If ever there was proof that if you get the right people on-board, your product will change beyond belief, Hyundai would be a good example. Albert Biermann, former BMW M performance division lead, joined Hyundai in 2014, having seen iconic models such as the E46 M3 and E39 M5 launched during his previous tenure. Now retired, he was pivotal in launching the N performance division and developing the N versions of the i30 and i20, which themselves are at the top of their hot hatch sectors. 

Now, there's another N addition, the first SUV in the form of the Kona. A good basis to start with, as whether in EV, hybrid, or ICE powered versions, this Hyundai has proved to be a decent, tidy drive. The N formula for the Kona is much the same as the i30N, with its shared 276hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine at the front and adaptive dampers, with different drive modes to make the most of the performance despite the Kona's taller body. However, unlike the rest of the N range, which are fitted with six-speed manual transmission (although the i30 is available with the same eight-speed automatic transmission), the Kona is auto only.  

You won't miss the Kona N's chunkier body kit, large rear spoiler and twin exhausts and black 19in wheels with uprated red callipers behind. The interior has received a similar makeover, with digital dials, heated and ventilated sports seats, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger. It feels special enough inside this Hyundai and the quality is good, if not as special as German rivals. Then again, those German rivals would cost considerably more, we believe.

Other good news is that, despite its performance makeover, the N is no more compromised than the standard Kona. So, there's decent, if not extensive space in the front and back, plus the same practically shaped 361-litre boot - definitely more practicality than you'd expect, considering the performance.   

No SUV has ever handled like the Kona N in our opinion, which makes it even more fun to drive. The steering is precise with plenty of feel, the handling is roll-free and the grip levels are impressively high thanks to the clever differential. Then there's the engine, which feels as punchy as ever and works well with the automatic gearbox - smoothly and quickly shifting through all the gears. 

Like previous "N" models, the Kona feels most at home in Normal and Sport modes, the harshness of the ride in N mode relegating it to track-only work. We are, however, fans of the NGS (N Grin Shift) button that's also on the steering wheel, which turns the performance wick up to 11 and equals 286hp for 20 seconds - but you have to watch your speed to stay within legal numbers when you do.

The Kona isn't quite the perfect driving companion, as we found the steering lock a bit on the short side, making some manoeuvres more difficult than expected. And, although the auto is a smooth operator, like the i30, you miss the interaction with what is a fiery engine, plus the ride in normal mode is stiffer - although not uncomfortable. 

With a BIK figure of 37%, MPG figure of 33.2 and a 194g/km CO2 emissions figure, the Hyundai Kona N is only ever going to be a user-chooser choice. But for the money, there aren't any rivals that can touch the Kona N for its performance and practicality.  

Hyundai Kona N