Hyundai Elantra (US) review

Upon first impression the Elantra comes off as gutless, as any substantial throttle-pressing doesn’t seem to motivate the car to move with any extra urgency. This turns out to be a deliberate choice, though. While the non N-spec Elantra isn’t withholding any secret talents, the driver settings shift the vehicle behavior significantly, allowing you to fish out some engagement.

The N-Line and hybrid Elantras sport a multi-link independent rear suspension, giving the sedan a touch of dynamic capability. Though tuned up significantly, it's more or less the same hardware found on the Elantra N, and these more conservative models hint at what the N brings to the table with better than expected handling.

So the N version must spice things up?

Significantly. The Elantra N is the same order, Guy Fieri-style. It may lack flame decals, but its extra flair is in the same genre. How successful it pulls off the sporty look is up to you: you might see it for the fun car that it is… or reckon it’s trying too hard. Nevertheless, the Elantra N is most convincing from behind the wheel.

With 276hp and 289lb ft being sent to the front, it’s pleasing to discover that the Elantra N gets squirrelly. Yes, there’s a fair amount of torque steer with a heavy foot, but it’s oddly charming, if anything, triggering an almost nostalgic sensation.

Pair this with a very light six-speed manual and the feeling is magnified. The extra power, suspension tweaks and the software to sort it all out (the “N Grin control system”), open up all the capabilities the standard Elantra hints at. Annoyingly - and this is likely an “us” problem, because car website - it kind of sours the next proper sports car you find yourself in. Because you’ll discover you were perfectly happy with the Hyundai’s sporty playfulness without sacrificing any of its comfort or daily utility.

What about the hybrid version?

Right, back to reality. The hybrid iteration of the Elantra is the sedan putting its best, most honest foot forward. Numbers-wise, it lacks the same spirit as the base car, though it amounts to very little in day to day driving. Hyundai states the hybrid is capable of achieving between 50 to 54mpg, the disparity essentially due to the 17-inch wheels on the Limited trim versus the 16s on the Blue or base hybrid trim.