Ann Arbor, Mich. — The Hyundai Elantra N is a neat little factor. It’s a firecracker of a sedan, its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. That energy is put to the entrance wheels by way of a normal six-speed handbook transmission or, within the case of this tester, an eight-speed dual-clutch automated with paddle shifters. Folks take discover of it, particularly within the lighter exterior colours that make the sporty pink accents actually pop. And in the event that they don’t see you coming, they’ll hear you — the valved exhaust is able to fairly a racket.
We’ve already given the Elantra N our First Drive therapy, certifying its worthiness as a successor to the dearly departed Veloster N. I spent per week with the automobile, doing regular issues with it, all whereas it goaded me to do naughty issues with it. So, along with the one query that saved popping into my head as I drove it — “That is an Elantra?!” — listed here are 9 ideas concerning the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N.
The DCT is great.
This factor shifts mighty shortly. Not fairly synaptically quick, however we’re speaking a couple of mere sliver of a second right here. Contemplating the quickness, what’s much more spectacular is simply how easily it trades gears. Even beneath full throttle, you get seamless transitions till you’re shifting excessive within the rev vary. Then you definately’ll get only a tender shove.
Left to its personal units, the shift logic is great, no matter drive mode. The shift paddles on the again of the steering wheel, although, are all too inviting, and the Elantra N rewards you for taking issues into your personal palms. The slickly executed on the spot suggestions is addicting.
It’s nonetheless not as involving as a correct handbook transmission, however this auto actually makes a powerful case for itself.
The exhaust sound is wild and crackly.
This ties into the final one. Tickle these paddles good, and therapeutic massage the accelerator in simply the proper manner, and you’ll elicit a soundtrack of crackles and pops like a bowl of Rice Krispies with a megaphone.
And it doesn’t simply give it to you. You gotta work it out just a little bit, like that vital, belt-loosening belch after Thanksgiving dinner. The NGS button (extra on that later) offers you a free, 20-second ticket to straightforward cracklin’s. Don’t need to piss off your neighbors? You may put it in a quiet mode, and it’ll behave itself a bit. Nonetheless, an Elantra has no enterprise sounding so boisterous and thrilling, however I’m glad it does.
NGS is an underwhelming gimmick.
“N Grin Shift.” What does that even imply? The NGS button on the steering wheel is simply an overboost mode, providing you with an additional 10 horsepower for 20 seconds. That’s not sufficient to essentially make a distinction. I don’t actually ever really feel like I would like any type of push-to-pass sort of characteristic in within the Elantra N. It additionally shifts it all the way down to the bottom attainable gear for these 20 seconds. But when I wanted it, I may simply downshift myself or simply lay down the accelerator, assured within the N’s skill to shift appropriately by itself. I don’t need an overboost button except it’s going to blow me away or give me an precise benefit.
I do just like the programmable N buttons on the steering wheel, although, which you need to use to select and select particular person options from varied drive modes, very like BMW’s M buttons. These I’ll use.
Nice braking.
The brakes on the Elantra N are nicely as much as the duty. It makes use of 14.2-inch ventilated rotors up entrance, with 12.4-inch ventilated rears. They create the automobile’s 3,296 kilos to a cease with gusto. I used to be impressed with the convenience and stability with which I in a position to make a fast cease when somebody in entrance of me slammed on their brakes. What may have been a harrowing second was no sweat. That interprets to glorious automobile management in spirited driving on tight roads.
It has a mechanical parking brake.
Oh, whats up, previous pal! A hand-lever e-brake is uncommon factor to search out in a brand new automobile anymore. Certain, you’re not going to make use of it whilst you’re driving. And in case you did, it will be higher suited to a rear-drive (on pavement) or all-wheel-drive automobile (within the dust or snow — oh how I miss my WRX). Nonetheless, I identical to having it there. And there’s one thing reassuring about habitually pulling that lever if you park in comparison with pushing or pulling just a little digital toggle and questioning whether or not you’re setting the parking brake or releasing it.
Look out for potholes and their little brothers.
On easy pavement, the suspension is nice, and helps give the spritely Elantra its sporty dealing with. However it may be fairly punishing on the inevitable damaged pavement that plagues states like Michigan. Relying on the trousers I wore on any given day, the Elantra N had the behavior of shaking objects out of my pockets and down the aspect of the seat. And it may get just a little skittish hitting a frost heave on the curve of a freeway on-ramp.
It doesn’t appear proper to complain about, although, as within the tradeoff you get a very good really feel of the street, and the chassis responds adeptly to steering enter. I’d fairly put up with the chop than sacrifice it for slop, in case you catch my drift. It’s simply one thing to remember if in case you have delicate passengers and tough roads in your each day commute. It may get previous … or you might get used to it.
Folks attempt to race you.
I’d simply be driving my child to high school, minding my very own enterprise, and the odd Tesla or lifted pickup would do the factor the place they creep up subsequent to you then blow previous you in problem. I don’t like to attract that type of consideration after I’m driving. I don’t thoughts the thumbs up or pleasant wave from somebody in a Civic Si or Mini Cooper JCW, and even questions from the curious in a parking zone. However I’m not going to tug race you down Plymouth Street, and never simply because I’m afraid to lose.
However you very nicely would possibly lose.
The Elantra N is not any slouch with 276 hp, however it doesn’t have a ton of endurance as you attain the higher finish of the rev vary. It begins to lose its breath round 4,500 rpm or so, proper if you need it to carry out just a little longer earlier than your subsequent shift. Once more, not a criticism, simply an statement. No less than you’ve received eight gears to select from, and a extremely slick method to commerce one for an additional.
It’s a discount.
The Elantra N begins at $34,015 together with $1,115 in vacation spot. The DCT provides $1,500 do you have to select to go that route. Principally the one different determination you get to make, past some equipment, is the outside paint shade. Black, gray and darkish blue are not any value. White or that scrumptious Efficiency Blue add $450. Every little thing else is normal: that candy energy and energetic exhaust, these massive brakes, electronically managed suspension, 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel, heated entrance seats, LED lighting, variable valve exhaust, illuminated seat logos, Bose audio, wi-fi charging, digital key functionality, these tender leather-based and Alcantara seats. Plus, it seems to be cool. Not too shabby.