Auto NSider| 2022 Hyundai Elantra N

I’ll confess…I didn’t really expect Hyundai to go Breaking Bad on us like this.

I mean, this is our friend Hyundai…right?   Known for “sensible shoes”…ie:  attractive pricing… long “let’s get married” warranties…thoughtful features and overall utility…right?

Yep.   But most families I know have a black sheep hidden somewhere….and the “N” is Hyundai’s resident Bad Boy.   And oh is Hyundai’s Bad Boy good!

I’ll show you how serious the N is in a bit, but for now, let’s get clear on the nomenclature, OK?

First available as a KONA…and now as an Elantra…the “N” is not to be confused with Hyundai’s “N Line”.    The N Lines are sweet little performance upgrades available on many Hyundai’s now.   In the Elantra, for example, the N Line brings a 1.6 Turbo.   It’s a spirited drive…and probably a lot safer than the N from a speeding ticket standpoint.

The ”N”, in contrast, is an animal.   A civilized animal, but a genuine brute nonetheless.

A 2.0 turbo four gets you from 0-60 in less than five-and-a-half seconds…thanks to 276 HP and an 8-speed dual-clutch auto.   But a 6-speed stick is yours if you’d like.

You’ll also have 19” alloys clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Summer rubber, big red ventilated brake rotors, grippy suede-like heated seats…and wait till you see the illuminated “N” in the seatbacks…plus a sunroof, Bose Premium audio and heated mirrors.

And then here’s the good stuff.   In addition to those 276 horses, you get Hyundai’s “N-Grin” button…giving you an additional 10 HP for up to 20 seconds…plus individually customizable suspension, steering, engine, transmission and exhaust settings, plus a lap timer, G-Force indicator and big dual pipes in the rear…all topped off with a spoiler and some attractive N-specific red and black body trim.

Want more?   You’ve got it.   You’ll also get Hyundai’s “N-Corner Carving Differential”.   Look it up on the web, but the short version is that you get a computer-controlled suspension that’ll get you around curves faster, safer, and with less body lean.

Oh…and speaking about body lean…how many street vehicles come standard with a built-in body brace between the trunk and the rear seats?   Hyundai’s N comes with some serious stuff.   In its first year, it’s already winning IMSA races, in fact.

Pricing?   Low to mid $30’s to start.   Mileage?   Figure mid 20’s overall….maybe even 30 on the road.   Both of which are excellent figures for a performance sedan.

You guys out there drivin’ the hot Civics and VW’s…you’ve got excellent rides.  I’m just sayin’ that there’s a new kid in town who wants to eat your lunch.

And you guys who are already driving Hyundai’s new Elantra N’s…just watch out for the blue lights.