Why The 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Might Be The Biggest Performance Bargain Of The Year

While The Civic Type R might steal the headlines, Hyundai offers motorsport-developed performance for over $10,000 less according to Ben Hardy.

It’s hard to think of a car manufacturer in recent years that has had as big of a turn-around as Hyundai. The brand that was once used as a mocking example of why not to buy a Korean car has now become one of the most preeminent, budget-friendly sports car manufacturers.

Hyundai’s ‘N’ brand in particular has seriously established itself in recent years, primarily through Hyundai’s aggressive motorsport development strategy. With that in mind, YouTuber Ben Hardy has been checking out Hyundai’s updated for 2023 Hyundai Elantra N to see how the car stacks up against its much more expensive competition.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra N has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 276 HP and 289 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. The Elantra N also comes with either a 6-speed manual or, as is the case with this test car, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This is all managed by Hyundai’s latest-generation electronic limited-slip differential which allows the Elantra N to go from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds according to Car and Driver.

RELATED: Five Races, Two Cars: See Who Wins Between A VW Golf R And A Hyundai Elantra N

On the chassis side, the Elantra N has seen significant input from Hyundai’s motorsport division. The Elantra N TCR race car has already established itself as a race-winning car – with Hyundai winning their class 2 years in a row at the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours - managing a 1-2 finish in 2022.

The Nürburgring is infamous for being one of the most thorough test beds for any road or race car, so this was no mean feat.

As a result, Hyundai’s electronically controlled suspension system in conjunction with the motorsport-developed H-shape rear stiff bar and 4 Point Strut Ring means the car stays flat while also being far more comfortable on the road than both the Hyundai Kona N and the new Honda Civic Type R, according to Ben.

The Elantra N also comes with sticky 245” Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires all around, wrapped around 19” wheels along with bigger 360 mm front discs. Ben praises the mix of grip, braking, and comfort, while also impressed with the aggressive noise of the Variable Exhaust when the car is in ‘N’ mode.

The Elantra N is also practical, with fantastic rear trunk space, rear legroom, and head space according to Ben. The interior is also well-finished, with parts of the trim and the seats finished in Alcantara.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Gearheads Should Consider The Hyundai Elantra N

Ben is also a big fan of the front bucket seats while also praising the amount of standard equipment and the responsiveness of the touchscreen infotainment system.

With the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N starting at just $32,900, it undercuts its main rivals Volkswagen and Honda by over $10,000. While VW might have a more prestigious badge and better interior quality, and Honda might have the track time bragging rights, Ben thinks the Elantra N is arguably far better value than both.

Source: YouTube @ Ben Hardy, Hyundai, Car and Driver

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Callum MacHugh is a petrolhead in love with all things automotive. Growing up in the North of Scotland, his passion began at age 2 watching Rally Cars tear through the Highland countryside very, very sideways. Since then, he has become an avid motorsports fan and will cancel any and all plans to watch the latest round of the IMSA Weathertech Championship. Callum also has an honours degree in Journalism and has previously written about JDM tuner cars, various motorsport categories, and sim racing.