Hyundai Elantra N Line: Sporty looks, tight handling & low cost
- The 2019 Hyundai Elantra N Line features sportier looks, performance upgrades and a sportier look.
- The Elantra GT N Line retains the turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder engines.
- The manual starts at $23,300 and the seven-speed automatic DCT is $24,400.
Hyundai is changing. Hyundai has released the 2019 Hyundai Elantra N Line after dethroned the competition with the Genesis G70 as the best-driving luxury small sedan.
Please bear with me as I try to clear up the confusion. The N Line trim level replaces the Elantra GT Sport. The entry-level Elantra GT remains available. The Style Package now includes a panoramic roof and full leather interior for the Elantra GT. It’s not for me, but I think that’s an amazing deal at $23,000.
If the Honda Civic Si and Ford Fiesta ST aren’t your cup of tea, then you should consider the 2019 Hyundai Elantra N Line.
Significant Upgrades Inside & Out
At first glance, it’s difficult to tell the difference. You might think that the Elantra N Line is just a cosmetic update to the Elantra Sport. Look closer, and you’ll notice a sculpted bumper with larger air inlets, a mesh grille that is more aggressive, a lower front spoiler and 18-inch alloy N Line wheels.
The new Elantra N Line has a dual exhaust system, a rear diffusor, and N Line badges (of course!). N Line also gets the treatment inside. The black leather seats with the red stitching is a stunning sight. The leather steering wheel, gauge clusters and new instrument clusters add to the interior’s premium feel.
Style and substance: more than just looks
The exterior changes will be welcomed. The new Hyundai Elantra N Line is a very exciting car, but the best parts are on the outside. The springs, engine mounts and transmission mounts are stiffer. This results in a more stable high-speed handling, as well as a quieter ride.
Hyundai Elantra N Line 2019 receives new shock absorbers and a retuned steering system. The N Line will be a better alternative to the Civic and Golf, as these changes address the shortcomings in the previous Elantra GT Sport.
Turbocharged Transmission & Power Tech
Sorry to break your bubble, but I don’t think you can expect more horsepower. The N Line shares the same 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected 4-banger with the GT Sport. The engine produces 201 horsepower, and 195 lb.-ft. torque. The Ford Fiesta ST has slightly more horsepower, but less than the VW Golf GTI.
Hyundai, unlike Toyota who is still working on a manual option to go with the new Supra, has included a six-speed automatic in the Elantra N Line. For $1,100 extra you can choose the sleek seven-speed dual clutch automatic with paddle shifting. I’m betting on the automatic. Only if Hyundai adds a stronger motor to the chassis will I choose manual. Around 230 to 250 horsepower should be enough.
Why would you not choose automatic? Hyundai claims that the DCT can sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Manual transmission is capable of 6.6 seconds and near-perfect shifting. The automatic is quicker and uses the horsepower available to its fullest.
The Standard Equipment is Impressive
Hyundai Elantra N Line 2019 comes with a lot of impressive kit. The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line also comes with an impressive level of kit. Standard is also an Infinity premium sound system with seven speakers, including a subwoofer.
Smart Sense, a standard feature, includes adaptive cruise control, including start/stop capability, driver attention alerts, lane-keeping assist, high beam assistance, and forward collision prevention assist.
Pricing & Availability
What’s the best part of all? The manual version of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra N Line will be available for only $23,300. The automatic is priced at $24,400. Manuals, in particular the manual, are only $50 more expensive than the GT Sport. You will have to pay an extra $885 for destination and freight. Elantra GT N Line available now.
Alvin Reyes, Associate Editor at Automoblog. In his youth, he studied aeronautics and accounting, but he is still very fond of his old Lancer GSR or Galant SS. Fried chicken, music and herbal medicine are also his favorites.