Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line test drive.

The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is quite a nice looking car.
The N-Line sportier version adds larger and great looking 18-inch wheels. No chrome around the windows.
But mostly, a multi-link rear independent rear suspension. And a 201HP 1.6 Liter Turbo.

The design reminds me of the VW Golf.
But I think it actually looks a bit more like the Peugeot 308.
Which makes sense since it was mostly designed for the European market where it is sold as the Hyundai i30.

The interior is also different from out Elantra sedan.
It feels quite upscale for the price (The regular model starts at around $20 500)

Yes, it does have a tablet design that I wish could be better integrated to the rest of the dashboard.
But the screen itslef looks great. Actually more upscale than in the more expensive Kona.
As usual, the Hyundai info system is easy to figure out and use.
And the base sound system sounds quite good for a standard unit.

The N-Line being a sportier version, Hyundai has added a few red-colored trim bits on the dash.
Which, I think, are not necessary.
But the red piping on the black leather seats does look great.

These front seats are also really comfortable. Although all adjustments are manual on my test car.

The rear seat is fine.
But nothing extra roomy. Which is a bit surprising since this is designed for the European market. Where this is basically more like a mid-sized car.

The trunk is very roomy. And the rear seats fold flat.
So this has bascially the same cargo room as the Kona. Or any small (but more expensive) SUVs.

The ride of the N-Line version is very firm.
Which is just fince, since it is sold as a sporty car.
Everything feels very solid.

The engine is very, very smooth. A pleasure to drive around and rev up once in a while. It is always very quiet and smooth. But also sounds pretty muted and very refined when you push it.

This is a much nicer experience than I had with the 1.5 Liter in the Civic a few weeks ago.

My car came with the standard 6 speed manual. Which is a pleasure to use.

While the ride is quite sporty, the steering felt a bit on the light side for a sporty car.
But always very precice.

While the engine is very refined, somehow it doesn’t really feel like 201HP.
It does feel prettty fast, but not nearly as much as the VW GTI. Which doesn’t have that much more power. (At least the one I drove a few years ago)

This is more like a “relaxed/sporty/refined” experience.
It feels like in-between the regular Golf and the GTI.

Which will be just fine for most people.