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We’re saying goodbye this yr to one in every of our favourite sizzling hatches, the Hyundai Veloster N. It is a unhappy one, because it provided wonderful efficiency in a novel, compact package deal. However we will not be too upset, as a result of Hyundai has two choices with the identical powertrain and related pricing. The Kona N has already impressed us, and the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N that we’re taking a look at at the moment, does as properly. Actually, it is a nicer, extra sensible automotive than the Veloster with principally the identical efficiency, and is definitely barely cheaper. It might not be a hatchback, but it surely’s arguably the higher all-around automotive.
And sure, you learn that proper, regardless of the Elantra N being a bigger automotive with a nicer inside than the Veloster N, it is cheaper than the hatchback. Not by a lot. At $33,245, the Elantra is barely $350 cheaper, however that is nonetheless much less! And it is welcome contemplating that you simply’re not solely getting extra automotive, but additionally that Hyundai remains to be providing a “low-cost” N choice.
The Elantra N sacrifices just about nothing when it comes to efficiency in comparison with the Veloster, both. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes the identical 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque along with your alternative of both a six-speed handbook or eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. And earlier than the ability will get to the wheels, it goes by an electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential.
Chassis elements have parity with the Veloster with electronically adjustable shocks and massive brakes. The Elantra additionally has a mechanical hand brake helpful for shenanigans. And amazingly, regardless of being greater than a foot longer than the Veloster, the Elantra solely weighs 80 kilos extra with the handbook transmission, or simply 49 kilos extra with the automated.
This is a enjoyable truth about these vehicles: not solely does the Elantra N ship just about an identical efficiency to the Veloster N whereas being larger, it is also extra environment friendly. Between handbook fashions, the mixed fuel economy is similar at 25 mpg, however the Elantra’s 31 mpg on the freeway is 3 mpg higher than the Veloster. The automated Elantra will get 23 mpg mixed, an enchancment of 1 mpg over the Veloster, and the 30 mpg freeway determine is one other 3 mpg enhance (the auto-only Kona N will get principally the identical gas economic system because the Veloster). Since each vehicles have an identical gear ratios, the distinction is probably going the Elantra’s extra aerodynamic form.
When hustling the Elantra N, it is nonetheless simply pretty much as good as its little precursor. The four-cylinder feels sturdy all over the place within the rev-band. Increase arrives easily. And the engine sounds excellent by any of the exhaust settings. In quiet mode, it nonetheless gives a refined growl, however will not make you a neighborhood menace, nor develop tiresome on the freeway. The center mode turns up the quantity, whereas the loud cranks it up only a bit additional and pours in some pops and crackles for good, juvenile measure. .
Our take a look at automotive featured the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It shifts rapidly, particularly when in handbook mode, but it surely does nonetheless have some basic Hyundai DCT quirks, reminiscent of being a bit hesitant when pulling away from a cease. It is actually a very good choice for having the quickest shifts and for stop-and-go site visitors. The N Grin Shift overboost mode that bumps output to 286 horsepower for a couple of seconds is enjoyable, too. That being stated, we might nonetheless suggest the six-speed handbook for many consumers. It is the identical handbook because the Veloster’s and it is a critically good one. The shifts are slick and strong, the auto rev-matching is extremely responsive, and totally defeatable, and it merely makes an already participating machine extra so. And keep in mind, you may’t get the Kona N with a handbook.
Dealing with is arguably extra spectacular than the engine. It is a super-grippy and responsive automotive that impresses with its precision and communication each time you flip the wheel. The N has electronically adjustable suspension but it surely’s an amazing handler whatever the setting. Physique roll is minimal even within the base setting, and it flattens out much more in essentially the most sporty modes, with out sacrificing an excessive amount of compliance. The flowery differential deserves numerous credit score, too. Not solely is the Elantra keen on nook entry, but it surely stays on the meant path whilst you dial in energy mid-corner. It is so impartial and planted that it nearly would not really feel prefer it’s a front-drive automotive. You actually can drive it into understeer should you’re playing around, however in any other case, it is a outstanding effort. Torque steer is even minimal, if current in any respect.
If there’s one gripe in comparison with the Veloster N is that you simply sit increased within the Elantra, eliminating the sports car vibe. It’s additionally price noting that the Elantra N is a mighty stiff using automotive, although no harsher than rivals like the WRX or the Civic Si, and it is a good bit quieter than that noisy little Honda. Folks searching for extra consolation ought to take a look at one thing from VW or possibly the Acura Integra should you can swing the upper funds.
The Elantra makes up for that much less enjoyable driving place with a far nicer inside than the Veloster. There are much more soft-touch plastics, and a extra cohesive inside design with its pseudo-combined instrument and infotainment screens and full-width air vents. It additionally will get good touches just like the striped fake suede door panels. It is way more spacious inside, too, with extra shoulder room up entrance, and actually usable rear seats for adults. It even has rear doorways on either side. The N, after all, will get the game seats with fashionable illuminated N badges. They’re very supportive and maintain you in place with out pinching or jabbing. And the screens get N-specific readouts reminiscent of a shift indicator, g meter and extra.
The Elantra does sacrifice some versatility. It has a way more usable again seat and whereas we suspect you’d be capable of match more into its surprisingly large trunk than was potential within the Veloster with the seats raised, there’s no denying the misplaced performance of a hatchback for carrying bulkier objects. To that finish, the Elantra additionally has an enormous chassis brace behind the rear seat that forestalls you from having the ability to fold the again seats and slide in lengthy objects. However should you want the additional cargo carrying choices, there’s the Kona N.
Because the inheritor obvious to the Veloster N, the Elantra N is about as nice a successor as we may probably hope for. It is cheaper. It is nicer. It is extra spacious. And most significantly, it is simply as quick. Sure, we’ll take a second to mourn the Veloster N, however not on the expense of celebrating how nice the Elantra N is.
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