A ‘HOT' SUV is on the way from Hyundai as the Korean car maker goes about releasing a performance version of the Kona.

The Kona N will be Hyundai's first performance SUV and is slated to be available later in 2021. It will join the company's other N models such as the i30, the i30 Fastback and the i20 N.

Details of the Kona N are sketchy at the moment but Hyundai says it will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to an eight-speed DCT automatic transmission.

As with its other N models, the Kona N will be fitted with a variety of high-performance driving features such as launch control and an exhaust sound generator for sporty fun.

"The all-new Kona N is the first ‘hot SUV' from the N brand," says Till Wartenberg, vice president and head of N brand management and motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company. "As a ‘hot SUV', it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle. Enthusiasts will enjoy taking this car anywhere; from road to the track."

Hyundai says it will be releasing further details of the new model in the coming weeks.