With seemingly every car manufacturer catering towards the luxury segment, adequate daily drivers with a sports car edge are all perhaps but a relic of the past.
Arguably long-gone are the days when a forced induction, manually-operated 'Econobox' wouldn't put you in debt up to your eyeballs - or so we thought.
After Hyundai announced the unveiling of the Hyundai N division six years ago, gearheads everywhere could breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will have a fun, appropriate option for their daily commute as we watch the sporty executive car become increasingly out of reach for the young urban professional.
Something automotive YouTuber 'ThatDudeInBlue' puts to the test as he reviews the all-new Hyundai Elantra N in his latest piece of content in an attempt to inform the public of the special ideas Hyundai continues to execute.
The Hyundai Elantra N Is An Excellent Daily Sports Car
In what TDIB on YouTube calls the "turning point of Korean car brands," no one would have ever guessed the Elantra would rival cars like the Honda Civic Type R or Subaru WRX.
However, six years into its high-performance foray, Hyundai N continues to solidify itself as one of the most consistent performance divisions in the automotive industry.
After hiring multiple BMW M executives to head up the N division, Hyundai quickly gained the gearhead approval after the unveiling of the raucous i30 N, and the lesser-acclaimed Veloster N.
A few more N cars later, Hyundai would announce in 2021 that it would transform its longest-produced model, Elantra, into its latest turbocharged, pocket rocket.
Cheap Sports Cars: Race On Sunday, Commute on Monday
Powered by a 2.0L inline-four engine, Hyundai utilizes a 52 MM turbocharger to help the Elantra boast an adequate 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque - however, when combined with the Elantra's svelte circa-3,200-pound curb weight, this econobox transforms into a proper super saloon — even with its FWD chassis.
Taking the purist approach, the interior sees the use of one screen that extends across most of the dash, while maintaining a quintessential sports car feel with upholstered bucket seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Although TDIB didn't get to test the six-speed manual version, he still found himself excited to try Hyundai's newest dual-clutch transmission that reviewers are raving about.
After a quick jaunt about the Iowan highways, TDIB affectionately compares this Elantra to what the Acura Integra's revival should be.
With its quirky and unique styling, combined with its decent base price and an immaculate warranty, TDIB dubs the Hyundai Elantra N as a spunky daily driver sure to please the enthusiasts in everyone.