Stranger things have happened, but given how brilliant the i20N and i30N are, the odds of Hyundai’s new Elantra N being anything other than incredibly good are… poor. 

The N-ified version of Hyundai’s Passat-sized four-door sedan uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed DCT as the i30N. With 280hp (or 290hp for up to ten seconds at a time) on tap, the front-wheel drive Elantra manages 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and tops out at 250km/h. 

Said to be the “purest expression” of Hyundai’s N division yet, the Elantra gets an electronic limited slip differential, 360mm brakes with improved cooling, launch control, Michelin PS4S tyres and much suspension wizardry.

The ‘integrated drive axle’ borrows tech from the WRC for less weight and more strength, while a redesigned intake system is meant to sharpen the engine’s responses. 

You also get an N-specific infotainment system that gives you access to oil and coolant temperatures, torque and turbo pressure as well as a lap timer. And of course it looks… bold.

We’re told the front end takes inspiration from the “battle-ready appearance of a driver’s race helmet”. Inside, the bucket seats actually improve rear legroom by 50mm. Handy. 

STORY Tom Harrison