Sporty wheels and a body kit can make a big difference.
Hyundai has promised a performance N Line Elantra ever since it unveiled the Elantra in March. Images of a camouflaged prototype were released by the company at the end April to remind us of its sporty intentions. The disguise is now being revealed by the South Korean brand, which is displaying its answer to the VW Jetta and Honda Civic Si.
There have been a lot of visual changes to distinguish the N Line of compact sedan and the lower trim levels. The most noticeable change is at the front, where the Cascading grille has an aggressive look. The bumper has been updated to accommodate larger air intakes and a trio ornaments that look like a boomerang. The side profile shows a new set of alloy wheels, 18 inches in diameter. They have a two-tone finish and a lower ride height due to a stiffer suspension. Side skirts are more prominent than the standard Elantra, and mirror caps have a darker finish.
The most noticeable upgrade to the rear is the dual exhaust system that has been integrated into the bumper’s redesigned bumper. This now hosts a pseudo diffuser. As a reminder, a subtle spoiler on the trunk lid serves to remind you that this is not your typical car. Elantra .Hyundai is not giving any details about the oily parts, but the N Line may have a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline motor borrowed from the Elantra GT N Line. It produces 201 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet (264 Newton meters) of torque in the five-door. We know that an automatic transmission is in the works, and we hope the Elantra GT’s six speed manual will be available to both. A full reveal will take place within the next few weeks or months, ahead of a launch in America by the end. For a basic Jetta, VW is asking $26,245 while Honda is asking $25,000.