Hyundai Kona N: Finalist for Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2023.

Can the Hyundai Kona N do what its siblings failed to do and win Motor Authority's Best Car To Buy? It has a good chance of doing so.

The Hyundai Veloster N almost won the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2020, but lost to the Porsche 911. Now, Hyundai has entered the ring with a more practical package and the same smile-inducing powertrain. It could rewrite history.

The Veloster N gave its life so that the Kona N (and Elantra N) could live. Even though Veloster will be missed, Kona N is interesting, so don't be too sad. [Powered by the same 2.0-liter turbo four as the other N models with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, the Kona N is extroverted with a snapping, crackling, popping exhaust note; press the NGS's overboost button and the output soars to 286 hp. Unfortunately, you have to wait 40 seconds before you can use this fun feature again.

Like its N siblings, the Kona N sends all its power to the front wheels, where a standard electronic limited slip differential does all it can to control it. Torque steer creeps in, but is mostly well managed.

Unlike its sedan and now-defunct hatch siblings, Kona N owners cannot #GiveAShift, as there is no manual transmission option. All Kona Ns have an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for quick shifting and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

While not a rocket, the Kona N is quick enough, with the ability to go from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The Kona N really shines on winding back roads. Easily accessible via a button on the steering wheel, the N mode can be used at any time and place, but is best used on race tracks and smooth roads. According to Senior Editor Kirk Bell, N mode cranks all response up to 11 and is great for power and handling, but on rutted or bumpy roads, the Kona N can shatter kidney stones.

Quick turn-in response and direct steering highlight the Kona N's character as a wild child on the backroads, and at $35,495, its fun factor is enough to embarrass sports cars twice its price.

The Kona N has a different front and rear appearance than the standard lineup, but it takes a keen eye to appreciate what the N is. Dual round exhaust tips protrude from the rear bumper, a rear roof spoiler controls the airflow, side skirts extend the rockers a bit, and there is a slightly larger intake with blacked out sections up front. It is not as in-your-face as the Elantra N, which has a wing mounted on the trunk.

Inside, the Kona N is well equipped with a 10.3-inch digital meter cluster, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sport bucket front seats.

The Kona N is not perfect. Much of the budget was spent on the powertrain, leaving the interior a sea of hard, cheap plastic. Apple carplay and android auto need code. The front seats have a high seating surface, which causes a lot of head tilt and body lean, and almost all editors commented on the odd seating position. Although slightly more practical and convenient than the Elantra N and Veloster N, these siblings offer the Kona N's powertrain in a less awkward driving position and come with an available manual transmission to appeal to purists.

Will the Kona N's attractive dynamics and low price be enough to beat out two other hot hatches, a ridiculous SUV, a luxury EV, and a sports sedan on January 4, along with our sister sites Car Connection and Green Car Report champs, as we announce the winner! Check it out.