GET READY TO GRIN

In the KONA N and the i30 N, HYUNDAI has two new models, and both come wearing an N badge. In Hyundai-speak, that stands for "GOES VERY FAST" - but you can tell that just by looking at them.

- STEVE SMITH

IT WOULD BE ACCURATE TO SAY that "goes very fast" and "Hyundai" are not words often used in the same sentence - especially not here in South Africa. In the three decades that Hyundais have been on sale in the country, the brand has developed a reputation for offering a range of reliable vehicles that offer excellent value for money. But sexy-looking performance cars? Not so much. That perception, however, is due for a slight recalibration with the introduction of these two new N cars. KONA N While the regular Hyundai Kona is a futuristically styled but relatively tame SUV crossover, this one, wearing an N badge front and back, is an altogether different proposition. This model has considerably more kilowattage bristling under that pointy nose, and a chassis that's been magicked by the white coats in Department N. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor delivers 206kW through a 8-speed dual clutch, and there's all kinds of electronic wizardry going on belowdecks, including three high-performance settings: N Power Shift, N Track Shift and the smile-inducing N Grin Shift. That last one is activated by an actual big red button on the steering wheel that maximises engine and gear