The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line is a serious threat to the Civic Si

At a time when sedans and manual transmission as models are fading from the market, it’s nice to see automakers continue to have fun, compact four-door offerings. Hyundai has just released pricing for the Elantra N Line and it looks like it has the Honda Civic Si sedan squarely in its sights.

Hyundai has made substantial updates to the Elantra lineup for the Model year 2021, including a radical styling change that adds a touch of style to the commuter car segment. The all-new 2021 Elantra N Line uses a similar formula to its competitors – compact four-door sedan, performance upgrades, manual gearbox – but delivers impressive value at a starting price of $ 25,095 with the manual gearbox at six-speed and $ 26,195 with automatic double-clutch.

By comparison, the $ 26,155 Si is only available with a manual transmission. The Elantra N Line uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Honda’s engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter that develops 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque

While the performance specs are incredibly similar, the Elantra N Line puts it on standard equipment. The sporty finish builds on the already well-equipped SE and SEL, which come with advanced safety equipment and technology, and then adds a host of upgrades to set the N Line apart. Of Hyundai press equipment:

Wider front brakes, Multi-link rear suspension Leather / cloth combination sport seats, Sport mode select option, Power adjustable driver’s seat 18-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 235/40 R18 summer tires, Heated front seats, Dual exhaust chrome N Line analogue gauge cluster, sunroof sport steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob, LED taillights, alloy pedals, N Line front grille and bumper, black headliner, N Line rear fairing with diffuser, 60/40 split folding rear seatback with armrest & N Line DLO cup holder (gloss black)

Also in this category is the updated VW Jetta GLI which offers similar horsepower but has a starting price of $ 27,460 with a manual transmission. However, the VW does not include the same level of standard equipment as the Hyundai.

While it would be nice to have a hatchback option as well, the Elantra N Line sedan retains the formula of a fun car at an affordable price – if style is your thing.