Indeed it's more about the exterior since all the engines are the same. I prefer the first gen Kona but I still like what the new Kona N is all about despite my utter hatred of crossovers, lol.
I like the concept of this Elantra N, but not needing, nor even wanting the extra room/bulk (like many on here do) turns me off to it even more than the styling does.
Same reasons I do not like the Stinger, and other rides in that category as well, which others just adore.
Now an i20 N I would be all over, if done properly.
But of course that will NEVER happen here in the land of 'bigger is the ONLY thing'.