Many car manufacturers have a sporting division such as BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz AMG. These models normally benefit from either just extra styling or sometimes increased power and performance. For those who are not familiar with the Hyundai range, some vehicles in the line-up are lucky enough to get the ’N Treatment’. The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line is the most recent model within the Hyundai vehicle line up to receive the ’N Treatment’, so let’s see how it has been improved from the standard model.
SPORTIER EXTERIOR
At first glance, you don’t notice a great difference from the normal 2019 Hyundai Elantra model, but the keenest eyes will start to realise there’s more detail and styling to the exterior of the 2019 Elantra GT N to make it stand out.
A deep Hyundai hex grille is deeper than normal and as standard, buyers will receive the bolder LED light technology both to the front and rear, along with daytime running lights. When you look harder, you will also notice discreet LED side repeaters on the wing mirrors and on the rear side, chrome tipped dual exhausts enhance the sporty upgrades to the standard Elantra.
The 2019 Elantra GT N sits on attractive 18 inch wheels as standard and N-Line badging around the car lets others know you have a sportier than normal version.
EXCLUSIVE INTERIOR
Inside the 2019 Elantra GT N, the ’N Treatment’ continues with a number of exclusive upgrades to the interior. Firstly, you will notice a perforated N-Line steering wheel with coloured trim which is matched throughout the cabin on items such as the air vents, gear selector and colour contrasting piping around the front and rear seats.
The list of standard interior equipment is extremely generous, including a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control along with heated and cooled front seats. Apple Car Play and Android Auto is available as standard via the 8 inch touch screen.
There is room for four good sized adults and while cargo space is more than reasonable, a 60/40 split folding rear seat will allow you to pack more in when needed. Available space is reasonable for the size of the car – both leg and head room are plentiful and all passengers are sure to be very comfortable in the contoured seats.
ENGINE AND DRIVE
Hyundai says the 2019 Elantra GT N was tested and tuned on the Nürburgring, so let’s hope they’ve developed an exciting drive from it. Under the hood isn’t the biggest engine in the Hyundai range, but they’ve managed to squeeze a generous 201hp from the tiny 1.6L four cylinder gas engine, which is offered with a 6 speed manual or 7 speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with three driving modes, drivers will be able to adapt the car to their driving style – eco, normal or sport, which adjusts both the throttle response and steering to match. While the engine is punchy, it’s unlikely to win any drag races. However you’ll instead receive a better fuel economy as the 2019 Elantra returns a very generous 8.6 L/100km.
You’ll feel in good hands when behind the wheel because of the huge amounts of safety equipment included, such as forward collision, avoidance assist with pedestrian detection all aid the driver and high beam assist gives you less to do on night drives.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re already considering a vehicle within the Hyundai range then you are spoiled for choice – the problem is the 2019 Elantra GT N Line just adds to the many different options on offer. If you want sporty, performance and handling then this vehicle isn’t really for you as others in the range will give you exactly that. However, if you’re looking for a practical, honest car for the commute with a bit more styling than cars of this caliber normally offer, then the 2019 Elantra GT N Line is certainly worth a consideration. It starts from $27,199 which is almost $10,000 more than the standard model, so you’ll need to be sure if the extra styling is really worth it. Generally, as a whole it’s an attractive car with lots to offer a driver who desires a little bit of everything.
