The Standard Features That Make the 2021 Elantra N Line a $25,100 Bargain

Introduced last year as a 2021 model, the seventh-generation Elantra marks the return to a longer and wider fastback rear end sports sedan style.

It’s built on Hyundai-Kia’s all-new K3 platform, which the carmaker claims to have a lower center of gravity compared to its J series predecessor, resulting in improved handling.

This is good news for those who enjoy a sportier style of driving but don’t want to spend too much money on a new car. The good news doesn’t stop there for this customer base as Hyundai also offers an N Line variant for the new model year.

The design is a major improvement over the previous generation showcasing the South Korean carmaker’s commitment to building pleasant-looking vehicles.

With that big front grille painted in gloss black, 18-inch alloy wheels, and more aggressive bumpers, the N Line looks even better than the standard Elantra.

It comes with a single powertrain option that includes a 1.6-liter Smartstream turbocharged inline-four that is far from boring, delivering a decent 201 hp (150 kW) at 6,000 rpm. It redlines at 6,500 rpm, accompanied by a surprisingly menacing sound coming out of the twin chrome exposed outlet that's unique to the N Line.

The 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of peak torque it produces is available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, which is guaranteed to make the car feel more powerful than it actually is.

For the base price, customers get a good old-fashioned six-speed manual that, combined with the wide torque range and excellent pedal placement, should be a lot of fun to use.

For those who prefer an automatic, Hyundai offers an optional seven-speed dual-clutch that comes with paddle shifters, three individual drive modes, and shorter gear ratios for an extra $1,100.

Inside, the car features a welcoming cabin that is just as well designed as the exterior, but it only comes in black. Highlighting it are the exclusive leather and cloth heated sport seats that are 6-way adjustable and offer lumbar support for the driver, while the passenger gets a 4-way adjustable version.

Also included as standard is an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with voice recognition, a wireless charging pad, and the Blue Link connected car system.

For increased convenience, the car features a proximity key with an electronic push-button start that also enables easy, hands-free access to the 14.2 cubic feet (402 liters) of trunk space.

In terms of safety, the car is surprisingly well-equipped, incorporating the Smart Sense driver assistance suite that includes advanced features like pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping, and following assists or driver attention warning.

The beautiful and capable Elantra N Line could do with a sport suspension package, the 10.25-inch infotainment from the Limited model, or a couple of alternative interior colors, but for only $25,100, it’s without a doubt a bargain for those looking for an inexpensive compact sedan.