2024 Hyundai Elantra N: So Much Fun for So Little Money!
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a remarkable entry in the compact sedan market, offering enthusiasts a high-performance driving experience without breaking the bank. Priced at around $33,000, the Elantra N combines aggressive styling, thrilling performance, and practical usability, making it a standout choice for those who crave excitement behind the wheel.
Bold and Aggressive Exterior Design
Hyundai has given the 2024 Elantra N a bold and aggressive exterior design that sets it apart from other models in the lineup. The front fascia is a statement of intent, with several key features enhancing its sporty appearance:
- Blacked-Out Elements: The front end features numerous blacked-out elements, adding to the aggressive look. The lower bumper area has been reworked, featuring a striking red accent that runs across the bottom and functional air intakes on the sides.
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels: The new 19-inch alloy wheels for 2024 add a touch of elegance and are wrapped in high-performance tires, ensuring maximum grip and handling. Red brake calipers with N branding complete the sporty look.
- Wing Spoiler: At the rear, the Elantra N features a distinctive wing spoiler finished in black, indicating its high-performance nature. The revamped taillight design includes an LED brake light and blacked-out Elantra branding.
- Exhaust Sound: The exhaust outlets produce an impressive and surprising sound, adding to the overall thrill of driving the Elantra N.
The Elantra N’s design language is unapologetically bold, capturing attention on the road and in parking lots alike. It’s a car that looks fast even when standing still, with design cues that emphasize its performance pedigree.
Driver-Focused Interior
Inside the Elantra N, the cabin is designed to keep the driver engaged and comfortable, even during spirited drives. Hyundai has taken care to ensure that the interior matches the sporty exterior, with several performance-oriented features:
- High-Performance Bucket Seats: The interior is equipped with high-performance bucket seats, featuring Alcantara upholstery and illuminated N branding. These seats provide excellent support during aggressive driving or track days.
- Digital Gauge Cluster: The digital gauge cluster is customizable and changes with drive modes, offering a futuristic and sporty interface that keeps the driver informed and engaged.
- Steering Wheel: The N steering wheel, wrapped in perforated leather with cross-stitching, includes buttons for individual drive modes, providing easy access to performance settings.
- Interior Storage: The Elantra N offers decent storage, including a center console, cup holders, and a large cubby with a wireless phone charging pad and USB-C connection.
- Manual Transmission: The six-speed manual transmission provides a classic driving experience, with the option of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for those who prefer it.
The interior of the Elantra N is a blend of sportiness and practicality, with materials and features that cater to both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers. The cabin is driver-focused, with controls that are intuitive and within easy reach, ensuring that the driver can focus on the road ahead.
Unleashing Performance
Under the hood, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain propels the Elantra N with impressive acceleration and performance:
- Acceleration: The Elantra N’s compact size and powerful engine allow it to accelerate quickly, providing an exhilarating driving experience. The exhaust sound and overall experience contribute to the joy of driving this performance sedan.
- Handling: The Elantra N handles exceptionally well, remaining glued to the road through corners. It’s a car that can be enjoyed both on the track and as a daily driver, offering a practical balance between performance and everyday usability.
- Transmission Options: The choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission allows drivers to select their preferred driving style. Both transmissions are well-matched to the engine, providing smooth and engaging shifts.
- Ride Quality: Despite its sporty nature, the Elantra N maintains a comfortable ride quality, making it suitable for daily commuting. It’s less stiff compared to some competitors, like the Honda Civic Type R, offering a more comfortable ride for everyday driving.
Performance Specifications
Here’s a closer look at the performance specifications of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N:
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 276 hp |
Torque | 289 lb-ft |
Transmission Options | 6-speed manual / 8-speed DCT |
0-60 mph Time | Approximately 5.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
Fuel Economy (Manual) | 23 mpg combined |
Fuel Economy (Automatic) | 24 mpg combined |
The Elantra N’s performance credentials are impressive, especially considering its price point. It offers a level of power and agility that rivals more expensive sports cars, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts on a budget.
Practicality and Comfort
While the Elantra N focuses on performance, it doesn’t compromise on practicality and comfort:
- Spacious Interior: The rear seat area offers ample space, with 38 inches of legroom and 37 inches of headroom, accommodating up to five passengers comfortably.
- Cargo Capacity: With 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the Elantra N provides practicality for everyday use. The addition of special bars enhances performance while maintaining usability.
- Fuel Economy: The Elantra N achieves a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg with the automatic transmission and 23 mpg with the manual, making it a reasonable choice for those seeking a balance between performance and efficiency.
- Safety Features: Hyundai has equipped the Elantra N with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Practical Specifications
Here’s a closer look at the practicality and comfort features of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N:
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Passenger Capacity | 5 |
Rear Legroom | 38 inches |
Rear Headroom | 37 inches |
Cargo Capacity | 14.2 cubic feet |
Safety Features | Blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rearview camera |
The Elantra N is designed to be a versatile and practical vehicle, suitable for both spirited drives and everyday commuting. Its spacious interior and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.
Driving Experience
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N offers an engaging and rewarding driving experience, combining performance and practicality in a way that few competitors can match. Here’s what makes the Elantra N a joy to drive:
- Responsive Steering: The steering is precise and responsive, providing excellent feedback and control. The Elantra N’s chassis is well-tuned, offering a perfect balance between agility and stability.
- Braking Performance: The Elantra N’s brakes are powerful and provide excellent stopping power, with a progressive pedal feel that inspires confidence.
- Suspension Tuning: The suspension is firm enough to handle spirited driving yet compliant enough to provide a comfortable ride on rough roads. The adaptive dampers offer a range of settings to suit different driving conditions.
- Exhaust Note: The Elantra N’s exhaust note is intoxicating, with pops and crackles that add to the excitement of driving. The active exhaust system allows the driver to customize the sound to their preference.
Competitors and Comparison
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N competes in a crowded segment, facing off against several well-established rivals. Here’s how it compares to some of its key competitors:
Honda Civic Type R
- Price: The Civic Type R is priced higher than the Elantra N, starting at around $43,000.
- Performance: The Type R offers similar performance figures, with 315 horsepower from its turbocharged engine.
- Ride Quality: The Type R’s ride is stiffer, making it less comfortable for daily driving compared to the Elantra N.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Price: The Golf GTI is similarly priced, starting at around $32,000.
- Performance: The GTI offers slightly less power, with 241 horsepower, but is known for its balanced handling and refined ride.
- Interior Quality: The Golf GTI offers a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials.
Subaru WRX
- Price: The WRX starts at around $31,000, making it a more affordable option.
- Performance: The WRX offers 271 horsepower and features standard all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction.
- Driving Experience: The WRX is known for its rally-inspired driving dynamics and is a favorite among enthusiasts.
Why Choose the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N?
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N offers a compelling package of performance, style, and value. Here are some key reasons to consider the Elantra N:
- Affordable Performance: The Elantra N offers a level of performance typically found in more expensive sports cars, making it a great value for enthusiasts on a budget.
- Practical Usability: With its spacious interior and ample cargo capacity, the Elantra N is a practical choice for both daily driving and spirited weekend drives.
- Engaging Driving Experience: The Elantra N provides an engaging and rewarding driving experience, with precise steering, powerful brakes, and a thrilling exhaust note.
- Comprehensive Features: The Elantra N comes equipped with a wide range of features, including advanced safety technologies and a driver-focused interior.
- Warranty: Hyundai’s warranty coverage is among the best in the industry, providing peace of mind for owners.
Conclusion
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a standout choice in the compact sedan segment, offering a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price. With its bold design, powerful engine, and practical features, the Elantra N is a versatile and exciting vehicle that caters to both driving enthusiasts and everyday commuters. Whether you’re looking for a car that can handle daily commutes or provide excitement on the track, the Elantra N delivers in spades. Its combination of performance, style, and value makes it a must-consider option for anyone in the market for a high-performance compact sedan.