Hyundai is on a mission to prove that style and performance don't have to break the bank. In recent years, the South Korean brand has made a name for itself with its innovative approach to electrification, style, performance, and economy. The ELANTRA N is one of the newer members of the Hyundai family and is sure to excite those with a need for speed.
With the ELANTRA N, Hyundai has taken an old standard and transformed it into a high-performance machine that's as fun to drive as it is to look at. As a member of Hyundai's high-end N brand, it's unlike any ELANTRA you've ever seen. Keep reading to learn what makes this affordable sportster so endearing to drivers of all types.
A Brief History of the Hyundai ELANTRA
Hyundai's ELANTRA is a long-standing staple of its lineup with its history reaching back 20 years. However, its newer incarnations bear little resemblance to their ancestors. When the ELANTRA first burst onto the scene in 1990, it wasn't much of a head-turner. It was designed as an affordable competitor to other compact sedans and looked the part. Simplicity and sensibility were the bywords for the first generation of ELANTRA cars, which featured a boxy design typical of the late 1980s.
The second (1995-2000) and third (2000-2006) generations of the ELANTRA retained the simplicity of the first while following current design trends. This led to a smoother, less boxy design and a more modern look. The first major overhaul of the ELANTRA's design came in 2006 with the introduction of the fourth generation. This series featured a completely redesigned exterior, and in 2009, the ELANTRA LPI became the first hybrid vehicle in the Hyundai lineup.
In 2010, the ELANTRA entered its fifth generation and really started to hit its stride. The new body was sleek and modern with a streamlined silhouette and shortened front end. The fifth-generation ELANTRA peaked in 2012 when it was named North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The judges gave it high marks for its best-in-class fuel economy, spacious interior, high customer satisfaction, and bold design.
The year 2015 saw the introduction of the sixth-generation ELANTRA, an attractive vehicle that retained the larger size of its predecessor while featuring a crossover-inspired design. Five years later, Hyundai unveiled the current generation of ELANTRA cars to the world. In its current state, the ELANTRA is a far cry from its humble ancestors. Its bold styling and modern tech features have made it a favorite among many drivers, and the introduction of the ELANTRA N offers never-before-seen performance features.
What's the ELANTRA N?
So what exactly is the ELANTRA N and what makes it different from its cousins? The ELANTRA N is part of Hyundai's exclusive, performance-oriented N brand. This version of the venerable sedan was introduced in 2021 and will be back in 2024 with a substantial update.
The N brand is just over 10 years old, with its origins going back to 2012. It's dedicated to developing high-performance cars and is based in Namyang, South Korea, which is part of the inspiration behind the name. According to Hyundai, the "N" is also inspired by the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany and the outline of a "chicane" or serpentine turn in a road. The N lineup currently only includes two cars: the ELANTRA N and the KONA N.
Unlike its siblings, the ELANTRA N is built for speed and superior handling. Many of its design features are inspired by racing, and the exterior certainly projects that vibe. In short, the ELANTRA N is completely unlike any ELANTRA that came before, both in terms of looks and performance.
Hyundai ELANTRA N External Features
The 2023 ELANTRA N is only offered in a single trim, and this will likely continue into 2024. While this may seem limiting, there's no reason to stress as the base model is fully loaded with all the features you could possibly need. Additionally, there are a few optional features that you can add to the base model. The MSRP for the 2023 model is $32,900, making the car a good deal by any definition.
The first thing you'll notice about the ELANTRA N is its boldly redesigned front end. Unlike the ELANTRA cars of earlier times, the ELANTRA N projects serious power, athleticism, and aggression. The rear of the vehicle is just as stunning with a distinctive spoiler and LED lamps. Hyundai offers five different finishes that complement the car's styling nicely. These are Cyber Gray, Phantom Black, White, Performance Blue, and Intense Blue.
As you make your way around the outside of the vehicle, you'll see a range of subtle touches that contribute to the ELANTRA N's sporty feel. The 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires give an extra touch of athleticism while the unique front and rear fascias, door sill plates, and moldings display N badging. On the inside, you'll find racing-inspired bucket seats, aluminum alloy sport pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob.
What Tires Are Best on the ELANTRA N?
As we mentioned above, the ELANTRA N comes with performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. These tires have a wider footprint for greater grip and stability, allowing them to complement the ELANTRA N's powerful performance features. With regards to looks, the Pilot Sport 4S summer tires have a slender profile that complements the sporty look of the ELANTRA and its 19-inch wheels.
If you want to preserve the looks and performance of your ELANTRA N, these tires are probably the best option. However, they are designed for summer use as their name would suggest. If you plan on driving your ELANTRA in snowy or icy conditions, invest in a good pair of snow tires to stay safe.
Find a Hyundai ELANTRA N Near You
As you can see, the ELANTRA N is so much more than just a compact sedan. If you're looking for a car that punches far above its price point, it might be time to head to your local Hyundai dealer. If you live near Dublin, California, that dealer is Dublin Hyundai. Swing by whenever you're free and we'll walk you through our specials. If you just want to see what we have in stock, you can view our new and used inventory online.
Image by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Unsplash License
