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The Hyundai Elantra N has entered the arena of high-performance compact sedans with a bit of thunder. As a part of Hyundai’s acclaimed N vivision, the Elantra N promises an exhilarating driving experience wrapped in a practical package. But how does it stack up to its competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, not to mention pricier hot hatchbacks like the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R? We’ve broken down the key facts and figures that make the Hyundai Elantra N so good, from the 0-60 time to its surprisingly low price. First, let’s look at a brief history of the N division.

Hyundai N Division Origins

Since 2012, Hyundai’s N Division has been a foundry and test bed for automotive excellence research and development. The operation competes in various professional motorsport disciplines to pursue performative advancements and transfers that knowledge and experience into Hyundai’s vehicle lineup. Another core part of the N Division is to transform and enhance the everyday models into performance beasts. The Elantra N, with its robust specifications and track-ready attributes, is no exception.

The Elantra N draws significant inspiration from Hyundai’s extensive motorsport experience. The vehicle’s design and engineering are influenced by the World Rally Championship (WRC) and TCR touring car series, where Hyundai has made its mark. Features like the integrated drive axle, derived from rally cars, enhance the car’s ability to handle extreme lateral forces while reducing weight and noise. Additionally, the H-shape multi-jointed rear stiff bar and four-point strut ring improve body rigidity and handling precision, ensuring that the Elantra N performs exceptionally well on and off the track. Let’s get into some of this car’s exceptional stats.

276: Class-Leading Horsepower

Powering the Elantra N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of Hyundai’s Theta II family, is known for its reliability and performance. The combination of high horsepower and substantial torque ensures that the Elantra N delivers a punchy and exhilarating driving experience. This powerful engine allows the Elantra N to stand toe-to-toe with competitors like the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R, while out-muscling sedan rivals like the Honda Civic Si. There is speculation that a future Elantra N may receive a larger 2.5-liter engine.

5: Sporty Acceleration

The Elantra N’s acceleration is one of its most impressive features. The FWD compact car is proclaimed to achieve a 0-60 time in a swift five seconds with the DCT auto configuration. This quick sprint is achieved through a combination of factors, including the powerful engine, conducive transmission, an optimized traction-grabbing suspension, and its lightweight chassis. It’s quicker than sedan rivals like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and runs the more powerful Civic Type R extremely close. As we found in our test drive review of the Elantra N, it’s not only quick but emits an appealing exhaust note.

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6 or 8: Two Capable Transmissions

One of the standout features of the Elantra N is its available six-speed manual transmission. Enthusiasts will appreciate the precise and engaging feel of this gearbox, which offers a more connected and rewarding driving experience compared to automatic transmissions. That said, it’s not as crisp as the stick-shift in the Civic Si. The Hyundai’s manual transmission also features rev-matching, which helps to smooth out downshifts and maintain balance during aggressive driving. For users who prefer the ultimate tech-forward approach, Hyundai offers the Elantra N with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The driver-focused approach ensures that the Elantra N is not just about straight-line speed but also about delivering an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

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33: Ongoing Weight-Saving Measures

Hyundai has continued improving the Elantra N since its launch. One of the latest enhancements for the 2024 model year is restyled 19-inch forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. These new forged wheels have lowered the unsprung weight by 33 pounds compared to the previous wheel design. Lowering unsprung mass contributes to better ride and handling, since the lighter a wheel assembly is, the quicker it will move up and down to absorb an impact when you hit a bump. At 3,186 lbs with the manual gearbox, the Elentra N is 88 lbs lighter than the less powerful Jetta GLI with a manual.

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How Does It Compare to Its Class Rivals?

If you want a sporty but small performance sedan, the Elantra N naturally competes with the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. However, the Elantra N’s performance capabilities are such that it also draws comparisons to the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R hot hatchbacks. Let’s see how they all stack up.

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10: Sit Lower Than Inside Any Other N Car

Inside the Elantra N, the focus on performance continues. The cabin features N-branded lightweight sport seats with enhanced bolstering to keep occupants secure during spirited driving. The bucket seats are lowered by 10mm (nearly 0.4 inches) for an optimized center of gravity and driving position; in fact, it’s the lowest seating position in any Hyundai N car. Additional upgrades include a sport steering wheel with N buttons for quick access to custom drive modes, unique N-specific trim pieces, and a digital instrument cluster that provides real-time performance data. The Elantra N boasts the most spacious rear-row interior compared to its direct rivals. These enhancements ensure that the interior is as sporty and functional as the exterior.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

Base MSRP

$33,700

Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Horsepower

276 hp

Fuel Economy

21/29 MPG

1:14.60: Lap Times To Match Much Pricier Hot Hatches

The Hyundai Elantra N is a surprisingly capable car on the track, returning lap times that surpass its natural sedan rivals. When subjected to the Car and Driver Lightning Lap – held at the Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course – cars are subjected to the challenges of the 4.1-mile track. The Elantra N managed a time of 3 minutes and 7.3 seconds, whereas the 2023 Honda Civic Si (admittedly down on power) was 9.6 seconds slower. The team from Throttle House timed the Elantra N at 1 minute and 14.6 seconds at its home track, besting the more expensive and powerful Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition by a fraction. Remember, too, that the Toyota has the benefit of all-wheel-drive traction, whereas the Hyundai is front-wheel drive. Even more impressively, the Elantra N was a fraction behind the new Honda Civic Type R (1 minute and 13.55 seconds) on the same track. The Honda has long been considered the benchmark for small FWD performance cars, but the Hyundai is right there with it.

$33,700: Bang For Your Buck

The Elantra N has a surprisingly pleasant price, starting at just $33,700 for the 2024 model year, offering a remarkable value proposition. This price point makes it one of the most affordable options in the high-performance compact segment, providing an enticing blend of performance, technology, and practicality without the premium price tag of some competitors. Perhaps the most compelling aspect when considering a purchase of a performance-driven vehicle like the Elantra N, is that this one comes with Hyundai’s class-leading ten-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.

The Hyundai Elantra N is a formidable entry in the performance sedan market. With its impressive acceleration, robust horsepower, engaging manual transmission, and host of performance features, it offers an exciting driving experience at a competitive price. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and practical daily driver, the Elantra N deserves serious consideration.