Revealed earlier this year, the facelifted Hyundai Elantra N will arrive in the United States of America in January 2024 for the 2024 model year. Similar to lesser versions of the compact sedan, refreshed content primarily concerns the N's exterior styling.
First and foremost, it's nigh-on impossible to confuse 2023 and earlier models for the 2024 due to the facelift's redesigned headlamps. The front bumper's radiator grille and fascia are different as well, along with the rear aerodynamic diffuser and rear bumper.
Redesigned 19-inch forged alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber boots also need to be mentioned. When it comes to the driving experience, Hyundai promises improved agility and slightly reduced vibrations by means of a reinforced engine mount membrane. G-bushing reinforcement equals better steering precision and yaw response, whereas the rear suspension benefits from S/ABS insulation.
The South Korean marque further worked its magic with optimized software for the ECS, which is Hyundai's way of saying continuously variable dampers. The power steering also rocks optimized software. Remember the 19-inch forged alloy wheels from earlier? Hyundai claims they reduce unsprung weight (the total weight of components not supported by the vehicle's suspension system) by 33 pounds (15 kilograms) compared to the pre-facelift Elantra N.
Tire pressures have increased to compensate for the higher front-axle roads, and the go-faster sedan further boasts improved cooling thanks to a duct-style air guard. Hyundai made small adjustments to the Electronic Stability Control system's software, and the front brake lines sport thermal protection.
Photo: Hyundai
The Hyundai emblem up front comes in anodized black exclusively, and similar to the 2023 model, red garnish is featured on all four sides of the C-segment sedan. Something else that Hyundai didn't dare change is the six-speed manual transmission, which is joined by an optional wet-clutch DCT. As ever, the dual-clutch tranny offers an overboost mode that offers 10 additional ponies for 20 seconds at a time.
Hyundai's North American division quotes 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet (374 Nm) of torque for the 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine, meaning 286 ponies in overboost mode. Although the Elantra N doesn't match the Honda Civic Type R in this regard, bear in mind the Hyundai is much better value.
At the moment of reporting, the 2024 model year FL5 carries a sticker price of $44,795 (plus $1,095 for the destination freight charge). The pre-facelift Elantra N is $32,900 (excluding $1,115 for the destination fee) with the manual. Opting for the quick-shifting transmission adds $1,500 to the tally. Oh, and by the way, the sports sedan is thirstier with the DCT.
Hyundai advertises the Elantra N with the dual-clutch box with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, meaning 11.8 and 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the metric system. The manual, by comparison, is good for up to 22 and 31 miles per gallon (10.7 and 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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