But do we really need a sport inspired model, or do we really want a true aftermarket product.
                As with the previous model, the N-Line product does enhance the overall appeal of the standard combustion product while borrowing aspects from

the electric Kona as well.  But as we all know; cheap plastic body cladding is not a product you add to a wannabe aftermarket product.  We all want that sport look, without that sport power, and that is what the N-Line really is.  It gives you the illusion of being the cool one at the party without being the cool one.

                Enhancing the front is one the main areas which you must cover, as this is what everyone will see first.  Hyundai has done a decent job adding on sport aspects, but in all reality, they may have over done it.

                Protruding from the front again, Hyundai has made the intake of their sport product a bit much with the oversized use of gloss plastic for their new front grille / intake.  This does take away from the protruding front bumper, but brings out the difference between the front and the side profiles.  You can really see this as the running lights meet the front intake bumper.
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                Hyundai did a great job when it came to creating a sporty front end.  Adding in a lower intake and partial side gills, outfitted with a beehive dark gloss finish, really brings out the sport in this sport ride.  But again, Hyundai dropped the ball on the integration and placement of these products, as the front end of the Kona N-Line, is sitting in multiple time zones.  Let us just blend this together to make all of us happy.

​                As with the electric, the side profile has not been changed much over the base product.  The removal of the cheap plastic cladding and aluminum window accent, are a great touch.  But a lack of a proper side sill and hard character lines, start to take away from its sporting appeal.  Black accents can only go so far.
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                Hyundai did upgrade the wheels, but unfortunately, they did this all wrong.  Utilizing wheels borrowed from the previous base model Kona, this new N-Line appears to be more standard than sport here.  There is some sport appeal, but not enough to truly make you want to go for a ride.

​                Out on the back is where Hyundai really came through with this model.  Bringing in a proper spoiler and rear diffuser, the rear of the Kona N-Line is more sport than you need.  Moving away from the standard integrated spoiler, the N-Line ops for a dual split lifted spoiler.  It is not made of carbon fiber, but the gloss black is fitting with the roof and roof rails.  It is odd to see roof rails on a sport model, but when your clientele are urban warriors, it starts to make sense.

                Sitting on the bottom end of the rear, Hyundai has added on a beautiful rear diffuser which is accompanied by a well fitted lip spoiler.  This suits this vehicle, as the diffuser is relatively a low use, high visual aspect for the rear, due to its high rise and low amount of flow through airflow.  Of course, this might just be because this is just a visual aid and that the true diffuser will be notched in for the Kona N.
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                A lower spoiler is a nice touch which enhances the look of the rear.  Although it has a relatively low usage rate, as the exit port and side sills are filled with flat solid plastic, making it hard for any air to properly move out from under this vehicle.  A proper air duct would have been better and allowed this feature to work.

​                All around the new Kona N-Line is an update, but only that.  This new product is nothing better than the previous model and without a lowered profile, its true sport image will never be taken seriously.  An update to the overall appeal and a loss of some extensions is required for this product to truly shine in the marketplace.

                As Hyundai moves more upmarket, we can expect that their N badge will become more useful for the brand.  And having an entry level aftermarket brand, helps them hit more markets than the competition.  But is this a good thing or will it saturate the sub-brands image?  This is something a changeover to a greener future will show us.

Everett J.
​#autolooks

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​​COMPETITION:
Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo - 54.27%
Abarth Pulse - 54.44%
Opel/Vauxhall Grandland Gse - 56.75%
Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport - 53.30%