The Hyundai Elantra N is an impressive sedan that is generating a lot of attention. With its turbo 2.0-liter engine, it delivers an impressive 276 hp. Whether you opt for the standard six speed manual transmission or the eight speed dual clutch auto with paddle shifters, you’ll experience a powerful and thrilling ride. The Elantra N stands out on the road, especially in lighter exterior colors that make the sporty red accents pop. And don’t be surprised if people hear you before they see you—the valved exhaust is capable of making quite a noise.
The Elantra N has already recieved our stamp of approval, Here are nine thoughts we had during our review with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N.
Firstly, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is excellent. It shifts quickly and smoothly, providing seamless transitions between gears. Even under full throttle, the shifts are effortless. While the automatic mode is impressive, the shift paddles on the steering wheel are tempting, allowing you to take control of the gear changes. The instant feedback from the paddles is addictive, although it’s not as engaging as a manual transmission.
Next, the exhaust sound is wild and crackly. If you use the shift paddles just right and manipulate the accelerator, you’ll be treated to an exhilarating soundtrack of crackles and pops. It’s a satisfying experience that you have to work for, and it adds to the overall excitement of driving the Elantra N, it will be making quite a noise in Cambodia. However, if you prefer a quieter ride, you can put it in a quiet mode and tone down the noise. It’s surprising to hear an Elantra make such a boisterous and exciting sound, but it’s definitely a welcome feature.
Moving on, let’s discuss the N Grin Shift (NGS) button. It’s touted as an overboost mode, giving an extra 10 horsepower for 20 seconds. However, I found it to be under whelming and gimmicky. The additional power doesn’t make a noticeable difference, and the automatic transmission already downshifts appropriately when needed. If I wanted more power, I could easily downshift myself or rely on the transmission to do its job. Overall, the NGS button didn’t impress me as much as I had hoped. On the flip side, I really liked the programmable N buttons on the steering wheel, which allow you to customize various drive modes. These buttons, reminiscent of BMW’s M buttons, are practical and useful.
Now let’s talk about the Elantra N’s braking capabilities. The brakes are fantastic and provide excellent stopping power. With 14.2-inch ventilated rotors in the front and 12.4-inch ventilated rotors in the rear, the car comes to a stop with confidence. I had no issues making quick stops, even when faced with sudden braking from another vehicle. The impressive braking performance translates into excellent car control, especially during spirited driving on tight roads.
One feature that caught my attention is the hand parking brake. It’s becoming more rare to find a hand lever in modern cars. While it may not be frequently used while driving, it’s comforting to have it there. There’s something reassuring about pulling a traditional lever compared to relying on an electronic toggle. It’s a small but meaningful detail that adds to the overall driving experience.
On the topic of comfort, the Elantra N’s suspension shines on smooth pavement. It delivers a sporty handling experience and makes you feel connected to the road. However, on rough roads and uneven surfaces, the suspension can be punishing. Driving over potholes or hitting frost heaves can be jarring. It’s a tradeoff for the car’s sporty performance, and it’s something to consider if you frequently encounter rough roads on your daily commute.
One unexpected aspect of driving the Elantra N is the attention it gets from other drivers. People seem to see this car as an invitation to race. While it can be flattering to receive thumbs up or friendly waves from fellow enthusiasts, I’m not interested in engaging in drag races. The Hyundai Elantra N delivers a respectable 276 Hp, but it isn’t as powerful as some of its competitors. Its performance starts to taper off as you reach higher RPMs, leaving you wanting a bit more power before shifting. Despite this observation, the Elantra N still provides plenty of thrills on the road.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that the Elantra N is a great value. Other than choosing the paint color, there aren’t many decisions to make because the Elantra N comes loaded with features. From its powerful engine and sporty exhaust to the advanced technology and comfortable interior, this car offers a compelling package.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Elantra N is a compact sedan that defies expectations. It delivers a great driving experience with its powerful engine, quick gear changes, and sporty design. While it may have a few quirks and draw backs, such as the underwhelming NGS button and the firm suspension on rough roads, it more than makes up for it with its excellent braking, hand parking brake, and overall value proposition. If you’re seeking a fun and affordable performance sedan to start making quite a noise in Cambodia, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N is definitely worth considering.