By Otsile Kadiege

Hyundai added yet another full-blown performance model to their N Performance line-up. Meet the first-ever sedan to wear the N badge, the all-new Hyundai Elantra N.

N Performance exterior

The Hyundai Elantra N stands out thanks to its semi glossy black pearl mask and front lip spoiler with red strip. Its side profile features model specific 19-inch rims fitted with red brake calipers, 360mm brake discs and Michelin Pilot 4S tyres and a side skirts with red strips. The rear-end of the Elantra N boasts large dual exhaust outlets, which is said to deliver N’s distinctive ‘popcorn’ and ‘bang’ sounds, a large rear wing and a rear diffuser with integrated race car inspired brake light.

N Performance interior

Inside, the ‘motorsport inspired’ Elantra N has N specific steering wheel, an advanced infotainment system equipped with a graphic interface and N light bucket seats which provide 10mm lowered seating position. Hyundai added a special feature to the Elantra N called N Sound Equalizer (NSE). It’s a virtual engine sound that not only provides driving sounds that represent Hyundai Motorsports, such as TCR race car sounds, but also has an equalizer function that allows the driver to adjust details for each range, whine, throat and bass.

For the first time, a dual compound insulator to the front suspension of the Elantra N. This, together with the dual compound trailing arm bush achieves optimal performance in ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) by separating front/rear and left/right characteristics.

Performance

The Elantra N is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine making 206 kW and 392 Nm. Power can be temporarily increased to 213 kW by enabling the N Grin Shift mode (for DCT models only) which boosts the pressure for 20 seconds. It’s paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (DCT). Hyundai Motor claim the Elantra N will do 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.3 seconds

As standard, the DCT Elantra N is also equipped with features like N Power Shift (NPS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS), N Corner Carving Differential (e-LSD, electronic Limited Slip Differential), Variable Exhaust Valve System and Launch Control.

Local availability

Hyundai Motor South Africa has discontinued the Elantra in South Africa. So, chances are very slim of us receiving the new Elantra N.