Hyundai Elantra N debuts as i20 N, Kona N priced in Australia

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Hyundai’s N division has just revealed its latest efforts, the rather awesome Elantra N.

We had already seen some of it thanks to Hyundai’s teaser campaign, and the full car is as good to look at as the teasers suggested.

There’s a full-width LED rear light connecting the two T-shaped taillights, with a fixed spoiler sitting on the bootlid. Two fat exhaust outlets poke out of the rear bumper. The doors feature interesting ‘Z’ shaped creases while the front end gets angry headlights and a grille that looks inspired by the new Tucson (with a bit of Audi thrown in).

The latest product from Hyundai’s high-performance N division is here.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder we know and love, making 206kW, although a new feature called N Grin Shift adds around 7kW temporarily by upping the boost pressure.

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Those exhaust pipes and the rear wing shows the Elantra N means business.

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The Z-shaped creases give the profile of the Elantra N some proper attitude.

* Hyundai teases i20 N exercising in the snow

* Genesis reveals swanky new G80 fastback

We won’t see the Elantra N any time soon, but the baby i20 N hatchback is on its way.

Buyers will be able to have the Elantra N with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The latter is the fastest, sending the sedan to 60mph (97kmh) in 5.3 seconds. A clever limited-slip differential helps minimise understeer.

Interestingly, it seems N Grin Shift is only standard on DCT-equipped models. It’s unclear if manual cars can get the tech as an optional extra or not.

For handling, the Elantra N gets an integrated drive axle similar to what its WRC cars have, which is apparently better at withstanding lateral loads while shaving weight. It’s basically a new way to transmit power from the engine to the front wheels, replacing the traditional drive shaft with one that combines the shaft with the wheel bearings into one part.

Hyundai says it increases stiffness by 55 per cent and reduced the weight by more than 10 per cent, compared to existing products.

Brakes are big, 360mm rotors, with upgraded pads and better cooling ducts, while better bushings and isolators have been added to the suspension. Additional chassis bracing, stiffer rear bars further help car’s handling.

There is artificial engine noise, but it’s switchable, and the new Variable Exhaust Valve System comes as standard to ensure plenty of pops and bangs. Also standard on all models is Launch Control.

If you really want to, you can the artificial sound to your liking. It has an equaliser function that allows the driver to adjust details for each range (whine, throat, bass), so you can make the car sound a bit more interesting. Or just open up the exhaust valves and wind the window down.

Other features include a lap timer, monitors for things like engine oil and coolant temperature, upgraded seats with more support and about a dozen N logos dotted around the cabin.

Unfortunately, New Zealand isn’t in line for the hot Elantra. Stuff asked Hyundai NZ about it and was told that the focus is currently on the i30 N hatch, i30 N fastback and the forthcoming i20 N and Kona N.

The latter two have been priced over in Australia, which gives a vague indication of how much Kiwis can expect to pay. The Kona N SUV will start at AU$47,500 while the little i20 N will kick off at AU$32,490. Those translate to NZ$50,495 and NZ$34,539 respectively, although remember pricing vehicles is never as simple as a quick conversion.