While the market for compact sport sedans is narrower than it used to be, that means that the competition is hotter than ever among the remaining contenders for this category. As the newcomer in 2022, the Hyundai Elantra N made waves by taking on the longstanding Civic Si and Jetta GLI, and in doing so emerged on top as a true challenger to these two stalwarts.
How the Elantra N has Upset the Apple Cart
On paper, a compact sport sedan is an easy thing to create. Good handling, punchy power, and seating for five seems like an accessible set of attributes. In those ways, the Hyundai Elantra N, VW Jetta GLI, and Honda Civic Si all do their jobs at a high level. But its in the details where the Elantra N beats out its rivals, giving you a better driving experience for those who truly want to push the limits.
Pairing either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine isn’t hard to imagine in this space, but it’s the 276 horsepower from this four-pot powerplant that truly impressed Car and Driver testers. Zero to 60 mph acceleration flies by in just 5.1 seconds, and Hyundai puts the class-leading Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on the Elantra N as standard, giving it an immediate leg up over its competition. Even on equal tires though, the Elantra N would still impress, as the sharper suspension delivers sublime handling even when pushed beyond the limits of cornering grip.
You’ll also get adjustable suspension, steering, and exhaust settings to help you setup the Elantra N for the type of driving you prefer. Keep it quiet and soft for the slow cruise out of your Farragut, TN neighborhood, then turn all the dials to Track mode to tackle your sprint up Tail of the Dragon.
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Test drive the new Hyundai Elantra N for yourself with a visit to our Knoxville dealership today!
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