2022 Hyundai Elantra N wants to take on Civic Type R

The new Hyundai Elantra is one good-looking car that certainly makes other sedans look quite tame. But what we're excited about is the new top dog of the Elantra family. No, it's not the N Line variant, which debuted last year. Instead, it's a full-fledge N model. Meet the 2022 Elantra N – a somewhat practical high-performance sedan from Hyundai.

As early as November 2020, Hyundai already gave us a sneak preview of the Elantra N's exterior. Now, the camouflage is off, and we have a better look at the new performance sedan. It builds on the N Line's already aggressive exterior but turns it up by a lot. In particular, the front end looks very aggressive, featuring a heavily sculpted bumper with contrast black trim.

At the rear, there's a prominent wing, a new bumper with an integrated diffuser, and N-model's signature twin-exit exhaust. This being an N model, it's available in Performance Blue with contrast red striping all around. Lightweight 19-inch wheels help give the exterior a sportier appearance.

On the topic of performance, the Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. It's the same engine found in other N models, and it's good for 280 horsepower and 392 Nm torque. With N Grin Shift (NGS), the boost pressure increases, temporarily enhancing output up to 290 horsepower. Unfortunately, manual fans won't be too happy as the only gearbox option is an 8-speed wet dual-clutch. Power is then sent to the front wheels with a trick e-LSD, helping minimize understeer.

Hyundai claims the Elantra N can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. While it is quick on its feet, power isn't everything for the high-performance sedan. The other ace up its sleeve is improved handling. For improved cornering, it uses an integrated drive axle similar to WRC cars. Meanwhile, large brakes with 14.1-inch rotors up front bring the car to a halt. Last but not least, the wheels are wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on all four corners.

Inside, the interior of the Elantra N is mostly similar to what you'd find on the standard model. However, there are numerous N branding all around to remind you what you're driving. At the same time, the infotainment and instrument cluster gets additional information like oil and coolant temperatures. There's even a lap timer for those who like hitting up the race tracks.

Will we ever see the Elantra N in the Philippines? A local launch doesn't seem probable. So far, Hyundai Asia Philippines Resources (HARI) has yet to introduce any N models locally. Still, one can wish for it to be here despite HARI quietly discontinuing the Elantra from its lineup.

We also think would be a good alternative for those that want to buy a performance sedan/hatch such as the Subaru WRX and the Honda Civic Type R.