As part of its worldwide effort to spice up its lineup, today Hyundai introduced the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line for the U.S. market at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. We have already seen the N Line branded car for Europe - dubbed the Hyundai i30 N Line - when we learned that the N Line performance goodies include something more than just an exterior touch up. It is a similar story for the U.S. car although I did notice some clear differences. In short, the U.S. Elantra GT N Line may well be somewhat better compared to the i30 N Line for Europe.

It’s Like The 2019 Hyundai Elantra Visited A Tuning Shop

N division visited the exterior, interior, and the suspension in order to make the Elantra GT N Line more desirable. You have to admit that the Elantra GT is possibly one of the most sensible cars out there. Thus, it is hard to make it senseless. Actually, the N division did not make it senseless, but perfect. First of all, let me tell you that the Europeans can have their i30 N Line with a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a freaking diesel. It is not as mad as that 2.0-liter in the i30 N, but it is powerful enough for everyday tasks and, may I say, for everyday fun.

The easiest way for you to spot the Elantra GT N Line is to look for badges. Actually for one badge. Hyundai isn’t a douche so it included only one N Line badge on the back right. The other unique touches include 18-wheels, a slightly revised front end with a pronounced splitter and slightly more open intakes. The back of the car gained a diffuser and cool two exhausts - one for each side. Honestly, it is an attractive package. Just feels right. True, I am a bit subjective because I actually like Hyundai (maybe even love). It’s somehow true and honest and just consistent. This N Line only proves it.

Get inside and prepare for more N-focused pieces. Two N badges there - one on the gear lever and the other on the steering wheel. Did I mention red stitching? Well, it’s got that too.

Considerable Suspension Upgrades For The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line

The added makeup did not actually ruin the composed and inviting ambiance. It is still very much reasonable inside. On the other hand, the 2019 Elantra GT N Line revealed its underside for a number of much more important changes than red stitches and N badges. This is actually a considerable change compared to a standard Elantra GT.

Sway bars are actually 2 mm thinner at the front, but 3 mm thicker at the back, all in order to offset the stiffer engine mounts, larger wheels, and stiffer springs and create a better suspension geometry. Add to this sharper steering calibration and you have yourself one finely tuned car.

And that on Michelin PS4 summer tires sized - 225/40 - if you opt for the manual. DCT will get you only Hankook all-seasons. It does not mean you cannot change them, now does it!?

Obviously, the Elantra GT N Line is based on the top of the line version with all the imaginable tech solutions such as navigation, vented seats, powered driver's seat, collision avoidance, high-beam assist, lane-keeping assist, and wireless charging.

With all said and done no one is actually 100 percent sure about the performance of the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line. I would wage that it will jump to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and move past 130 mph with a good back wind.

Final Thoughts

Interestingly enough, a Hyundai Elantra GT N Line like this would be a logical option in Europe. With the extreme hot hatches of today, the market gap for the so-called “warm hatches” appeared wide open and in that niche (where a decade ago the likes of the GTI and the Type R habituated) everyone wants a representative - Renault has the Megane GT, Peugeot the 308 GT, and Hyundai has the Elantra GT N Line. Only it does not because the i30 N Line in Europe drives around with a 138 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged, gasoline engine. A bit sad.

Nevertheless, the Americans can rejoice.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT.

Read our full driven review on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT.

Read our full review on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra sedan.