2023 Hyundai Elantra N Performance

The Elantra N lives up to the promise made by that badge. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers a potent 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. However, when equipped with the dual-clutch transmission, the N Grin Shift (NGS) function unleashes another 10 hp (increasing power to 286 hp) for a 20-second burst that maximizes performance. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available.

With the DCT gearbox and launch control, the 0-60 sprint is done and dusted in only five seconds. The manual doesn't get a launch control function so isn't as fast, but it's fast enough to have fun, managing the same 60 mph dash in 5.3 seconds. Chasing the upper reaches of the rev range and the car's top speed emits plenty of crackles and pops from the exhaust system, which only adds to the fun.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Elantra N doles out 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, with the peak torque being available between 2,100 and 4,700 rpm. The turbocharged engine provides lots of power and character. It's a pleasing noise and better than most four-pots in this regard.

Hyundai offers the Elantra N with a choice of two transmissions, these being a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Though it pains us to say it, we preferred the DCT. We wouldn't fault anyone for choosing the manual, but the super-light clutch felt a bit vague under our foot and the shifter couldn't match the notchy goodness of the Civic Type R or Toyota GR 86. On the plus side, the manual's rev-matching feature is excellent, helping even a novice driver nail the perfect downshifts.

On the Sonoma Raceway in California, we felt more confident with the optional eight-speed DCT. Even when left in automatic mode, the transmission never missed a beat, shifting at the perfect time no matter what. This left us more brainpower to focus on hitting the perfect apex, rather than missing a shift. DCT-equipped cars also gain a cool N Grin Shift function, which puts the transmission into maximum attack and overboosts the engine to produce 10 extra horsepower for 20 seconds. Push the red steering wheel-mounted button on the road, and the Elantra N feels like it just received a nitrous shot.

According to the EPA, the Hyundai Elantra N will manage gas mileage estimates of 22/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual gearbox. With the DCT, those figures will dip to a pretty dismal 20/30/23 mpg. By comparison, the VW Jetta GLI achieves a much better 30 mpg combined, although the Hyundai is a lot more powerful than the German car. A similarly-powered, AWD Golf R might be a fairer comparison, with this managing 26 mpg on the combined cycle in the USA with the DSG gearbox.

With its 12.4-gallon gas tank, the Elantra N manual will be able to cover around 310 miles between refills, whereas the DCT model's range drops to about 285 miles.