No longer sold in Malaysia, Thailand launches Hyundai Elantra, with N badge, 280 PS, cheaper than Type R

Unleashed as one of the highlights at the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo 2023, Hyundai Thailand has officially launched the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N sports sedan with a price tag of THB 2.99 million (~RM 398k).

This marks the first model introduction from Hyundai’s ‘N’ performance sub-brand in Thailand as well as the return of the Elantra nameplate, which was discontinued previously in 2015.

Also read: Priced from RM 117k in Korea, 2021 Hyundai Elantra N debuts with 6MT, 280 PS/392 Nm

The Elantra N – N standing Hyundai’s performance centres in Namyang and the Nürburgring – is powered by Hyundai’s turbocharged Theta-II T-GDi 2.0-litre four-cylinder which develops 280 PS and a maximum torque of 392 Nm.

Power is sent to an 8-speed (Wet) Dual Clutch Transmission (8-DCT) – though a 6-speed manual is offered in other markets – driving the front wheels, aided by an electronic-Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD). The Elantra N also gets a variable exhaust valve system and launch control.

With the DCT-exclusive N Grin Shift (NGS) - which temporarily boosts output to 290 PS for 20 seconds - the Elantra N will despatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.

However, the biggest changes in the Elantra N (over a standard Elantra) come from the chassis department.

For the first time in a Hyundai, the Elantra N plucks the Integrated Drive Axle (IDA) from the brand's WRC rally cars. This part combines the drive shaft, wheel hub, and bearing, which enables better handling and a weight reduction of 1.7 kg.

Additionally, there is the dual-compound insulator on the front suspension and dual-compound trailing arm bush, things which are said to help the car 'achieve optimal performance in ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Rounding up the performance touches are four-point strut rings and rear stiff bars to strengthen body rigidity, in addition to torque feedback R-MDPS that promises a consistent steering feel on different road conditions.

Elsewhere, Hiding behind the 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35ZR Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are a set of 360 mm brake discs.

With its pricetag set at THB 2.99 million (~RM 398k) in Thailand, the Elantra N has its sights firmly targeted at the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, its main rival which it undercuts by approximately THB 1 million (~RM 132k).

Closer to home, it's unlikely the Hyundai Elantra N will be launched here. The 'regular' Hyundai Elantra has since been discontinued, and the last N-badged Hyundai was the RM 299k Hyundai i30 N, launched in 2019.