Hyundai adds the ultimate sporty version to the Elantra lineup with the N, a 276-horsepower sports sedan capable of 0-100 km/hour in 5.3 seconds.
Hyundai is truly entering the world of sporty compact sedans. More dynamic than the Volkswagen GLI and Honda Civic Si, but less intense than the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type-R, the Hyundai Elantra N opts for the golden mean.
It’s now official, Hyundai offers a compact performance sedan with the unveiling of the N . Developed from the new generation Elantra, the N goes much further than the N-Line in terms of both style and mechanical performance.
On the aesthetic level, Hyundai does not go with the back of the spoon. The stylists hit hard with no less than 40 additions that are exclusive to the N. In the lot, it is impossible not to mention the front of the sedan which, except the light units, has been completely revised. Black invites itself with a very aggressive glossy finish. Just like the Veloster N, a red stripe gives an additional tone of sportiness.
In profile, what stands out the most is undeniably the styling of the 19-inch rims on which 245-wide Michelin PS4S have been mounted, a first for a Hyundai. Just like on the front, the red stripe continues with the embossed N lettering just behind the wheel well. For the rear, Hyundai hits hard with a black painted spoiler, redesigned bumpers, and, of course, two big, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.
Inside, the changes are more modest. We especially notice the integration of a new steering wheel to the presentation more dynamic and more oriented towards driving. Two elements attract attention: the NGS button which temporarily increases power and the N selection levers for the driving modes. In addition, the multimedia system is reconfigured to take a graphical approach exclusive to N. For motor racing enthusiasts, it is even possible to have a false sound through the speakers that mimic a Hyundai Motorsports series. TCR. For a more assertive pleasure, the seats are also completely revised to offer more support.
What animates and gives all its meaning to this Elantra N comes from its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The power is 276 horsepower, but, using the NGS (N Grin Shift) mode, we temporarily go to 285 horsepower. In both cases, the torque remains the same at 295 lb-ft. Power goes to the front wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. Hyundai claims the acceleration time will be 5.3 seconds in NGS mode.
To optimize performance, the car comes with an electronically managed limited-slip front differential. There are several driving modes including N Grin Shift, N Power Shift, and N Track Sense Shift. In all cases with the automatic transmission, there will be a change in the management of the responsiveness of the latter and the engine speeds.
In the wheel wells, behind the 19-inch rims, we discover 14.1-inch brakes. On the suspension, Hyundai offers electronically adjustable shock absorbers which improve road holding and which also limit noise and vibrations. At the rear, additional structural bars stiffen the car.
At the moment, the price of the Hyundai Elantra N 2022 is not yet known. The car should arrive in dealerships by the end of the year.
