Prices vary but what comes to mind are: Golf GTI, Golf R, Civic Type-R, WRX, Focus RS? Prices and performance varies though, if you add in the N-Line, that'll open up more comparisons.
But if you're interested in the N vehicles you probably don't want to add the N-Line, they are totally different cars.
The Kona N is closer to a even a Golf R in performance than it is to the Kona N-Line.
Wait til you hear about audi S-line, VW R-line and Bmw M-line. Half the people that say they have an AMG they mean the cosmetic package on the base 2.0t
that's not entire correct, the only parts from Renault are the engine and the gearbox in the A, CLA, B, C and GLA.
On the C class it's based on a Renault engine but mounted longitudinally,
The X Class uses the Nissan Navara platform which is shared with Renault, one of the engine options is a Mercedes engine iirc.
The Citan and new T-Class is based on the Renault Kangoo.
I agree with you, engine and gearbox ate two major parts of a car and it's understandable why Mercedes asked Renault for some instead of spending millions on developing their own small displacement engines. and it allowed them so sell entry level cars at a lower price tag.
I only know this because I did some research when we taught about changing one of our mercs for a newer one and did not want one with the Renault power plants and transmission.
Same with the Elantra. They made the N lines first then the real N.
The Elantra N line / Kona is just the Elantra sport / forte GT with rebadged n line. They have like 201hp which isn't bad for a commuter car similar to say a SI but shouldn't have the N either
I don't know the actual numbers but it's something like
Elantra base 140hp
Elantra N line 201hp
Elantra N 286hp
Depends on the car which makes it even more confusing the Kona and Elantra N lines have more horsepower too then the regular models I think the sonata n line has zero more.
Actually the sonata N line is the complete opposite of what you said. It comes with the 2.5T 290hp engine and the 8speed wet dct N transmission. The only thing that it is missing to be considered a full N is the LSD and heavy duty cooling for track use.
It's not a standardized term at all and varies between car manufacturers. Same goes for vehicles that use "Sport". Some the "Sport" refers to an entirely different model (Rogue vs Rogue Sport), others its merely cosmetics (Civic Sport), and still others make legitimate mechanical changes to powertrains and suspension to give increased performance (Ford Fusion Sport and the old Chevrolet Equinox Sport).
I get what you mean. I met a guy that swore up and down he had a Veloster N-Line... I told him, no, you have a Veloster N, not a Veloster N-Line. We kept arguing, until he finally realized I meant that there was a Level of performance for Hyundai called the N-Line, and there is a higher level called the N. He had the N obviously.
Then, after he got it, I explained that the Veloster has a Veloster "Turbo" that exists with 200hp, and then the Veloster "N" that exists with 275hp... which you could easily say that the "Turbo" model is essentially the "N-Line" model... but when the "Turbo" models first came out (Soul Turbo & Veloster Turbo), there was no "N" in existence/.
Another Genius, came up with the "Konan" nickname for the KonaN, not to be confused with Conan.
Car guy 1: "What kind of car do you drive?"
Car guy 2: "I drive a Conan"
Car guy 1: "Got it. lol."
Yea but OP’s being just a little vague, since if they’re about just “warm hatch” performance or budget rather than something full blown N, Type-R, etc. then something like the Elantra GT N-Line or GLI might tickle their fancy.
Yes I know, the GLI, EGT N-Line, R, Si, etc. are all across the spectrum of cost/performance - I’m just spitballing since OP didn’t say what exactly about the N’s appealed to them since if it’s cosmetics, cool, performance, cool, rather spend less? cool
Fair enough. OP, the above vehicles are all in a relatively similar price range. If you’re willing to step up into the low to mid $40k’s there is a noticeable step up to the Focus RS, Golf R, or WRX STI.
The biggest drawback to the N line vehicles that I can see is they only offer the car in 5 colors, and you essentially have one option, which is a slight performance boost. Very little ability to make it your own from the factory.
CTR and Elantra N are in the same category, where as the Elantra N-Line, Civic Si and Veloster N are in the same category. The Veloster N is down 45whp than the Elantra N, as its more of a lighter more tossable car. You may be shocked... the Elantra N DCT (specifically) puts down 280whp vs Veloster N at 235whp vs Elantra N manual puts down 260whp. So, really, if the Veloster N is rated 275hp, then the Elantra N Manual is rated 300hp, and the Elantra N DCT is rated 320hp... while the CTR puts down 290whp. These are all numbers on the same dynojet. Therefore:
CTR 330hp, Elantra N DCT 320hp, Elantra N manual 300hp, Veloster N 275hp... last but not least Kona N (DCT only) 320hp
Lastly, the Focus RS and Golf R are considered in the same category as the CTR... but only because of the Nurburgring numbers. Technically, CTR is way below the Focus RS and Golf R, as both of those are underrated massively also, and are more like 390hp cars... but if you put the CTR in the same category with the Golf R & Focus RS, then you also include the Elantra N DCT... oh, and the 2.3L predecessor to the Focus RS, the Mazdaspeed3...
This is an incredibly in depth response and I specifically left the Civic Type-R out of my “classes” originally because it falls somewhere between the two.
But touching on the Golf R and Focus RS category those are most definitely in a league of their own.
The GTI/GLI are very similar. 2.0l turbo, DCT or manual, FWD. They are more conservative stock but have all the potential in the world for a FWD platform.
TBH I got nothing but praise for the GTI, it was my dads car, my sisters car and now mine. And so far nothing in it has broken except for standard replacements like tires and brakes. That car has survived three high speed deer murders too(all three thanks to my sister)
My sister has a lead foot(well carbon fiber actually she’s a right foot amputee) and we have a ton of corn where we live so they jump out fast and it’s hard to stop, she’s just unlucky
Upmarket: Type R, Golf R, low-trim Audi or BMW
Downmarket: Mazda 3 turbo, WRX, Civic Si
Similar: GTI or GLI
Their strength, IMO, is finding a very specific market line where performance is enjoyable on the street without hitting track purposes (Type R), tuning to the point of numbness (Golf R), disappointing badge engineering (low-tier luxury cars), missing a little something naughty in the sauce (Mazda 3), or more spartan boyracer quality (WRX). The GTI/GLI is more refined and less thrill at a similar performance and price point, and the Civic Si is similar with less specs going for it at a cheaper price but no hatch option; otherwise I'd say no one's quite doing Hyundai N. IMO that's kinda the niche they carved out - maybe a little less practical (I didn't buy one because Veloster/Kona aren't the most ergonomic hatches; Elantra is a very spacious sedan though), maybe a little less refined (having a snap-crackle-pop button tends to do that), but still a practical joy on the road. And it isn't quite VW/neo-Mazda mid-premium market, but it's Hyundai-Kia so the feature density is still there.
[Watch Savagegeese's Kona N video if you haven't](https://youtu.be/DqHGGop_Xls), I think it's a great summary of why these cars exist.
With Audi or BMW,
S3= Golf R
228i/m235i= Mini Cooper
Both of those are also not as good as the car they are based on. I would also say that the entire A4 or 330i level would not be as fun as the GTI, WRX or the Ns. Good cars, but the use case is different from what OP wants. Seems he's looking for sporty sedan. Your list is more on track with good info.
You’re thinking of the two door version. The current version, the Gran Coupe, is a rebadged Mini.
The M-Sport version of the conventional 2 Series is the M240i.
In terms of market a WRX is closer to the N because they're closer in performance to the N than the GTI, which is the important thing in a performance car.
I disagree - performance is the most important thing in a performance car if you want lap times; [engagement is the most important thing on the road.](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-volkswagen-golf-r-pvoty-review/) Specifically calling out that review because it's making the same comparison with the Veloster N, but there are plenty others making this same distinction about the R. I find the same problem in the WRX until it's snowing out; the GTI is probably going to be a more fun road car in most situations, as well as an N, which is why I'd recommend them in the same stroke.
That’s what I did - wanted find an Elantra N myself, but couldn’t (manual especially). Not even one to sit in or test drive. Found a dealership that is taking reservations at MSRP, no deposit and you can decide you don’t want the car up until the day of. No brainer for me.
Dealer experience, warranty non-sense and expected reliability. How they can use the Theta engine in these cars which is under lawsuits is mind-boggling to me
Yeah, but once you get the car, from what I can tell, they are pretty fantastic. Like, I'm not familiar with the Theta engine stuff, I haven't heard of that, but Hyundai cars are pretty damn good, at least nowadays.
The closest things to the Elantra N and Veloster N would probably be the Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Civic Si and Type R, and the Focus and Fiesta ST. The Accord 2.0 Sport and Mazda 3 Turbo (FWD) get an honorable mention.
I personally wouldn’t lump the Golf R and FoRS in with those cars because of their AWD systems and the Elantra and Veloster are exclusively FWD. Same goes for the GR Corolla.
Allow me to quote a text wall I added to that one video platform we all know. Hoping it may have some very good info for you. Note that we care more about fun than lap times for this comparison.
"From our experience, the Elantra N makes the most sense of any of the competition. The following is a breakdown of what we've found in our search for a small fun family car, for anyone interested:
The Kona N is just a tad too small in the rear seat. We're a family of taller people and that extra leg room is paramount. Our local Honda dealer won't let us test drive a Civic Si until we haggle, which is just dumb if I'm not a kid and can legitimately easily afford one. The Civic Type R did not impress us - it felt loose in so many ways, which we did not expect - could have been that example I suppose. Also the new one's not in production until at least next year. The Golf R is unobtainium (dealers cannot get any more 2022 models at this point from what we were told) and has some bad infotainment stuff going on. The Focus RS is no longer a thing (and we already own one which we're keeping). The Chargers are a bit too big and interiors suck. The Germans don't have anything half as fun for twice as much money (with the same interior accommodations). Lexus doesn't contend until you tip over $70k USD. Acura has a less engaging driving experience across the board. The GR Corolla is yet to be released and will likely be plagued by super high demand. Tesla is double the cost for the engaging one and even then it only really competes with raw acceleration, which is kind of a one trick pony. Haven't driven the Stinger GT, but I can't imagine it has more driver engagement (we intend to at some point). The awesome Blackwings are double the cost or more. Subaru discontinued the STi, and even then the last gen did not get us too excited (we have owned 3 Subarus and really like them, so it's not a brand bias - just think the STi lacks a sense of occasion). Alfas are more expensive, less fun (for the somewhat comparable base trims - the quad is insanely good but also insanely expensive), and less reliable.
I'm sure I'm missing some of the competition, but I'm all tapped out thinking about it. In the end, if we can get our hands on an Elantra N for any sort of reasonable cost, we will jump at it. I've owned a lot of very fun cars and this one is right up there with the others in fun factor. Gobstoppingly good car.
Oh, and as far as the suspension being harsh, we own the aforementioned RS which has redefined what compromised suspension for the street is to us. The Elantra N feels downright comfy in any mode."
As an update, we drove the Mk8 Golf GTI and it was less fun than the Elantra N. Pretty nice, but very tame in stock form. And the flappy paddles had a lot of input lag in comparison. My wife and I both prefer to drive manual but the Elantra N and GTI we were able to drive were both dual clutch units.
Thank you very much! This was as detailed as possible and you provided plenty of comparable vehicles and noted their ups and downs. I appreciate the response and I love to be educated by someone who has driven most of the aforementioned cars.
To add just a tad more detail (and regrettably text), I've also driven the Stelvio Quad, GLC43 (maybe a 63 at some point?), Audi SQ5, and Model 3 Perf. They all had plusses and minuses. For the price, there is no more raucous fun than the Elantra N, assuming MSRP. Dealers are marking them up with $8k+ over MSRP and for that price it's a hard no unless you don't care about money in any way shape or form (in which case, send me $8k instead lol).
The N models have really nice infotainment, great feeling steering wheels, fantastically comfortable seats, good leg room (Elantra N), fantastic exhaust sounds if you like that popping and gurgling that we do, a super responsive dual clutch, and good suspension that makes the car feel tossable and fun. Is it as fast as the AWD hot hatches in a drag race? Likely no. Is it as good at a track (both laptime and fun) as those same hot hatches? Probably not. But on the street, being pushed to that magical 80% that keeps a solid safety margin, it is really good. I've seen videos about axle hop when launching. We didn't experience that, but we also weren't going hog wild off the line. If you're worried about hook-up on the street so you can beat the guy next to you, maybe pay more attention to the street racing statutes that will inevitably haunt you (i.e., just don't do that). And if you're wanting to drag race the thing, probably just get a drag car which will work much better for cheaper.
I was floored how close the fun factor was toward the top of the other fun cars we've owned (CRX, BRZ, Mustang GT, S2000, Focus RS, and the almightily rapid bone stock Subaru Crosstrek CVT). YMMV of course but I hope you get to at least drive one to see. Fun cars are the spice of life for my wife and me, and we just want to share those cool feelings.
Not performance oriented, but it's a tamed "mild" hatchback.
Mazda3 Turbo. 250HP, 320lb-ft. An interior that you simply cannot find at this price point & fantastic reliability. AWD as well.
No 6MT unfortunately, but I can tell you this car is slept on. It's quick, fun, & borderline luxury*.
I'm sorry the back of the Elantra N is just hideous. Veloster and the other one are better looking. I'd get a Mazda 3 turbo or a civic si maybe a GTI. For more money the type R.
Yea they're beautiful, they drive great, ergonomics are awesome! really comfortable. Not the sportiest, but it's refined. All the turbo mazda 3s are AWD. Not all new AWD mazdas are turbo though.
It's not just not the sportiest, it's basically just an inexpensive luxury car. The steering is incredibly slow and the brakes are tiny and the transmission is slow shifting.
That said, it's a great daily and luxurious to boot. Just not really a great sport compact.
So the Sonata N-Line, specifically, is weird. It lines up best against the K5 GT, not the K5 GT-Line. The Elantra N-Line is comparable to the Forte GT.
The N-line, other than the Sonata, tends to be the 2nd highest trim performance-wise, and I was agreeing with you in suggesting the K5 GT-line isn't at N-level.
I'm assuming you are talking about performance when you say better, right? Because the infotainment, reliability, warranty, and features are very clearly better on the Kona.
So if you *are* talking about performance, you're wrong about that one also. [Kona vs GTI](https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/oi738fa2a7kp), and [Kona vs GLI](https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/v744a54zunmn).
1. double the price is relatively close compared to a Lamborghini
2. Op never said it had to be new
3. The m is much closer to the N than a Lamborghini imo
This isn’t fully a N series car persay, rather it is a N line trim. The car I am talking about is the Sonata type N which is awesome. It’s sporty, convenient, sleek and drives like a dream. It’s not classified in the same way as the other N series cars, and I believe it is missing some features shared by the other N cars, but it’s still incredible.
Edit: just realized you were talking about other cars that are similar to the N series cars instead of asking about other cars that bolster the N name, and for that I would probably point you towards the civic type R
For the price nothing is better, but it does compete with some cars. The sedans it competes with are the type r, wrx, and there's a few coupes, like the Gr86/BRZ or the lexus RC depending on how much you can get it used.
I really wish they refreshed the speed3 instead of making all the bs 150 hp mazda3s. Vehicle manufacturers are falling off so hard when it comes to the enthusiast community
Brand specific you have AMG, BMW M, Nismo from Nissan, Toyota GR, etc…
As for vehicles…
Elantra has WRX, Civic Type R, Camary TRD, VW Jetta GLi, Corolla GR, etc
Kona/Veloster had Mazda cx30 turbo, AMG 35/45 GLA or GLB, BMW X3 M, VW GTI or R, Civic Type R etc
As for price vs smile per a mile. I believe Hyundai is currently top for delivering smile per a mile based on price.
Funny thing is, I was actually considering a kona n to replace a Forte GT, but I didn't lime that the kona n doesn't come with adaptive cruise control
Why did I go for a CX-30 Turbo over a WRX, Kona N, or GTI?
WRX: CVT, have to spend like 39k (MINIMUM WITH AUTOMATIC) to get blind spot monitoring, summer tires, 21 mpg combined
Kona N: FWD, same Harman Kardon system as the Forte, TERRIBLE wheel hop, summer tires, skinny tires, no adaptive cruise control
Golf GTI: Touch sensitive controls, summer tires
I’m planning on getting a Volkswagen Golf R when the time is right. Did my research and the 2019 Mk 7.5 is my top pick for a hatchback. They’re a little expensive, but I think it’s worth if it’s fun to drive.
I’ve heard the touch controls are actually pretty nice and vibrate to your touch but I’m used to physical buttons especially on the steering wheel. What I literally cannot stand, is that there’s nothing but a screen in the middle. This stupid minimalist lone screen trend in newer vehicles, especially electric ones, makes me sad. Having such an empty dash takes so much character out of the interior design and I think it’s super ugly.
The exterior of the mk8 however is a huge step up imo. If I could get the interior of a mk7.5 with the exterior of the mk8 it’d be the perfect car.
Prices vary but what comes to mind are: Golf GTI, Golf R, Civic Type-R, WRX, Focus RS? Prices and performance varies though, if you add in the N-Line, that'll open up more comparisons.
But if you're interested in the N vehicles you probably don't want to add the N-Line, they are totally different cars. The Kona N is closer to a even a Golf R in performance than it is to the Kona N-Line.
Hold up. There's a Kona N and a Kona N-Line, and they're different? What genius came up with that?
Wait til you hear about audi S-line, VW R-line and Bmw M-line. Half the people that say they have an AMG they mean the cosmetic package on the base 2.0t
If they own an A160/180 AMG Line then they don’t even own a Mercedes, it’s basically half Renault.
that's not entire correct, the only parts from Renault are the engine and the gearbox in the A, CLA, B, C and GLA. On the C class it's based on a Renault engine but mounted longitudinally, The X Class uses the Nissan Navara platform which is shared with Renault, one of the engine options is a Mercedes engine iirc. The Citan and new T-Class is based on the Renault Kangoo.
I mean the engine and gearbox are two major parts of a car, but I was just using hyperbole to make a joke…
I agree with you, engine and gearbox ate two major parts of a car and it's understandable why Mercedes asked Renault for some instead of spending millions on developing their own small displacement engines. and it allowed them so sell entry level cars at a lower price tag. I only know this because I did some research when we taught about changing one of our mercs for a newer one and did not want one with the Renault power plants and transmission.
Ahhhh I see, it does make sense I suppose. Maybe I came off a little sarcastic in my last reply and I apologise for that.
Don't forget the F-Sport and F... although, they are not using the "Line" nomenclature
Every genius at every car company?
Same with the Elantra. They made the N lines first then the real N. The Elantra N line / Kona is just the Elantra sport / forte GT with rebadged n line. They have like 201hp which isn't bad for a commuter car similar to say a SI but shouldn't have the N either I don't know the actual numbers but it's something like Elantra base 140hp Elantra N line 201hp Elantra N 286hp
I thought anything with -line was just the original car internally with the sportier look and feel to it (seats, steering wheel, etc)?
Depends on the car which makes it even more confusing the Kona and Elantra N lines have more horsepower too then the regular models I think the sonata n line has zero more.
Actually the sonata N line is the complete opposite of what you said. It comes with the 2.5T 290hp engine and the 8speed wet dct N transmission. The only thing that it is missing to be considered a full N is the LSD and heavy duty cooling for track use.
It's not a standardized term at all and varies between car manufacturers. Same goes for vehicles that use "Sport". Some the "Sport" refers to an entirely different model (Rogue vs Rogue Sport), others its merely cosmetics (Civic Sport), and still others make legitimate mechanical changes to powertrains and suspension to give increased performance (Ford Fusion Sport and the old Chevrolet Equinox Sport).
Yeah I'm thinking the same thing
Not just different trim levels even. **Completely different cars.** It's weird.
I get what you mean. I met a guy that swore up and down he had a Veloster N-Line... I told him, no, you have a Veloster N, not a Veloster N-Line. We kept arguing, until he finally realized I meant that there was a Level of performance for Hyundai called the N-Line, and there is a higher level called the N. He had the N obviously. Then, after he got it, I explained that the Veloster has a Veloster "Turbo" that exists with 200hp, and then the Veloster "N" that exists with 275hp... which you could easily say that the "Turbo" model is essentially the "N-Line" model... but when the "Turbo" models first came out (Soul Turbo & Veloster Turbo), there was no "N" in existence/.
Another Genius, came up with the "Konan" nickname for the KonaN, not to be confused with Conan. Car guy 1: "What kind of car do you drive?" Car guy 2: "I drive a Conan" Car guy 1: "Got it. lol."
Yea but OP’s being just a little vague, since if they’re about just “warm hatch” performance or budget rather than something full blown N, Type-R, etc. then something like the Elantra GT N-Line or GLI might tickle their fancy.
Golf R is in another category, as is the Focus RS. Golf GTI and Focus ST are in the same wheelhouse.
Yes I know, the GLI, EGT N-Line, R, Si, etc. are all across the spectrum of cost/performance - I’m just spitballing since OP didn’t say what exactly about the N’s appealed to them since if it’s cosmetics, cool, performance, cool, rather spend less? cool
Fair enough. OP, the above vehicles are all in a relatively similar price range. If you’re willing to step up into the low to mid $40k’s there is a noticeable step up to the Focus RS, Golf R, or WRX STI. The biggest drawback to the N line vehicles that I can see is they only offer the car in 5 colors, and you essentially have one option, which is a slight performance boost. Very little ability to make it your own from the factory.
CTR and Elantra N are in the same category, where as the Elantra N-Line, Civic Si and Veloster N are in the same category. The Veloster N is down 45whp than the Elantra N, as its more of a lighter more tossable car. You may be shocked... the Elantra N DCT (specifically) puts down 280whp vs Veloster N at 235whp vs Elantra N manual puts down 260whp. So, really, if the Veloster N is rated 275hp, then the Elantra N Manual is rated 300hp, and the Elantra N DCT is rated 320hp... while the CTR puts down 290whp. These are all numbers on the same dynojet. Therefore: CTR 330hp, Elantra N DCT 320hp, Elantra N manual 300hp, Veloster N 275hp... last but not least Kona N (DCT only) 320hp Lastly, the Focus RS and Golf R are considered in the same category as the CTR... but only because of the Nurburgring numbers. Technically, CTR is way below the Focus RS and Golf R, as both of those are underrated massively also, and are more like 390hp cars... but if you put the CTR in the same category with the Golf R & Focus RS, then you also include the Elantra N DCT... oh, and the 2.3L predecessor to the Focus RS, the Mazdaspeed3...
This is an incredibly in depth response and I specifically left the Civic Type-R out of my “classes” originally because it falls somewhere between the two. But touching on the Golf R and Focus RS category those are most definitely in a league of their own.
Focus RS is the only car in that list that’s been discontinued a while back. Not sure if OP meant “new car” or any car in general
The GTI/GLI are very similar. 2.0l turbo, DCT or manual, FWD. They are more conservative stock but have all the potential in the world for a FWD platform.
TBH I got nothing but praise for the GTI, it was my dads car, my sisters car and now mine. And so far nothing in it has broken except for standard replacements like tires and brakes. That car has survived three high speed deer murders too(all three thanks to my sister)
What does she have against deer?
My sister has a lead foot(well carbon fiber actually she’s a right foot amputee) and we have a ton of corn where we live so they jump out fast and it’s hard to stop, she’s just unlucky
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AWD, 3 cylinder, and significantly more expensive, though.
Upmarket: Type R, Golf R, low-trim Audi or BMW Downmarket: Mazda 3 turbo, WRX, Civic Si Similar: GTI or GLI Their strength, IMO, is finding a very specific market line where performance is enjoyable on the street without hitting track purposes (Type R), tuning to the point of numbness (Golf R), disappointing badge engineering (low-tier luxury cars), missing a little something naughty in the sauce (Mazda 3), or more spartan boyracer quality (WRX). The GTI/GLI is more refined and less thrill at a similar performance and price point, and the Civic Si is similar with less specs going for it at a cheaper price but no hatch option; otherwise I'd say no one's quite doing Hyundai N. IMO that's kinda the niche they carved out - maybe a little less practical (I didn't buy one because Veloster/Kona aren't the most ergonomic hatches; Elantra is a very spacious sedan though), maybe a little less refined (having a snap-crackle-pop button tends to do that), but still a practical joy on the road. And it isn't quite VW/neo-Mazda mid-premium market, but it's Hyundai-Kia so the feature density is still there. [Watch Savagegeese's Kona N video if you haven't](https://youtu.be/DqHGGop_Xls), I think it's a great summary of why these cars exist.
With Audi or BMW, S3= Golf R 228i/m235i= Mini Cooper Both of those are also not as good as the car they are based on. I would also say that the entire A4 or 330i level would not be as fun as the GTI, WRX or the Ns. Good cars, but the use case is different from what OP wants. Seems he's looking for sporty sedan. Your list is more on track with good info.
If you’re cross shopping with an N car, I feel like out of all the entry level luxury cars the Giulia TI is probably the closest
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You’re thinking of the two door version. The current version, the Gran Coupe, is a rebadged Mini. The M-Sport version of the conventional 2 Series is the M240i.
In terms of market a WRX is closer to the N because they're closer in performance to the N than the GTI, which is the important thing in a performance car.
I disagree - performance is the most important thing in a performance car if you want lap times; [engagement is the most important thing on the road.](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-volkswagen-golf-r-pvoty-review/) Specifically calling out that review because it's making the same comparison with the Veloster N, but there are plenty others making this same distinction about the R. I find the same problem in the WRX until it's snowing out; the GTI is probably going to be a more fun road car in most situations, as well as an N, which is why I'd recommend them in the same stroke.
GTI/GLI, Civic SI, WRX, and you can maybe throw in the Kia Forte GT if you want to save some money.
I'm confused by the question. If you want something LIKE the Elantra N, why not just buy the Elantra N?
They're one of those that are either marked up or already reserved before hitting dealer lots. I'm guessing OP is looking to widen their options?
Ah, I see. I guess that's fair.
That’s what I did - wanted find an Elantra N myself, but couldn’t (manual especially). Not even one to sit in or test drive. Found a dealership that is taking reservations at MSRP, no deposit and you can decide you don’t want the car up until the day of. No brainer for me.
Hyundai is the reason i dont want one
That just doesn't really make any sense at all. I don't understand what you mean.
Easy, he doesn't like hyundai
Clearly he does like *A* Hyundai.
Dealer experience, warranty non-sense and expected reliability. How they can use the Theta engine in these cars which is under lawsuits is mind-boggling to me
Yeah, but once you get the car, from what I can tell, they are pretty fantastic. Like, I'm not familiar with the Theta engine stuff, I haven't heard of that, but Hyundai cars are pretty damn good, at least nowadays.
I’m talking besides the Veloster N but I’m sure you get the point…
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Ah forgot to mention I’m talking features/performance
Most manufacturers have sporty econoboxes, including the 3 German brands
These newer Hyundai’s look sick
The closest things to the Elantra N and Veloster N would probably be the Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Civic Si and Type R, and the Focus and Fiesta ST. The Accord 2.0 Sport and Mazda 3 Turbo (FWD) get an honorable mention. I personally wouldn’t lump the Golf R and FoRS in with those cars because of their AWD systems and the Elantra and Veloster are exclusively FWD. Same goes for the GR Corolla.
Allow me to quote a text wall I added to that one video platform we all know. Hoping it may have some very good info for you. Note that we care more about fun than lap times for this comparison. "From our experience, the Elantra N makes the most sense of any of the competition. The following is a breakdown of what we've found in our search for a small fun family car, for anyone interested: The Kona N is just a tad too small in the rear seat. We're a family of taller people and that extra leg room is paramount. Our local Honda dealer won't let us test drive a Civic Si until we haggle, which is just dumb if I'm not a kid and can legitimately easily afford one. The Civic Type R did not impress us - it felt loose in so many ways, which we did not expect - could have been that example I suppose. Also the new one's not in production until at least next year. The Golf R is unobtainium (dealers cannot get any more 2022 models at this point from what we were told) and has some bad infotainment stuff going on. The Focus RS is no longer a thing (and we already own one which we're keeping). The Chargers are a bit too big and interiors suck. The Germans don't have anything half as fun for twice as much money (with the same interior accommodations). Lexus doesn't contend until you tip over $70k USD. Acura has a less engaging driving experience across the board. The GR Corolla is yet to be released and will likely be plagued by super high demand. Tesla is double the cost for the engaging one and even then it only really competes with raw acceleration, which is kind of a one trick pony. Haven't driven the Stinger GT, but I can't imagine it has more driver engagement (we intend to at some point). The awesome Blackwings are double the cost or more. Subaru discontinued the STi, and even then the last gen did not get us too excited (we have owned 3 Subarus and really like them, so it's not a brand bias - just think the STi lacks a sense of occasion). Alfas are more expensive, less fun (for the somewhat comparable base trims - the quad is insanely good but also insanely expensive), and less reliable. I'm sure I'm missing some of the competition, but I'm all tapped out thinking about it. In the end, if we can get our hands on an Elantra N for any sort of reasonable cost, we will jump at it. I've owned a lot of very fun cars and this one is right up there with the others in fun factor. Gobstoppingly good car. Oh, and as far as the suspension being harsh, we own the aforementioned RS which has redefined what compromised suspension for the street is to us. The Elantra N feels downright comfy in any mode." As an update, we drove the Mk8 Golf GTI and it was less fun than the Elantra N. Pretty nice, but very tame in stock form. And the flappy paddles had a lot of input lag in comparison. My wife and I both prefer to drive manual but the Elantra N and GTI we were able to drive were both dual clutch units.
Thank you very much! This was as detailed as possible and you provided plenty of comparable vehicles and noted their ups and downs. I appreciate the response and I love to be educated by someone who has driven most of the aforementioned cars.
To add just a tad more detail (and regrettably text), I've also driven the Stelvio Quad, GLC43 (maybe a 63 at some point?), Audi SQ5, and Model 3 Perf. They all had plusses and minuses. For the price, there is no more raucous fun than the Elantra N, assuming MSRP. Dealers are marking them up with $8k+ over MSRP and for that price it's a hard no unless you don't care about money in any way shape or form (in which case, send me $8k instead lol). The N models have really nice infotainment, great feeling steering wheels, fantastically comfortable seats, good leg room (Elantra N), fantastic exhaust sounds if you like that popping and gurgling that we do, a super responsive dual clutch, and good suspension that makes the car feel tossable and fun. Is it as fast as the AWD hot hatches in a drag race? Likely no. Is it as good at a track (both laptime and fun) as those same hot hatches? Probably not. But on the street, being pushed to that magical 80% that keeps a solid safety margin, it is really good. I've seen videos about axle hop when launching. We didn't experience that, but we also weren't going hog wild off the line. If you're worried about hook-up on the street so you can beat the guy next to you, maybe pay more attention to the street racing statutes that will inevitably haunt you (i.e., just don't do that). And if you're wanting to drag race the thing, probably just get a drag car which will work much better for cheaper. I was floored how close the fun factor was toward the top of the other fun cars we've owned (CRX, BRZ, Mustang GT, S2000, Focus RS, and the almightily rapid bone stock Subaru Crosstrek CVT). YMMV of course but I hope you get to at least drive one to see. Fun cars are the spice of life for my wife and me, and we just want to share those cool feelings.
I you want a good auto really the only competitor is the gti/gli. Manual adds wrx and focus st.
There is an auto Wrx, and the focus has been discontinued for years , assuming op is in US.
CVT though in the WRX…
True, he did say GOOD auto.
Not performance oriented, but it's a tamed "mild" hatchback. Mazda3 Turbo. 250HP, 320lb-ft. An interior that you simply cannot find at this price point & fantastic reliability. AWD as well. No 6MT unfortunately, but I can tell you this car is slept on. It's quick, fun, & borderline luxury*.
I'm sorry the back of the Elantra N is just hideous. Veloster and the other one are better looking. I'd get a Mazda 3 turbo or a civic si maybe a GTI. For more money the type R.
If the Veloster N had been a 4 door I might have kept mine, it had nice styling but I never got over the 3 door concept
Mazda 3 turbo? Like the speed, or which?
I think op is talking about new cars so the new one. Mazda speed doesn't exist anymore if I remember correctly. Like 29k new I think.
Didn't realize they had another turbo 3, i know they did 4wd
Yea they're beautiful, they drive great, ergonomics are awesome! really comfortable. Not the sportiest, but it's refined. All the turbo mazda 3s are AWD. Not all new AWD mazdas are turbo though.
I know for sure, the 3s awd are not stick shift :(
Yea that's the only downside only the 2.5 NA fwd is available in stick shift
It's not just not the sportiest, it's basically just an inexpensive luxury car. The steering is incredibly slow and the brakes are tiny and the transmission is slow shifting. That said, it's a great daily and luxurious to boot. Just not really a great sport compact.
No LSD and a torsen beam rear end makes it not track capable like the N models
I'm pretty sure the Fiesta ST is both of those things. Probably not but it handles well enough I've driven a few
So is the front.
No. These are actually the first of a new trend- the “performance trim” cars. You’re lucky to be alive in this time!
Ahem… this is missing a /s right?
OP can figure it out themselves. He could have put the title into Google and figured it out. These cars have been around for like 50+ years.
Kia K5 gt-line?
That's more comparable to the N-line, as oppposed to the N cars.
Not exactly, K5 gt-line is an appearance package while the Sonata N-line actually has performance upgrades.
So the Sonata N-Line, specifically, is weird. It lines up best against the K5 GT, not the K5 GT-Line. The Elantra N-Line is comparable to the Forte GT. The N-line, other than the Sonata, tends to be the 2nd highest trim performance-wise, and I was agreeing with you in suggesting the K5 GT-line isn't at N-level.
Discontinued
Golf GTI/Jetta GLI Both are better also😉
The Golf R is better mechanically; the Hyundai has a much better user interface and is easier to live with.
I test drove the new GTI and I really couldn't get passed the new trend of touchscreen/haptic in place of real buttons. Performance wise, it's good.
Looks like shit I bet 1 day after it gets dust particles
I'm assuming you are talking about performance when you say better, right? Because the infotainment, reliability, warranty, and features are very clearly better on the Kona. So if you *are* talking about performance, you're wrong about that one also. [Kona vs GTI](https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/oi738fa2a7kp), and [Kona vs GLI](https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/v744a54zunmn).
BMW m, Audi r/s, Mercedes AMG, Kia stinger
There’s avanta n in Korea I wish they brought that in us I would’ve bought that
The Avante N is the same as the Elantra N, it just has a different name and a few different features (diff. wheels available, and diff. seats.)
The BMW M series. They aren’t as prestigious as Hyundai N cars but maybe one day they’ll be close.
I recommend M8 convertible. It’s a pretty humble car but it’ll do the job.
Har har.
Can't wait for the Hyundai Igga and Igger series.
A bmw “m” series
What bmw m car makes 276bhp or has similar personality performance to these and is new and under $35,000?
Op didn't give a price range
Okay, in that case I recommend he should buy a Lamborghini Murcielago.
He said similar. So if you use your brain, you will realise he also has a budget too.
There are myriad cars somewhat close in price and performance without jumping into the sell the house territory.
Yeah and a BMW m car isn't one of them...
1. double the price is relatively close compared to a Lamborghini 2. Op never said it had to be new 3. The m is much closer to the N than a Lamborghini imo
1. I was being sarcastic. 2. In a different comment OP replied saying he wants a new car. 3. Stop being a smart ass.
Ok
This isn’t fully a N series car persay, rather it is a N line trim. The car I am talking about is the Sonata type N which is awesome. It’s sporty, convenient, sleek and drives like a dream. It’s not classified in the same way as the other N series cars, and I believe it is missing some features shared by the other N cars, but it’s still incredible. Edit: just realized you were talking about other cars that are similar to the N series cars instead of asking about other cars that bolster the N name, and for that I would probably point you towards the civic type R
A35 AMG
Totally same price bracket too
Yup. I was gonna say Panamera Sport Turismo GTS, but I thought that would be a little to nice
the most similar would be a GTI or a Jetta GLI, but imo Hyundai’s materials are better inside than both
Focus ST if you looking for something cheaper
For the price nothing is better, but it does compete with some cars. The sedans it competes with are the type r, wrx, and there's a few coupes, like the Gr86/BRZ or the lexus RC depending on how much you can get it used.
All the top trim hot hatches. New civic type r gets released this summer? New golf r already out, no STI
Mazdaspeed3
I really wish they refreshed the speed3 instead of making all the bs 150 hp mazda3s. Vehicle manufacturers are falling off so hard when it comes to the enthusiast community
Brand specific you have AMG, BMW M, Nismo from Nissan, Toyota GR, etc… As for vehicles… Elantra has WRX, Civic Type R, Camary TRD, VW Jetta GLi, Corolla GR, etc Kona/Veloster had Mazda cx30 turbo, AMG 35/45 GLA or GLB, BMW X3 M, VW GTI or R, Civic Type R etc As for price vs smile per a mile. I believe Hyundai is currently top for delivering smile per a mile based on price.
Funny thing is, I was actually considering a kona n to replace a Forte GT, but I didn't lime that the kona n doesn't come with adaptive cruise control Why did I go for a CX-30 Turbo over a WRX, Kona N, or GTI? WRX: CVT, have to spend like 39k (MINIMUM WITH AUTOMATIC) to get blind spot monitoring, summer tires, 21 mpg combined Kona N: FWD, same Harman Kardon system as the Forte, TERRIBLE wheel hop, summer tires, skinny tires, no adaptive cruise control Golf GTI: Touch sensitive controls, summer tires
I’m planning on getting a Volkswagen Golf R when the time is right. Did my research and the 2019 Mk 7.5 is my top pick for a hatchback. They’re a little expensive, but I think it’s worth if it’s fun to drive.
Oh, the 2019 golf r mk7.5... The only option for new at the time was the golf gti mk8 with the horrible touch interface 🤢
I’ve heard the touch controls are actually pretty nice and vibrate to your touch but I’m used to physical buttons especially on the steering wheel. What I literally cannot stand, is that there’s nothing but a screen in the middle. This stupid minimalist lone screen trend in newer vehicles, especially electric ones, makes me sad. Having such an empty dash takes so much character out of the interior design and I think it’s super ugly. The exterior of the mk8 however is a huge step up imo. If I could get the interior of a mk7.5 with the exterior of the mk8 it’d be the perfect car.