Hyundai‘s N continues to impress drivers across the globe with models that can tear up the track and provide enough style and comfort for daily drives. The Hyundai N was engineered and designed in Namyang then rigorously tested and verified in Nürburgring, the race track where they test high-performance Hyundai vehicles.
For those unfamiliar, N is the high-performance sub-brand that Hyundai offers for select vehicles. All N cars are made to be fun to drive, and is supported by three product pillars. The first is “Everyday Sports Car.” N models are not only for high-performance car fans, but also to capture a wider audience. You can change its character from a serious track star to a comfortable everyday transport whenever it suits you. The second pillar is “Corner Rascal.” Any enthusiast can enjoy the taste of ferociously, yet solidly, going through corners. And the third and final pillar is “Race Track Capability.” N’s a car that can go straight from the showroom and hit the ground running on the track. Tested in extreme temperatures and extreme locations, there’s no need for additional tuning. Ultimately, these models are no strangers to performance and have built a strong global fanbase amongst the most dedicated autophiles.
The Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N are two of the latest models in the N that have been garnering plenty of attention, and all for the right reasons. Below, we break down a few of their main attributes to offer better insight on what makes the Elantra N and Kona N so highly coveted by discerning drivers who gravitate towards 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 Down to the Core
While the Elantra N and Kona N both have different design profiles, they, however, share a look that oozes confidence. The Elantra N’s aerodynamic silhouette is bold and daring — distinct lines give it a perpetual top-speed look, even at a standstill. At the front, extremely angled headlights provide an aggressive yet controlled stare, accented by the model’s blacked out grill that commands added attention. To highlight its modern, edgy identity, red line accents on the Elantra N’s lower edges give off that track-ready view race fans can appreciate. Lastly, the slim rear lights that run across the back are subtle but difficult 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 stout yet maneuverable crossover that boasts a rally car persona. The multi-paneled front provides a sporty update while the standout rear wing reflects speed and agility. Compact yet robust, the Kona N will surely appeal to drivers who prefer a zippy design that’s infectiously energetic.
Interior and Tech: Refined Inside and User-Friendly
The Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N both have impressive cabins and cargo space. Inside the Elantra N, steady angles and sweeping lines give a sense of seamlessness. It’s an unfussy cabin area that provides easiness for driver and passenger — everything feels streamlined even with the subtle contrast stitching and racer-inspired details. The sport bucket seats, finished in leather and suede combination seating surfaces, provide that race-ready look and feel, keeping you firm and steady for any twist and turn at high speeds. Comparatively, the Kona N induces maximum comfort with its fuss-free design. Simplicity is key for the smaller vehicle which also boasts leather and suede combination sport seats and a full 19.2 cubic feet (544 litres) of trunk storage that expands to 45.8 cubic-feet (1,296 litres) when the rear bench is folded.
Tech-wise, both models feature a pair of 10.25-inch screens, however, the Elantra N screens come in a single panel layout versus the Kona N’s, which are separated. Again, simplicity is of importance, and the two models practically share the same features except for the Kona N’s glass-panel head-up display (HUD). Exclusive to Hyundai’s N cars is its own performance page in the infotainment screen which tracks real-time torque, g forces, and lap times. Everything is customizable, whether its transmission setting, throttle response, suspension damping, eLSD setting 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 both the Elantra N and Kona N sits a 2.0-litre 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 throttle response, giving maximum performance at the press of a button. Additionally, the N Grin Shift gives your Elantra N and Kona N 10 more horsepower for 20 seconds. Pressing the button once is more than enough to get your N to the max.
The Elantra N impresses at all speeds, keeping handling tight at any situation. 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 track. For the Kona N, this sub-compact SUV is not to be underestimated with its 2.0-litre turbo and race-ready suspension. Kona tires are 235mm wide Pirelli P Zeroes on 19-inch wheels giving more feel than force. This is a rally car-inspired drive — the Kona N is fun with a capital “F” and is as versatile as they come compared to higher-priced crossovers.
The Hyundai Elantra N all-in purchase price is listed as $40,206* CAD while the Kona N is listed for $43,156* CAD. You can find out more about both models by visiting Hyundai.
*Pricing Disclaimer:
Price shown includes delivery and destination charges (charge includes freight, pre-delivery inspection and a full tank of gas), fees, levies, dealer administration fee and all applicable charges (excluding HST, GST/PST). Price shown does not include taxes. To see total price or payments with sales tax, please check off that option on the summary page. Charges and dealer admin fees may vary by Dealer. Other Price adjustments includes the before tax equivalent of the cash back price adjustment. Applicable license, insurance, and registration fees are extra. Dealer may sell for less. Please see your local Hyundai dealer for complete details.
