Elantra N

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Sedan

Hyundai is at Auto Shanghai in China, where it has just taken the wraps off the facelifted Elantra N, which is known in some markets as the Avante N. As with the original model revealed in 2021, the Elantra N leans into its comic book-inspired styling with aggressive edges and vibrant accents. Somehow, the new look is clearly evolved from the old one yet appears much more modern, which is a credit to the original design. Many of the changes mimic the updates made to the regular Elantra.

The changes appear to be limited to bodywork and styling, as Hyundai has not revealed any updated performance figures, but for reference, the 2022 Elantra N's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated up to 286 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The introduction of a new gas engine was promised in December last year, but it's unclear if that will apply to this facelift or if we will have to wait for a complete redesign.

The entire front fascia has been reimagined and now separates the grille into two distinct sections. The upper section features an LED light bar connecting the sharper and more horizontal headlights, which now hide beneath the main running lights. The lower section of the front bumper once again features a red accent strip that leads your eye to the similarly accented side skirts and then to the rear bumper spats. The front lower side intakes have straked accents and more body-color elements on their surrounds, and the lower splitter is divided in the middle.

Altogether, these changes raise the focal point of the front end, creating a look that feels much more aggressive and leans into the shark-nose style further than before. The only grievance we have with this design is that the hood shut line no longer aligns with the headlights, and it looks disjointed.

There are no major changes along the profile of the body besides the apparent inclusion of an N decal on the aforementioned side skirt accents and a little more red on the rear bumper spats. However, a new set of 19-inch wheels helps to keep the edgy design fresh.

At the back, the diffuser panel that houses the license plate has been reshaped, and the rear reflectors are now sited a little higher. Overall, it's still an intimidating look that not everyone will warm to, but in the right color, we think this car would look mega. For us, all-black would make an ideal sleeper, although the famously loud exhaust certainly indicates that this isn't a slow sedan. Hopefully, Phantom Black will continue to be a no-cost option alongside Intense Blue, Cyber Grey, and the $400 options of Ceramic White and Performance Blue, pictured here.

A full debut with performance specs and other details should be imminent.