Seoul has just sent out these images of its upcoming performance SUV. Thoughts?

GETTING excited by the prospect of a performance flagship version of Hyundai’s Kona sports utility?

Maybe these photos will further fuel that enthusiasm.

 These are the first images of the car without camouflage, and though they are not exactly fully unexpurgated reveals, they do give a good idea of what to expect from a model set to land, probably later this year, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, in marriage to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission – and potentially, in front- rather than four-wheel-drive format.

It’s the same engine that serves the brand’s current sole N division emissary in New Zealand, the i30 N, and while outputs have yet to be announced, it's likely they will match the 206kW and 392Nm the hot hatch delivers.

Hyundai has previously promised the powertrain will be flavoured by a launch control and a sports exhaust.

The Kona N provides the first opportunity for the make’s N Division and the Hyundai Design Centre to work together on this kind of body type, and as the images released from South Korea today enforce, the ‘hot SUV’ ideal is being taken seriously.

 The car has a wider and lower stance than the donor and, accordingly, “clearly

represents a powerful presence and driving fun,” the maker says.

The front view is dominated by large, sporty and “iconic” air intakes, and the new light signature lends an aggressive, powerful appearance, the brand contends.

The lower grille defines the character of the bumper fascia; “its shape is inspired by an aeronautic fuselage and extends to the side of the car, emphasising its aerodynamic efficiency and speed. An N logo on the unique upper grille completes the look.”

At the rear, a large double-wing roof spoiler for enhanced downforce gives spice to the rear view. It also incorporates a third, triangular brake light, as is customary with N models. 

Large N dual exhaust mufflers fully express the high-performance spirit, according to today’s release.

“Lower down on the rear bumper, a large diffuser enhances the airflow departure. The sporty appearance is further emphasised through body-coloured fenders, bringing Kona N visually closer to the ground.”

Exclusive alloy wheels and red accents embellishing the side sills are exclusive N signatures.