A couple of years ago, remember when Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) sold the AD-generation Hyundai Elantra? They even offered a performance-biased model called the Elantra Sport, fitted with a 204 PS turbo engine.

This red car is the newest generation Hyundai Elantra. Hyundai dropped the Sport name in favour of the newer N-Line name, creating the Elantra N-Line in the process. The Elantra is sold as the Hyundai Avante in selected markets, such as South Korea and Singapore. 

Also Read: All-new Hyundai Elantra: more than 100k units sold since launch, third best-selling car in Korea

Under the hood of the new Elantra N-Line is a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine that is largely similar to the AD-generation Elantra, albeit with the addition of Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD). This new SmartStream G1.6T engine produces 204 PS and 265 Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

These power figures put the Elantra N-Line one rung above the regular Civic, inching closer to the previous generation, not-sold-in-Malaysia Honda Civic Si instead. The FC-generation Civic Si gets the same turbocharged 1.5-litre L15B7 engine as the regular Civic, but fettled to output 208 PS and 260 Nm. Could the next-gen Civic Si bump power figures up?

Powertrain aside, the spruced-up Elantra N-Line also gains some design elements to set it apart from the pedestrian model, including a sportier front and bumpers, black side mirrors, larger wheels, and a subtle boot lid spoiler. The only N-Line emblem can be found on the front grille and fenders of the car.

The N goodness continues inside: there are the customary red stitching and N branding on the steering wheel, gear lever, and seats. Unlike the regular Elantra, the N-fied version gets a Drive Mode selector beside the digital instrument cluster.

What about Malaysia?

HSDM only offers two variants of the Elantra in Malaysia, both powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with 123 PS and 154 Nm, paired to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

Also Read: From RM 139,888, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Executive wants you to ignore the Mazda 3 1.5

The Elantra N-Line you see here may not find its way here, but the smaller Hyundai Kona N-Line has been confirmed for us.  

Also Read: Launching in Malaysia in June, 198 PS / 265 Nm Hyundai Kona N Line teased again