Sporty and hot hatchbacks are not the most popular vehicles in the US despite a loyal following. Unfortunately for them, their numbers are not always big enough to continue justifying a business case. But sometimes an automaker has something even more excited planned that eliminates the need for a hatchback or two. Hyundai has officially announced its 2021 model year lineup and there were two notable absences: the Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT N Line. Both hatchbacks are officially discontinued.

However, replacements for both are either coming soon or are already here. The Elantra GT N Line's successor will be the Hyundai Elantra N Line Sedan, which the automaker has already previewed with its own spy shots. As for the Elantra GT, it's being dropped for a very obvious reason: it's not a crossover.

It is being "discontinued from the lineup due to expanded SUV lineup that includes the Venue and Kona," the company states. The Venue arrived in the US just last year and already it's proving to be a huge success. The Kona, meanwhile, will see an expanded trim lineup for 2021 that includes the Night Edition. There's also the all-electric Kona EV which dealerships couldn't keep in stock in some parts of the country at one point. Ever since the Venue-Kona duo's arrival, the Elantra GT was doomed.

Potential Venue customers should also be made aware that Hyundai has dropped the six-speed manual transmission for the new model year, leaving only the CVT for all trims.

So, when will the Elantra N Line sedan finally debut? An official launch date hasn't been announced but we expect it'll go on sale sometime next year. Power will come from the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with around 201 horsepower found in the Elantra GT N-Line. Expect Hyundai to offer the new sporty Elantra sedan with either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch to send power to the front wheels.

Pricing is also expected to be very reasonable. For example, its main rival will be the Honda Civic Si Sedan, which carries a starting MSRP of around $24,000.