What do the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R have in frequent? They are probably the most performance-focused specimens of their respective lineup and undoubtedly what automotive fans would need within the storage if procuring these nameplates. Sadly, not all financial institution accounts can deal with a near-$40,000 wallop, which is the place automobiles just like the Civic Si and Golf GTI are available in.The Si and GTI are sporty automobiles with extra manageable worth tags, sitting between civilized base fashions and probably the most potent range-topping performers. Going ahead, nonetheless, you may have to recollect to incorporate the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line among the many listing of go-to sporty compacts. The Elantra GT will get a efficiency nudge for 2019, and it is very, excellent.
N styleRecently, Hyundai has been making main strides in elevating its efficiency recreation. The Veloster N was the primary automobile offered within the US with the full-fledged N efficiency remedy. The Korean automaker is planning to roll out extra N merchandise, a halo automotive, and N Line choices appearing as gateway entries to the efficiency sub-brand. The 2019 Elantra GT is the primary to debut with the N Line makeover, providing gentle styling and efficiency tweaks over the outgoing Elantra GT Sport.
Visually, the N Line beneficial properties extra aggressive entrance and rear fascias, a brand new grille, LED headlights, a redesigned lip spoiler, black facet mirrors and actually slick, 18-inch aluminum wheels with gray-painted insets. Along with the refined physique creases, the Hyundai strikes a clear and fascinating stance.
Things tackle a sportier vibe contained in the as properly, with supportive leather-based sport seats embossed with the N emblem, an N steering wheel wrapped in exceptionally delicate leather-based, metallic pedals and with purple trim and stitching. There’s additionally some shocking premium tools on provide within the Elantra GT N Line like a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled entrance seats, and energy lumbar help for the motive force’s seat.The N Line’s sport seats are higher bolstered and have slick purple accent stitching.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Everything is put along with supplies which might be par for the category with soft-touch surfaces masking main contact factors on the sprint and door panels. Hard plastics are additionally outstanding, however really feel sturdy and have a pleasant end and graining. The GT can also be useful, with serviceable area for passengers, giant door compartments to stash issues, and plenty of cargo carrying actual property. Behind the rear seats there’s 24.9 cubic ft out there, which grows to 55.1 with the rear seats folded.Intuitive techOverseeing infotainment duties within the N Line is Hyundai’s user-friendly AVN 5.0 interface displayed on vibrant and responsive 8-inch touchscreen. The embedded navigation system calculates routes in speedy style and the seven-speaker Infinity audio tools sounds… alright. Satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a part of the bundle, too.Anyone needing to cost a dying telephone can decide to make use of a wi-fi cost pad, USB port, or 12-volt outlet within the cubby on the base of the middle console. An further 12-volt energy supply is mounted within the middle console armrest. Unfortunately, folks within the again seat should not have any shops inside simple attain.AVN 5.0 is intuitive to make use of and packs customary Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
For security, all Elantra GT N Line fashions get a rearview digital camera with satisfactory decision and dynamic parking tips. Adaptive cruise management with cease/begin functionality, ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, lane-keep help, computerized excessive beams and driver consideration alert can be found as a part of a $3,850 Tech Package.A shocking performerThe efficiency a part of the Elantra GT N Line’s equation begins with a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 engine pumping out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The latter is out there from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm for forceful midrange pull. Manual transmission followers will likely be ecstatic as a six-speed is customary, however my check automotive packs an non-compulsory seven-speed, dual-clutch computerized that helps return an estimated 25 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 32 mpg on the freeway, based on the EPA.
Off the road, the N Line’s engine is vigorous and pulls onerous previous 6,000 rpm earlier than shedding some huff approaching the 7,000-rpm redline. Hyundai’s in-house-built dual-clutch transmission is superb with well-timed gear modifications when left by itself, and instantly responds to handbook shift instructions. It’s not fairly as well-sorted as VW’s dual-clutch gearbox, nevertheless it’s darn shut.A potent drivetrain and sharpened dealing with reflexes have the N Line nipping on the heals of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Dynamic enhancements come courtesy of stiffer engine and transmission mounts, new springs, massaged shocks, bigger antiroll bars and a brand new steering calibration. Manual-transmission automobiles experience on 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer season tires, whereas dual-clutch fashions rock Hankook Ventus S1 Nobles.The N Line’s steering is heftier in Sport mode and shortly will get the automotive turned in for corners with slightly lean. When pushing onerous round expressway interchange ramps, the N Line hangs on tight, and grip ranges are clearly communicated by the steering wheel. Overall, it is a nimble, responsive, and surprisingly entertaining experience, however possibly not fairly nearly as good as a Golf GTI.The Elantra can also be competent for regular commutes. Leaving issues within the Normal drive mode setting returns earlier gear modifications with nearly no lag at throttle tip-in — one thing that plagues some dual-clutch transmissions. The Normal mode’s lighter steering effort additionally enhances this extra relaxed habits. The stiffer suspension and low-profile tires do create a choppier experience high quality over potholes and ruts, nevertheless it’s not jarring and greater than manageable.The 18-inch wheel and tire bundle assist with dealing with, however end in a barely bumpier experience.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
How I’d spec itAs a lot as I take pleasure in having choices just like the cooled entrance seats for decent summer season days, a wi-fi cost pad, panoramic roof and onboard navigation, I must reside with out them. Those, together with the entire energetic driving know-how options, are a part of the aforementioned Tech Package that is solely out there on dual-clutch-equipped Elantra GT N Lines. As good because the $1,100 dual-clutch is, I’m a three-pedal man, that means my automotive begins at $23,300, not together with $930 for vacation spot.I’d spec out an Intense Blue paint job and black leather-based inside identical to the automotive pictured right here, which do not add something to the underside line. The solely price merchandise I do need are a set of carpeted ground mats that tack on $125. That bringing my automotive’s price ticket to a totally cheap $24,355, undercutting my $29,305 tester by a wholesome quantity.An actual contenderAfter spending every week puttering round city and romping by slithering again roads, I can actually say the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line is a nice shock. It’s simple on the eyes and armed with a pleasant inside, to not point out a powerful listing of options and know-how. Anyone mulling over the Civic Si and Golf GTI ought to completely try the Hyundai, as a result of not doing so would imply lacking out on actually compelling sport compact.