To the environmentalists, don’t fret as there is also a hybrid in the works.
Following on from the massively fun Hyundai i30N and Veloster N hot hatches, Hyundai has expanded the N badging to its other more practical models with the launch of the new Hyundai Elantra N-Line.
Not to be confused with the full-fat N cars, the N Line variants like this Elantra could be thought of as a half-step on the performance Hyundai ladder. Mainly bringing with it a sporty aesthetic, the N Line also includes some actual performance parts that make this compact sedan go faster and handle sharper.
More than could be said to other manufacturers whereby their sporty package ends with just cosmetic parts only.
Under the hood of this sporty Elantra is a 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder that pumps out a respectable 201 hp and a very specific 195.2 lb-ft torque. Usually mated to a seven speed DCT gearbox, automotive purist will also be delighted to hear that there is a six-speed manual transmission available.
Healthy performance figures aside, the driving experience of the N-Line should be an improvement over the normal Elantra. Thanks to stiffer suspension and larger front brake rotors clamping on to the 18 inch alloy wheels. Hyundai is even offering N performance parts for customers to further soup up their N Line models.
Compared to other semi-sporty models on the market, the cosmetic touches done to the Elantra N Line are subtle. An N Line badge on the front grille, sporty side skirts, some gloss black trim and twin exhaust pipes out back are the main exterior distinctions from the normal Elantra.
On the inside, the N Line treatment is more apparent with a Drive Mode Selector system and an N leather steering wheel with paddle shifts. The N theme continues with alloy pedals, a sporty gear selector and N sport seats with leather bolsters.
However as it is still an Elantra, the usual slew of features are still present. These include Hyundai Digital Key, Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The usual alphabet soup of safety aids also still remain present on this sporty sedan.
The first of the N-Line lineup, Hyundai expects to follow up with the the bigger Sonata N Line due later this year. There is also word of a hybrid Elantra for those looking on the other side of the environmental spectrum.
Power for the hybrid is courtesy of a 1.6 litre GDI engine mated to an electric motor that is capable of delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. An all-electric driving mode helps this hybrid achieve a claimed 50 mpg on the combined cycle.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Hyundai Motor Company today launches the new Elantra N Line. The new model is designed and engineered to deliver more enhanced driving fun to the bold new Elantra that launched in April. The N Line model, characterized by N specific design and performance-enhancing elements, offers an attractive entry point to the Hyundai’s high-performance N Brand lineup and will expand Elantra’s appeal to a broader range of customers.
Elantra N Line delivers a spirited driving experience, powered by a 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) that produces up to 201 horsepower and 195.2 lb-ft torque. Hyundai engineers implemented several mechanical improvements to Elantra’s suspension to increase stiffness for a gripping performance, aided by 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake rotors.
Driver-oriented features, such as paddle shifters and Drive Mode Selector system, enable a racing-inspired experience behind the wheel. Interior design elements, including a leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel with metallic spokes, N sport seats with leather bolsters, gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts, and alloy pedals, complement Elantra’s sporty exterior styling.
N Line design elements complement a dynamic driving experience.
Elantra N Line’s ‘low and wide’ exterior styling and ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme imparts a look of sophisticated sportiness. Elantra’s cascade grille gets a more aggressive look with an N Line badge and intricate geometric pattern. Arrow-shaped air curtains on the lower fascia support aerodynamic performance and engine cooling while giving the model a high-performance image.
Elantra N Line’s sporty side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the fastback sedan’s low and wide aesthetic. From the side, the car’s dynamic styling is defined by arrow-like creases in its body panels that suggest forward motion. Glossy black molding on the wheel wells, side-view mirrors and side skirts provide a touch of modern sophistication to the overall appearance.
Elantra N Line’s fastback profile merges with a sculpted rear, designed to enhance aerodynamic performance and further express the low and wide aesthetic through horizontal lines. The integrated spoiler, chrome twin exhaust and N Line rear diffuser add to the car’s performance-inspired styling.
Hyundai also launched N performance parts for those who want to further customize Hyundai N Line models to suit their preference. The N performance parts provide a more dynamic driving experience beyond the base model, allowing customers to get more of the N experience.
An array of driver assist, safety and convenience features add to the N experience, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). In addition, Elantra N Line owners get a Hyundai Digital Key, Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Following the launch of the new Elantra N Line, Hyundai plans to launch Sonata N Line with 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI engine in 2020 to further expand the N Line lineup.
New Elantra Hybrid Electric on the way
Elantra Hybrid is due to go on sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020; sales in global markets will follow soon after. It is the first new Elantra hybrid in 11 years since the launch of Elantra LPI Hybrid in 2009.
Elantra Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. The permanent-magnet electric motor will deliver 32 kW, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with the electric motor in Elantra Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The high-efficiency electric motor has an electric-only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds. The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is projected to have a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of more than 50 miles per gallon.
“The new Elantra lineup, with N Line and HEV variants, will satisfy a wider variety of customers. The N Line model will appeal to customers who favor a sporty look and spirited driving performance while the HEV model will appeal to those who prefer high fuel efficiency,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The expanded selection will help solidify Elantra’s position in the compact sedan segment.”
