Hyundai Motor has revealed details of the all-new KONA N. The KONA N will be available with an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission and a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 280 PS of power.
“The addition of the N DCT allows us to expand on the N brand’s ‘Fun to Drive’ philosophy,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President of Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “By integrating it into the all-new KONA N, we’re enabling all sorts of high-performance driving features and turning the KONA N into a true ‘hot SUV.’”
How does a wet type transmission help?
The wet-type DCT is structurally similar to a manual transmission, making it efficient at power delivery and shifting response. The system utilises a High-Flow Electric Oil Pump, which is responsible for gear lubrication and clutch cooling and a High-Pressure Electric Oil Pump that supplies oil to the accumulator and maintains the required pressure to control the gear shifts.
What is the N DCT?
N DCT is an improved version of the company’s in-house developed 8DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. It gets increased durability, allowing it to handle the demands of high-performance vehicles.
The 2.0-litre T-GDI engine, it results in great performance via unique gear ratios. The transmission control unit is also calibrated for N, for faster shifting and enabling a range of exclusive driving features. The N DCT has been tested on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife for approximately 1,350 laps for durability during its development.
Features of the N DCT
The N DCT enables exclusive functions like N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. These features enhance the car’s capabilities by using dedicated shift logic management.
N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 per cent of throttle, this allows increment of torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This gives the driver a “push feel” when upshifting.
N Grin Shift (NGS) maximises engine and DCT performance for 20 seconds. To get maximum acceleration, the car will directly shift down to the most appropriate gear. To activate the system, the driver must push a dedicated button on the steering wheel and a countdown on the cluster will show countdown for this function. After the “boost” has ended, drivers must wait at least 40 seconds to use it again. It can be a benefit when overtaking, merging on a highway or aiming for lap records.
Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) optimises adaptive shift for racetrack driving. It recognises when the conditions are optimal for dynamic driving on a racetrack and activates automatically. Based on motorsport data combined with the driver’s behaviour, the car selects the right gear and shift timing to provide optimal performance.
These dedicated N features are in addition to five different drive modes of the N Grin Control System: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and Custom. Unlike with a traditional automatic transmission vehicle, in vehicles with N DCT, the driver can choose to turn off the creep function via the N custom settings. The KONA N with N DCT also allows the option to switch to manual mode using paddle shifters or the gear knob. (MT)
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.
Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.
The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.
AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).
The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.
The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.
The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
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