I ended up with the Kona after selling my 2016 Subaru STI, which I absolutely loved. It was starting to come down with all the usual STI problems though, LOL, so it was time for a change.
I wanted something AWD with a little more ground clearance, and when I came across the 2024 Kona with HTRAC AWD, I really liked the look of it. I could also see some potential for an off-road/rally-style build.
I bought it brand new from my local dealership in 2024. Two days later I had already swapped the wheels and tires, and I've been making little upgrades ever since.
Honestly, I never expected to have this much fun with a little Hyundai. The Hyundai N community has been a huge part of that too. Everyone I've met has been incredibly welcoming, helpful, and willing to share ideas and experiences.
What started as a replacement for my STI has turned into a build I'm having a lot of fun with. We'll see where it goes!