Hyundai reveals the Elantra N Line with 204PS and even sharper looks

Hyundai Motor has revealed the first-ever Hyundai Elantra N Line. This performance model is, for now, the sportiest iteration of the seventh-generation Elantra that launch globally earlier this year. The Elantra N Line is differentiated by a sharper look inside and out, and notable mechanical upgrades.

The Elantra N Line is powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This motor makes 204PS and 265 Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. Other mechanical upgrades are a stiffer suspension set-up, new 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake discs. Hyundai will also offer the N Line with a selection of N Performance upgrades. This is limited to the Korean market for now.

Hyundai has also spruced up Elantra N Line's looks to match the go. The cascading grille is now finished in gloss black with new geometric detailing while new arrow-shaped air curtains have been added to the bumper to aid cooling and better aerodynamic performance. The N Line also come with new side skirts, which along with the wheel wells and side-view mirrors is finished in gloss black. Other design upgrades are an integrated spoiler, chrome twin exhaust and N Line rear diffuser.

The interiors have now been done up with a leather-wrapped N steering wheel with metallic inserts, N sport seats with leather bolsters, metal and leather inserts on the gearlever, and alloy pedals. Other highlights are paddle shifters and a drive mode selector. The Elantra N Line will also come with a digital key and wireless Apple Carplay. The standard wired Android Auto is available too.

Along with the debut of the Elantra N Line, Hyundai has also announced that the Elantra will get a hybrid option that goes on sale later this year in South Korea. Global markets will follow soon after. This version will pair a 1.6-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol motor with a 44PS electric motor that is fed by1.32 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Elantra Hybrid will have a combined system output of 141PS and 265 Nm. The addition of the electric motor will allow for electric-only low-speed driving and a power boost at higher speeds. The Elantra hybrid is estimated to return over 21 kmpl in the US market.

While Hyundai will most certainly bring the new-gen Elantra to India eventually, the N Line could be a great top-spec model for that line-up. Hyundai has stated that it is evaluating the N Performance brand for India and this halfway model could be the right fit for our market, to begin with. The Elantra Hybrid seems unlikely though, given the expected high pricing and no incentives for hybrid vehicles in India.