Nice Drives: 2023 Hyundai Elantra N

In case no one noticed, Hyundai is serious

By Isaac Bouchard

Hyundai, the fifth largest car company in the world, their various EVs are amongst the best reviewed—and best-selling—there are, and when they decided to make serious driver’s cars, they hired many of the most experienced people in the industry, including Albert Biermann and Thomas Schemera, who had run BMW’s M division, to craft them. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Kona N we reviewed last year and the Elantra N are really enticing enthusiast machines.

N Division vehicles need to be delineated from N Line ones; the latter are sportier versions of normal vehicles, just like BMW M Sport and Mercedes AMG Line. “Real” N’s are hardcore; featuring different engines, suspensions, brakes and other bits, bound together with the best in software and tuning to be cohesive. The Hyundai’s engine is a 2-liter, turbo four, whose normal 275hp can be temporarily bumped to 286 when one engages the aptly-named N Grin Shift mode; thus caffeinated, the Elantra N will scrabble to 60mph in 5.1 seconds and through the quarter mile in 13.8 at 105mph, when equipped with the slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. The optional 8-speed twinclutch is even faster. The engine sounds great and while there is some lag, that’s just the prelude to the rush to redline and is no way a detriment to the fun.

An electronically-controlled limited slip differential means the Hyundai’s front drive isn’t an impediment to fun in the corners; roll power once past the apex and the Elantra N tightens its line and digs in, the 245-section width Michelin Pilot 4S tires sticking to the tune of .99g in lateral grip. Steering is accurate and well-weighted and really help the driver know what the contact patches are up to. The sports suspension itself is very firm but the ride is never crashy and the payoff is excellent body control, along with the ability to rotate the tail to tighten the Elantra N’s line without worry of it swapping ends. Brake feel and stoutness more than matches the grip and go.

The Elantra N cockpit is nicely styled, with clear digital instruments and bright graphics for the fast-reacting touch screen. Plastics are definitely in the eco-car class, but controls feel positive in response and the firm seats have excellent lateral support and are grippy and comfortable. Most everything is standard, the back seat is roomy and the truck capacious, meaning the Elantra N is an excellent everyday machine as well. Hyundai made sure the N stood out from more pedestrian versions in the style stakes, with a really aggressive nose, 19-inch wheels and red accents. Besides the transmission option, the only choice a buyer makes is color. The Elantra N has Hyundai’s best-in-class warranty, and is clearly a better overall package (as well as being much more fun) than competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and VW GTI and Jetta GLI.

EPA Ratings: 20/30/23mpg
0-60mph: 5.1sec
Price as tested: $34,695
5 Stars

Here is what Hyundai has to say.

Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos ([email protected]; 303-475-1462). Read more of his automotive writing, reviews and recommendations on coloradoavidgolfer.com and bespokeautos.com.

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