Hyundai’s N continues to impress drivers around the world with models that can tear up the track and offer enough style and comfort for the daily commute. The Hyundai N was designed and engineered in Namyang, then rigorously tested and verified at the Nürburgring, the race track where high-performance Hyundai vehicles are tested.
For those unfamiliar, N is the high-performance sub-brand that Hyundai offers for certain vehicles. All N cars are designed to be fun to drive and are based on three product pillars. The first is “Everyday Sports Car”. The N models are not only aimed at fans of high performance cars, but also at a wider audience. You can change its character from a serious track star to a comfortable everyday carry when it suits you. The second pillar is “Corner Rascal”. Any enthusiast can appreciate the taste of crossing fiercely, but solidly, the turns. And the third and final pillar is “Race Track Capacity”. N is a car that can come straight out of the showroom and hit the ground running down the track. Tested at extreme temperatures and in extreme locations, no further adjustments are needed. Ultimately, these models are no strangers to performance and have built a strong global fanbase of the most dedicated autophiles.
The Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N are two of the latest N models that have garnered a lot of attention, and all for the right reasons. Below, we break down some of their key attributes to offer a better look at what makes the Elantra N and Kona N so coveted by discerning drivers who gravitate around style and performance.
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Design: extremely confident to the core
Although the Elantra N and Kona N both have different design profiles, they still share a look that exudes confidence. The Elantra N’s aerodynamic silhouette is bold and bold – distinct lines give it a perpetual look of top speed, even when stationary. Up front, the extremely slanted headlights provide an aggressive yet controlled look, accentuated by the model’s blacked-out grille that commands attention. To underscore its bold, modern identity, red line accents on the lower edges of the Elantra N give off a sight ready-to-follow racing fans can appreciate. Finally, the slim taillights that run across the back are subtle but hard to resist for those low-light photo ops.
The Hyundai Kona N, on the other hand, has a “fun to drive” appeal. It’s a rugged yet maneuverable crossover that boasts a rally car persona. The multi-panel front offers a sporty update while the striking rear wing reflects speed and agility. Compact yet sturdy, the Kona N will surely appeal to drivers who prefer an energetic and infectious design.
Interior and technology: refined and convivial interior
The Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N both have impressive cabins and cargo space. Inside the Elantra N, stable angles and flowing lines create a sense of harmony. It’s a no-frills cabin area that offers ease for both driver and passenger – everything looks streamlined even with the subtle contrast stitching and racing-inspired detailing. Sport bucket seats, finished with leather and suede seating surfaces, provide a racing look and feel, keeping you firm and stable for any high-speed twist and turn. Comparatively, the Kona N induces maximum comfort with its sleek design. Simplicity is key for the small vehicle which also features leather and suede sport seats and a full 19.2 cubic feet (544 liters) of storage space that expands to 45.8 cubic feet (1 296 litres) when the rear seat is folded down.
Technically, both models feature a pair of 10.25-inch screens, however, the Elantra N screens come as a single panel compared to the Kona Ns, which are separate. Again, simplicity is important, and both models share virtually the same features, with the exception of the Kona N’s glass-panel head-up display (HUD). Exclusive to Hyundai’s N cars is its own page performance on the infotainment screen that tracks torque, g-forces and lap times in real time. Everything is customizable, from transmission tuning, throttle response, suspension damping, eLSD tuning and variable exhaust sound level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included for mobile connectivity.
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Engine and driver experience: powerful and fun to drive
Under the hood of the Elantra N and Kona N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 276 horsepower. Both models are front-wheel-drive, but the Elantra N comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and also has an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option. For both vehicles with the DCT option, the N Grin Shift provides better shift times and improved throttle response, delivering maximum performance at the push of a button. Additionally, the N Grin Shift gives your Elantra N and Kona N an additional 10 horsepower for 20 seconds. Pressing the button once is more than enough to get your N maxed out.
The Elantra N impresses at all speeds, maintaining tight handling in all situations. The 245mm-wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires grip on command, aided by the electronic limited-slip differential. Different drive modes also help the car adapt anywhere with stability always in mind, whether on the road or on the track. For the Kona N, this subcompact SUV is not to be underestimated with its 2.0-litre turbo and race-ready suspension. The Kona tires are 235mm wide Pirelli P Zeroes on 19-inch wheels that offer more feel than power. It’s rally car-inspired driving – the Kona N is fun with a capital ‘F’ and is as versatile as it gets compared to more expensive crossovers.
The all-inclusive purchase price of the Hyundai Elantra N is listed at $40,206* CAD while the Kona N is listed at $43,156* CAD. You can learn more about both models by visiting Hyundai.
* Disclaimer:
Price shown includes delivery and destination charges (charges include freight, pre-delivery inspection and refueling), fees, levies, dealer administration fees and all applicable fees ( excluding HST, GST/PST). The displayed price does not include taxes. To see the total price or payments with sales tax, please check this option on the summary page. Dealer fees and administration charges may vary from dealer to dealer. Other price adjustments include the pre-tax equivalent of the Cash Back price adjustment. Applicable license, insurance and registration fees are extra. The dealer can sell for less. Please consult your local Hyundai dealer for full details.