Hyundai styling with its striking N Line models

The Korean automotive company, once known for its reliable and affordable compact city cars, is now attempting to elevate brand awareness – by producing more dynamic models.

Having sourced some of the best engineers and designers from Germany, Hyundai’s N Line-specification vehicles are giving a strong account of themselves. The recently launched i30 N is an entirely credible hot hatchback, capable of competing with the best Volkswagen has on offer, in its Golf range.

In an attempt to broaden its N-brand awareness and customer appeal, Hyundai is expanding its N Line models. Although these Hyundais do not offer all the mechanical upgrades of a proper N-specification model, they do add more striking styling elements.

Bolder sedan design: Elantra N Line

An example of this is Hyundai’s new Elantra N Line, which visually transforms the sedan. Most distinctive is the new geometrically shaped grille, framed by a remoulded bumper – featuring larger air intakes.

Viewed from the side, this Elantra N Line rolls on dual-tone 18-inch wheels and rides slightly lower than the conventional model. Hyundai has lowered the car’s suspension slightly, to improved high-speed tracking stability and cornering agility.

Around the rear there is a reshaped bumper, which homes an offset dual-exhaust system and non-functional diffuser. The boot lid section also has an integrated spoiler lip, which is mostly there for the sake of appearance, instead of meaningfully adding to the Elantra N Line downforce properties at speed.

Powering this sportier looking Elantra is a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is expected to boost 150kW of power and 264Nm of torque. Drive is to the front wheels only, via a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

A combination of daring style and proven Korean component durability. The Elantra N-Line shows just how far Hyundai has come, as an automotive brand.