The Elantra N’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, which isn’t spectacular when put up against much more expensive cars. But against rivals in a similar price bracket, it’s ample. Peak torque is available between 2,100 and 4,700 rpm; it’s a spicy little engine that rewards aggressive driving.
These specs are enough for a five-second sprint to 60 mph with the dual-clutch transmission fitted, which also gives it another 10 hp in a short burst for the purpose of launching off the line. This is courtesy of the DCT version’s N Grin Shift (NGS) function – we thoroughly enjoyed the DCT when we first drove the Elantra N at Sonoma Raceway.
Our week-long tester arrived with the manual transmission, which is three-tenths slower to 6- mph, and while it’s a satisfying shifter, it’s not quite in the league of greats. It doesn’t shift with the precision notching of the Honda Civic Si, and the clutch will annoy those who like something heavy to pound on with their left foot. That doesn’t make it bad, but we’re not sure it’s going to satisfy the more hardcore enthusiasts.
