A spy shot of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N

A "hot" version of the Kona subcompact SUV is on its way, as evidenced by the improved performance of a prototype camouflaged at the Nürburgring.

In early 2018, Hyundai N boss Albert Biermann revealed that he had already ordered his engineers to start working on a possible Kona N version to convince top management to give the go-ahead for production. Apparently, they have been convinced.

The Kona N prototype features a dual-circuit exhaust system, upgraded brakes with red calipers, new openings in the front end and a rear wing over the hatch. Radar sensors for the automatic emergency braking system are visible in the lower grille.

The Kona N is expected to receive the same powertrain and chassis updates as existing Hyundai N models such as the Veloster N and i30 N. Power output from the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four currently ranges from 246 to 275 hp; a six-speed manual transmission will likely be standard, while an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic should be on the option list for the 2020 Veloster N.

The standard Kona will be offered with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and an electric motor with 201 hp.

The Kona N will debut in 2021, and if approved in the U.S., it will be available in 2022. Given the current popularity of SUVs, especially with Volkswagen's 296-horsepower T-Roc R,