Priced from RM 117k in Korea, 2021 Hyundai Elantra N debuts with 6MT, 280 PS/392 Nm
Sanjay · Jul 14, 2021 11:55 AM
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The recipe sounds nostalgic - a carmaker takes a run-of-the-mill sedan, amps it up with stuff from their rallying programme, and out comes big numbers. Once the domain of Subaru and Mitsubishi, this familiar turn of events now manifests in the 2021Hyundai ElantraNwhich just made its global debut today (14-July 2021).
It's known as the Avante N or i30 Sedan N in other parts of the world
It's the sixth model to join the burgeoning full-fat Hyundai N line-up - prior launches were the i20 N, i30 N, i30 Fastback N, Veloster N, and Kona N - which naturally means it has the performance to back it up, unlike the mostly cosmetic-only N Line range.
The most arresting visual feature is its front fascia, which now comes with a rather Zorro-esque mask that shrouds a bit of its vented front bumper.
Besides the red strip along the bottom of the car, the Elantra N also benefits from a large spoiler and rear diffuser, with single-exit exhausts on both side.
Interior - N-specific elements
On top of all the exterior bits, the interior is peppered with N-branded elements on the steering wheel, shifter, seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals, just to name a few.
An N-dedicated user interface which shows vital statistics such as oil and coolant temperatures, torque, turbo pressure, and a lap timer caps the racy interior.
The bucket seats affords a 10 mm-lowered seating position
Besides that, there's also the 'N Track Map' function, which records the driver's location and movement on a circuit in real time.
At least in Korea, Hyundai will be releasing a smartphone app which allows customers to view their car's vitals on their digital devices.
Performance - Turbo power, rally kit
Never mind the looks, the big news is what lies under the hood. The Elantra N gains the familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill that's shared with a majority of the other N models.
Key improvements in the engine is the uprated turbo, now featuring a 52 mm turbine wheel (5 mm larger in diameter than before), and a 12.5 mm² turbine passage with an area increased by 2.5 mm².
There, proof it exists
Mated to an 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) or 6-speed manual, it's good for 280 PS and 392 Nm of torque.
With the DCT-exclusive N Grin Shift (NGS) - which temporarily boosts output to 290 PS for 20 seconds - the Elantra N will sort out the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
Other familiar performance bits the Performance Blue-draped Elantra N gets are the 'N Corner Carving Differential' (fancy name for the electronic Limited Slip Differential, e-LSD), variable exhaust valve system, and launch control.
These are in addition to other N-specific features:
N Power Shift (NPS) - Simulates power shifting of traditional manual transmissions, ensuring torque output is kept when changing gears
N Track Sense Shift (NTS) - Optimises the transmission for track driving
N Sound Equaliser (NSE) - Pipes in virtual, customisable engine sounds
Caption
Hiding behind the 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35ZR Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are a set of 360 mm brake discs.
Rally technology in the Elantra N
For the first time ever in a Hyundai, the Elantra N plucks the integrated drive axle (IDA) from the brand's WRC rally cars. This part combines the drive shaft, wheel hub, and bearing, which enables a weight reduction of 1.7 kg.
The ducts on the sides are functional too, helping to cool the big brakes
More weight reduction and sharpened response comes from the integrated intake duct and air cleaner under the hood, which reduces suction pressure by 10-odd percent. Hyundai also says the 'optimised powertrain mount' shape improves handling responsiveness too.
Other than those are a dual-compound insulator on the front suspension and dual-compound trailing arm bush, things which are said to help the car 'achieve optimal performance in ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)'.
Rounding up the performance touches are four-point strut rings and rear stiff bars to strengthen body rigidity, in addition to torque feedback R-MDPS that promises consistent steering feel through environmental changes.
Prices and availability
Selling as the Avante N in Korea, prices start from KRW 32 million (~RM 117,276) and KRW 34 million (~RM 124,100) for the manual- and DCT-equipped cars, respectively.
As with the Kona N that was introduced back in April, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N isn't likely to be a model earmarked for Malaysia.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
