The Hyundai Elantra Thread

Next-Gen Hyundai Elantra N Confirmed, But Probably Not For Europe

Euro 7 emissions regulations could kill off the internal-combustion-powered N cars in the European market, but here in the U.S., we'll keep enjoying them.

If you read our earlier post today about Hyundai developing a driving mode for the upcoming electric Ioniq 5 N that simulates the way a dual-clutch transmission shifts, it would be understandable if you had some questions about the future of Hyundai’s N sub-brand. But while that was certainly odd, we also have news to share that’s unquestionably good: There’s going to be a second-generation Elantra N — at least for Americans. Europe? Not so much.

Speaking to Australia’s CarExpert recently, N division boss Albert Biermann confirmed the eventual redesign of the Elantra N, which is called the i30 N in other markets. “The i30 N is quite safe, at least the sedan version, so we will see the next-generation car with a new petrol engine, as it’s already in our long-range plans,” he said.

News for the i30 N hatchback that we don’t get in the U.S., however, isn’t looking so good. Blaming emissions regulations, Biermann said the i30 N is unlikely to come back until Hyundai builds an electric version:

In Australia we’re in a good position. Other markets like Europe are dreaming and there’s a good chance there will be no further combustion engine N cars in some markets with Euro 7 regulations looming. If we’re talking EVs, then we could very well see an all-electric i30 N in a hatch body with our B- and C-segment plans, but it might take some time to get there, to get it right. So there is definitely a future for an i30 N Hatch, as an EV in my view.

 
The facelifted Hyundai Elantra N makes us very sad indeed

Hot 276bhp Elantra now looks even better than before, which makes us more sad that it’s not for us

When it first arrived back in 2021, we were disappointed that the Hyundai Elantra N was not scheduled for sale in Europe. And now, after a mid-life styling refresh, we’re even more angry.

Just look at it. There’s no confirmation yet, but the powertrain is unlikely to change, so that makes this handsome thing a manual-gearboxed, 276bhp, front-wheel drive sports saloon, now with a face that a mother might actually be able to love.

It really is a smart facelift, with sharper LED lights and a less toothy grille. There are new 19-inch telephone dial-style wheels too, as well as a redesigned rear end with a larger black bumper and some slightly more jaunty angles.

The new look was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show as the Elantra N is set to launch in China later this year, but surely if we make enough noise we’ll be able to have the little 2.0-litre turbo saloon in the UK?

 
Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai launched the improved 2024 Elantra compact sedan for the North American market during a YouTube news conference. Simon Loasby, influential designer and head of the Hyundai Style Group at Hyundai Motor Company, walked viewers through the design upgrades. José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America elaborated on the resurgence of consumer interest in sedans. Hyundai has a strong history of regularly updating its Elantra lineup and exceeding customer expectations. The 2024 Elantra goes on sale in fall 2023.


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The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata get some snazzy design updates

There’s an all-wheel-drive option for the Sonata, as well

The compact Elantra and midsize Sonata were already two of Hyundai’s best designs, but wow, these updated versions are even sharper. Making their US-spec debut this week, Hyundai’s sleek sedans get a few little nips and tucks that keep ‘em fresh-faced and modern, while a few mechanical tweaks should make these four-doors even better to drive. Good things, all around.

Starting with the smaller Elantra, the biggest change is found up front, where the previously oh-god-it’s-gonna-eat-me gaping fascia has been redesigned to be quite a bit cleaner, with slimmer headlamps and more handsomely styled air intakes. There’s a new diffuser around the back, as well, in addition to restyled 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheel designs, depending on the model.

The Elantra is still available with 2.0-liter naturally aspirated or 1.6-liter turbo engines, in addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid setup. The feisty Elantra N carries over, too, with its potent 2.0-liter turbo I4, and Hyundai says the N has an improved steering tune and some small suspension enhancements, none of which should change this car's firecracker demeanor. At least, we hope.

The larger Sonata's styling changes are more obvious. The new front end has a completely different lighting design and a larger grille opening, and it sort of looks like what we've seen on the refreshed Kona SUV.

 
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