Hyundia Adding Some Charge To 2021 Elantra With N-Line And Hybrid

Unlike the Detroit automakers that have all but abandoned the traditional passenger car in favor of crossovers, SUVs and pickups, Asian brands like Hyundai are sticking with the sedan form factor and even bringing us new variations. Hyundai launched the redesigned 2021 Sonata last March just as the pandemic lockdowns were taking hold across America. The first variant out of the gate was powered by a 147-hp, 2.0-liter four cylinder engine which is now being joined by a more spirited turbocharged 1.6-liter in the Elantra N-Line.

As Hyundai expands its N performance sub-brand, the N-Line essentially takes the place of the former Sport trim in the lineup. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder produces the same 201-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque this year as it did in the prior generation as well as several other current models like the Veloster Turbo, Elantra GT N-Line (which has been discontinued for 2021 in North America) and some Kia models. As in most other applications of this engine, it’s paired with a seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission that is one of the best shifting gearboxes of its kind. 

In front of that engine sits a slightly more aggressive looking version of the new Elantra grille. At the rear, the N-Line gets a more prominent integrated spoiler on the trunk lid and dual exhaust tips. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels finish off the external changes. 

Underneath the turbocharged sedan gets larger diameter front brake rotors for more stopping power and the rear suspension is upgraded from the standard torsion beam layout to a multi-link configuration. The outgoing Elantra GT offers the same combinations in its base and N-Line variants and the multi-link suspension makes a noticeable difference in ride quality and handling stability. 

Inside the N-line gets more heavily bolstered front seats with an embossed N logo in the back and paddle shifters for manual control of the DCT. Metal and leather trim pieces throughout give the top model a more premium feel. Aside from the performance upgrades pretty much everything else remains the same including standard driver assist features, 10.2-inch display for infotainment, analog instrument cluster and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple
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CarPlay. 

In addition to the sportier variant the more efficient hybrid version is also arriving soon. As with the N-Line, the Elantra hybrid powertrain is also repurposed from earlier applications and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In this case the same 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder paired with a 32-kW electric motor in the Ioniq hybrid hatchback has a new home. As in the Ioniq, this system produces 139-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and it should pretty much match the Ioniq’s 50+ mpg capabilities.

Given Hyundai’s announcement that Ioniq will become a sub-brand for battery electric vehicles with 3 new models launching starting in 2021, this will likely be the last year for the current hatch that’s offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions.