Hyundai Elantra/i30 Sedan N-Line 2021 review: A warm sedan that looks good!

You can normally gauge how much attention a new model will get by the amount of heads it turns when you're driving it. If head turns convert to sales, the 2021 Hyundai i30 N-Line Sedan (also known as the Elantra or Avante) is going to sell like hot cakes! Paul Maric tests out the latest warm sedan from Hyundai's N-Line division.
More Hyundai content: www.carexpert.com.au/hyundai
More Hyundai Elantra/i30 Sedan content: www.carexpert.com.au/hyundai/i30
Hardness tester results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 01:00
Interior 03:04
Infotainment 04:41
Safety Tech 06:18
Practicality 07:10
On the road 10:10
Verdict 15:27
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#hyundai #i30 #elantra #review

[@Churchy832]

Hyundai N and N-line had absolutely changed my perception of the brand. It's gone from something I considered relatively boring. To something that I would seriously consider for my next car. I'm loving the moves they're making in the performance space and I can't wait to see what they do next.

[@danieledwards3301]

I bought a n line manual sedan in fluid metal 2 months ago. It has already done over 7000k including a run from Brisbane to Roma and back last week. I came from a Toyota 86 and have a history of Commodores and Falcons. The manual naturally does not have the dct problems you describe. It is very quick off the line and no low speed issues. It also has the analogue dials that I prefer. I absolutely love this car. It is quick enough, very comfortable and I get fuel economy of around 6.8 l/ 100k. Except when I give it a flogging through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. I got high 5s on my trip to Roma. Has the N badge changed my perception of Hyundai? Yes. Not just that, their build quality and design has come a very long way. Previously, my favourite car was a 2004 BA XR6 turbo, manual with the premium interior that I bought new. This not so little Hyundai may become the best car I have owned.

[@CarExpertAus]

That’s great to hear! Glad you’re enjoying it 😁

[@Hutchy86]

So 2 yrs on has it made it to the top of your list?

[@dylanrogers3723]

keep coming back to this review. love this car.

[@Mrmergs]

I've had the SR Turbo for nearly five years now and its great. However this N-line model has a few more goodies in it. But the i30 sedan N would be worth the wait with a 2ltr turbo and 8 speed wet DCT. Awesome review Paul.

[@CarExpertAus]

I’m looking forward to the full fruit N!

[@WebbyOnCars]

I love the styling, it looks very sharp and edgy!!

[@MrMorden]

Mine has been on order since late February. It has now just arrived at the dealership so I am hopeful I will be able to pick mine up by the end of next week. It's been a long 11-12 week wait.

[@dennisgeorge318]

I am so glad you reviewed this car. I was looking forward to seeing your review. Thank you

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@dennisgeorge318]

@@CarExpertAus You do the most comprehensive review. I really enjoy watching your uploads!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

The fact that the Hyundai Elantra N-line actually has rear air vents and ventilated seats is amazing! That is something I wish the Honda Civic Si and Toyota Corolla XRS had.

[@EliasAnto]

“Has the N division changed your perception of the Hyundai brand?” - Yes, yes it has. Hyundai in my opinion, keeps raising the bar for this segment.

[@CarExpertAus]

😁

[@anonymous6694]

Not really, they were 30k for the good one and now they're 37k. That's getting up there. But I suppose everything else is too.

[@creamtube]

That orange peal tho... wow :o Lovely review. Quite the fan of u Paul, always such a normal and indept presentation, its really nice to watch and listen to

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@dxbmick]

I agree. The paint looks 💩close up

[@claudlibre]

I have the active version and I love everything about my car. Best decision than getting a small suv. Spacious, drives perfectly and I find it fuel efficient. Also, the gas and brake pedals are forgiving and the steering wheel is just really nice. Small thing i wish it has is the sunglasses holder haha but honestly that's just a small thing.

[@00Aroha]

What’s the difference between the two? I was thinking getting an active one

[@JamesZ888]

amazing review, seen one in person in a shade of the colour call fluid metal and damn the car looks amazing, would consider getting one

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@ashokpanigrahi3848]

I was waiting for this car review.

[@CarExpertAus]

Enjoy!

[@-TJ-]

If only they brought this design language to the hatchback.

[@HughRussell06]

Yeah, even just the interior at least. I would hands down take the sedan over the hatch now

[@-TJ-]

@@HughRussell06 Agreed. Interior should be their top priority.

[@mrheyfuckoff1]

The hatch is still on the old Elantra architecture. The next generation hatch will be based on this one.

[@rowanallen5709]

Gr8 Torque! Thanks.

[@chadleukes2978]

Would love to own a Hyundai one day. Thought highly of them ever since Hyundai South Africa started selling them with 7-year 200 000km warranties.

[@tedtedness184]

The jittery DCT goes away when the clutch is broke in after about 1,500 miles or so. It is more fun to drive because they finally did more tuning on the 7 speed dry clutch.

[@claudiadavies5110]

Gorgeous and head turning, it really really works!

[@tosu906]

I definitely think the N Line offering has raised Hyundai’s profile. I can’t wait to see a review of the upcoming i30 N hatchback with the DCT

[@lucaswest2530]

We bought one in blue … except we opted for 6spd. Absolutely love it

[@radamspse]

On my current i30, the road noise reduced significantly when I swapped the as-supplied tyres for Michelin tyres. I have an i30 Nline premium on order and if the road noise is too much I will swap the tyres as soon as possible. Great review Paul.

[@xpartacus]

Best Elantra N Line review so far.

[@gdawwg1125]

i was following a black one at night. they look so futuristic , they look awesome

[@victoriatilley9758]

I’ve got the elite version in white on order! 😍 been waiting since early March, hopefully not much more of a wait 😅

[@davidmcc6666]

Great looking car, mate. I want one. Great review.

[@galldingo45]

I purchased the regular n-line in lava orange the other day. So far, it is fantastic. Not as many features as the premium but for 34k, it is very good value for money and is a legitimate head turner

[@cloudo3884]

@Galldingo did you do ceramic coating for it ?

[@cheersandbeers]

Last night i saw one in white with the led strip light at the back....i just had to follow it, it looked so good and nothing like it on the market! I may have ordered one whoops! First new car since 2003!

[@thebluefruit]

I ordered my N Line Premium back in June and just picked it up last Friday. Love the car and love all the features it came with. So much fun to drive. I watched this video on repeat to get my hyped up while I waited.

[@Whocares17032]

Hi there I’ve just ordered an N LINE premium are you still happy with yours?

[@thebluefruit]

@@Whocares17032 Hey David, yes absolutely! 1 year later and I'm still very happy with it. I hope you enjoy yours!

[@Whocares17032]

Still 4 weeks to go and I can’t wait what colour did you get? I chose fiery red

[@thebluefruit]

@@Whocares17032 Awesome! I got Fiery Red as well, it's a great colour!

[@Whocares17032]

@@thebluefruit I can’t wait!!! Plenty of power?

[@StudioVehga]

I'm waiting for mine to arrive 🤤 counting down the weeks.

[@mcho631]

The car's interior and exterior looks mile's better than its competitors in the price point. Not to mention the tech it offers is great. The build quality looks fine for the class as well. There is a slight mistake about the engine in the review here. It is a brand new engine and not the same one that's been tried in other models despite having the same output (201hp) Also some people have asked why it's got a space saver spare wheel. The elite and active trims do have a full sized becuase they have a torsion beam rear suspension. The n line premium has independent rear suspension which makes the driver much better at the cost of slightly less storage in the rear, making it only fit a space saver,

[@re20bt]

Definitely. I wouldn’t have really considered a Hyundai for my next car but now I’m looking at either the new i30N (July) or N sedan (Sept.) as my next car!

[@diamondd2778]

Fantastic review! Subscribed!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the sub!

[@abshassan]

Looks nice, i really like it.. I was very close to purchasing the i30 hatch N-line premium but pulled out last 2nd when i saw this. However Hyundai said they won't have stock till prob september.. So i might wait till next year and have a test drive and make a decision then :)

[@robthurman4584]

I traded in my 2013 Veloster Turbo 6sp AT for this car and its a huge upgrade- suspension - room - tech- 7spDct lays down the power better - quieter cabin noise Im very happy.

[@karmakaramlan]

This looks amazing

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review

[@WstAus1960]

Just got a new one last week, nearly done 1200km city and country driving. No issues with transmission or rattling, road noise is about the same as my 2011 I30 hatch. The only two annoying things I have with it it is that speedometer is on the left hand side with the tacko on the right and it doesn't have wireless apple/Android connectivity (works fine wired).

[@sherrismith3]

I pick up mine next month. Considering I am driving a 2013 Great Wall, I think the noise of this will not be an issue! 🤣🤣

[@janicesmith5324]

I have an elite sedan not an N line but love the body styling and it handles really well. Just have one small creak on the interior but nothing to worry about, full size spare tyre also included. Overall a great package at a reasonable price.

[@wristcandy5451]

Refreshing looks but it'll be divisive, respects from South. Great interior

[@jackcalow2430]

hyundai’s design changes as well as the N brand have really upped my thoughts of them. test drove an i30N and loved it. but also seeing their cars 5 years ago compared to now it’s no wonder why they’re doing so well. one of my favourite brands

[@JacobHall1601]

Tossing up between this on the hatch version. Really not sure how well the design of the sedan will age but either way can’t believe how Hyundai have stepped there game up so many levels since about 2017/2018

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

What hatch version?

[@CK-297]

The styling was so different, it was such a surprise! The i30 was also very different and much improved.😉 (Albeit the build quality ) Did you lose your suede shoes? 😁

[@ld9387]

6:54 my perception of Hyundai changed when they launched the ix-35 a while back. I think that car was the turnaround point for the brand.

[@oldgit8597]

Ordered mine 3 months ago only 4 more to wait 😭getting it in the blue 😎 part ex my Honda civic RS the looks on this car just caught my eye 😏😘

[@chillian1985]

i test drove the exact same car...i have to say the drive is really fun, very responsive and powerful little 1.6 turbo engine. It sticks to the road well when attacking corners. Good power when you accelerate...the interior actually looks really good in person. But i ended up buying the i30 N line hatchback because it was cheaper lol

[@andywiththen]

Better hope you don't have the overboost issues the hatchbacks have that cause them to go into limp mode.

[@mharro88]

@@andywiththen what? Haven't read that anywhere

[@geoffrey1967]

I'm impressed, my perception of Hyundai has changed, hope they fix those issues you mentioned though, otherwise a pretty good car, rating out of 5, 4.5?

[@GeeeEm61]

Thanks Paul. This is the first car I've seen in a long time which doesn't have any indicator lines built into the rear view parking camera.

[@Whocares17032]

um yes it does!!

[@GeeeEm61]

@@Whocares17032 Thanks David, your response surprised me, so I just checked again. 6.48 into the video and it’s just a clear reversing camera screen. No lines to indicate which way to steer.

[@arunatarcadia]

Hey @paulmaric. I saw you in ABC news. Well done Automobile expert.

[@solreaver83]

wondering if you have driven the new cerato and how they compare. im tossing up between the 2 and leaning towards the i30 for the aesthetics.

[@swerve3971]

Just got mine cannot rave enough about it simply perfect!

[@CarExpertAus]

Enjoy!

[@seanthebrawn]

Is the console as rattely as in the video? Probably the main thing holding me back. Would drive me crazy

[@swerve3971]

@@seanthebrawn not at all I reckon because he has a demo car it's been used by heaps of reviewers, mine has none of that

[@tucksy05]

Wireless Android Auto?

[@swerve3971]

@@tucksy05 wired android auto

[@popsandbangs8858]

Do a comparison between this and new Octavia !

[@wndabarinze]

The design has grown on me

[@francobolli74]

Great car Paul what are your thoughts compared to Kia Cerato GT or Camry hybrid ?? tossing up on these 3 cars..

[@turningwheelsyangge2770]

No it doesn’t really change my perception of the brand but for how much they charge for a car, it is still a good option to consider. Unfortunately for these brands it still down to the price, there are a lot more improvements needed such as attention to details and build quality (referring to how well everything screw together), if they wish to move higher up on the premium ladder board

[@himedia5354]

Please do a review of Hyundai i30N sedan performance. I am still torn on which one to get i30N Hatch or Sedan.

[@darrenwilliams5216]

You had the sunroof open (maybe not the glass) but the sunroof blind was back and from my experience that will contribute considerably to increased cabin noise. Not saying it’s the sole contributing factor here, but it wouldn’t have helped. I too would be frustrated with a rattle under the top of the dash, especially on a new car - no excuses for that in today’s advanced manufacturing techniques. Nice review though and overall, a nice sporty little car. Think the Sonata N-Line is a better refined package though. Thanks for the review! 👍🏼🤗

[@mharro88]

the sonata is 15k more it should be

[@srihari4067]

Love from India, Tamil Nadu

[@sourwords1808]

Why does Apple almost always gets more screen coverage on the infotainment systems ?

[@PsychedMedia]

The screen and the bezel is not flushed together as in the left hand drive models

[@macl5030]

Picked up my midnight black 130 NLine premium 3 days ago........love love love! So much more fun driving to work now 😄 Fits a pram in the boot easy too btw 👍. Sound system is awesome. Probably only down side atm.....my wife keeps asking me if I wanna swap cars🤣🤌

[@onionknight3700]

congrats!

[@keithwilliams515]

You mention build quality. Paint appears orange peel on any closeups when you are looking at the badging etc. They also appear to have run out by the time they got to the space saver spare area and the cross member behind the back seats. Parsimonious on paint might be a reflection ( no pun intended) of overall build quality.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yeah the lack of paint in the boot is strange. Seen that on a few other cars. Easy way to save some $$$

[@thetruckguy2041]

I love the cooled seats

[@simphiwendlovu7]

Hi Paul, when are you reviewing the Hyundai i30 N DCT? I just want to know what your opinion is about the car.

[@CarExpertAus]

Hopefully in the next couple of months. And hopefully it’s better than the DCT in this 😁

[@Slipperystick73]

So Cerato GT is 1 sec quicker to 100 with same motor? Performance drives got mid 6s in Cerato gt

[@michaeldonnawhitman7825]

@CarExpert Is this the fiery red or lava orange colour?

[@mharro88]

Is there anyway to get the cabin more quiet? What sort of tyres would improve road noise on this?

[@Glofindel]

It looks great inside and outside except the little fins on C pillar and front indicator.

[@Mogsy28uk]

great review Paul, stylish car, but the gloss black everywhere outside will get scratched to hell every wash!!

[@gerrmell8391]

The rattling and loose screws in the car model you’ve reviewed might of just been unfortunate because I personally own one and it doesn’t make any type of noise like that and the handle that’s in between the passenger seat and drivers seat feels sturdy in my car

[@Whocares17032]

ditto

[@udeshhhhhh]

With the interior rattles and creaks, will those be properly taken care of by Hyundai under warranty?

[@kynankukard7250]

Very Good looking vehicle, they have stepped up their game.

[@User-cb4jm]

Personally I much prefer the look of the Mazda3 sedan, but if I was choosing between the hatchbacks I think the i30 is better (best would be the Corolla hatch IMO). I agree with you Paul, flick the Hyundai badge off and put 4 rings on the grille and it looks like an Audi S model. That said I find the side profile kinda chunky, idk it doesn’t look quite right to me near the rear door handles even though the back and front are sharp. Pity the base model Hyundai’s still don’t have standard LED front or rear lights as the halogens look awful. Even the halogen indicator on this flagship model cheapens it, LED’s have a distinctive, sharp on-off flash. Edit: love the interior and digital dash though

[@LoftyVisions]

Looks great but it'd be even better as a fastback. Love the fastback N over the sedan and hatch

[@matthewrafferty4117]

Finally a review that mentions two very annoying points of the i30. The road noise that is very loud at freeway speed and the clunky unrefined DCT. My wife has owned an i30 SR Premium for 3.5 years and 78,000km and I can't wait for her new car to arrive later this year. The i30 is the only car we have owned that I will shift out of the way to drive my own car. The rough transmission, excessive road noise and poor fuel economy are not acceptable for a car of this price. The lower spec 2.0L atmo and torque converter auto models are a much nicer car to live with. They are way smoother and more compliant as a daily driver and cheaper to own both in fuel bills and servicing which is every 15k instead of the 1.6t which is every 10k.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@organictarot1018]

It was a deal breaker for me

[@mharro88]

Road noise is fine. Just change the Goodyear tyres to pilot sport 4 or Bridgestones. They're much quieter. You clearly haven't owned this car. The transmission isn't rough

[@karenedwards8946]

Looks good for an i30 👍👍

[@dipeshsharmahomagain2181]

Can you make a comparision video between hyundai i30 sedan elite and skoda ocatavia ambition

[@macaron3141592653]

wait why do you guys get the premium infotainment and digital instrument cluster in your n-line? In the US, we don't.

[@thelorax9622]

It certainly hasn't hurt my feelings for Hyundai - so much that I will be going to check out the Ioniq 5 when it arrives later in the year, with a view to maybe buying one when I retire in 3-4 years, if it suits me. I really am looking to move to an EV if I can find one I like and can afford.

[@user-vk9sz2se5j]

Try the Telsa 3 you might like it if your country supports electric stations!

[@thelorax9622]

@@user-vk9sz2se5j I need a vehicle that can carry stuff, so the Tesla is out, sorry. The Ioniq 5 is more SUV-ish, so has some space when the 2nd row is folded.

[@leavitt8239]

N division really did change my view about the brand specially what they did about the Veloster N

[@mayhaamstarfish1711]

Ever since n division, I think I’ve became a fanboy

[@gsau3000]

10:00 yeah but you can always just push the seats down from the back with whatever you're putting in the boot.

[@mrnicktoyou]

I wish someone would make a car like this in this segment and price with RWD and a manual. It would be unique and I would buy it.

[@User-cb4jm]

This segment is usually practical auto FWD layout for space efficiency. They know enthusiasts will pay through the nose for sportier versions with a more powerful engine, a manual option and sometimes a AWD option with i30 N, Golf R and Civic Type R models. These N Line/Skoda RS models are faux sports luxe cars (warm sedans with sports trim and red accents)

[@frankmccarthy5020]

Infiniti Q50

[@mrheyfuckoff1]

Just wait for EV's to become more affordable. No manual sadly but RWD is becoming the industry standard for EV's.

[@kjenk19]

Will you be reviewing the facelifted i30 N?

[@Roscarelli]

It would be interesting to see how this goes against the upcoming updated Kia Cerato GT. Keen to hear your thoughts!

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed! Looking forward to having a drive of the Cerato.

[@brent1835]

same car..

[@Anamica666]

I can't wait to see your review on gt cerato . Thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[@jackson100033]

@@CarExpertAus had drive of cerato gt, civic rs , and this nline , civic was the best drive, but they would not talk deal wouldnt even through in mats. So have ordered nline premium got very good deal

[@mharro88]

@@jackson100033 civic is the weakest isnt it?

[@aaaaplay]

I know it's a nitpick but why does Hyundai not update their rear dome light? It looks like something from the 90's. It took them forever to get LED lighting throughout the cabin but why stick with that rear light dome. Give the passengers map lights at least.

[@650thunderbird5]

Good review, Paul. No creaks in the 2021 N-Line hatch, Korea does a great build. This is Czech built, isn't it?

[@CarExpertAus]

This one is Korean built :-)

[@650thunderbird5]

@@CarExpertAus 👍🏻👍🏻

[@arad907]

I need Guidance🙏🏻 I really love i30 design and features but wondering its comfort in comparing to cars like Mazda3 , Civic and Corolla. Which car in this segment is nicer to drive?

[@mharro88]

the i30 easily is the best to drive

[@jackwheeler1837]

I have the Elantra Nline (American version) and the road noise with the factory tires is almost nonexistent, they do have foam in them, hankook ventus I think they are. Also I don’t have any interior rattling my is quiet and tight. I have noticed the low speed jitters you mentioned not a big deal for me as it’s my first dual clutch vehicle. I don’t have the premium I don’t think that’s an American option? I have the base interior and my apply CarPlay / Android Auto is wireless. I came from an 08 civic so the ride quality is far superior. So far I love it.

[@mharro88]

Yep it's 100% the tyres. I change mine to Bridgestones and they're fantastic. Goodyears are way too loud. Also Australian roads are harsh compared to America's.

[@toyoptoo4999]

MATE, CAN YOU PLEASE DO THE HAVAL H6 ULTRA (GEN 3) 2021? its just came out in Australia. Keen to know if its good.

[@CarExpertAus]

Hoping to get one next month 😁

[@luke4224]

That dash is shocking. Looks slapped together.

[@Whocares17032]

It’s not believe me!

[@davidrushton3122]

So I have had my Nline premium for almost 2 years now and do love it, not such a fan of the looks, but love how it drives and responds and the handling is brilliant almost N like…. 👍 great fun car that really gets up and goes hard, love how big the back seat space is just wish it was was a little more premium in finish quality. Otherwise love it, headlights are amazing and bright high beams is in a large car class of it’s own. And I get great economy normally about 700km to a tank anything from 4.8 lt on trip into Melbourne to 6.1 lt maybe a touch higher if I have lots of fun with stop and start traffic.

[@simonlie8365]

how about the road noise that you've tested on the cerato GT, is this softer or louder?

[@dann5515]

2021 by now many have bring their own coffee mug to fit in. I started 3 years now.. using 650ml decor steel cup the best i ever had... keep hot last 10hrs and keeping cold 20hrs!!!

[@Mirror_InsideEditz]

I am confused between Nline premium and full n.. can i get custom exhaust on nline premium and save 10k or its better to buy full i30N

[@koolroo8337]

Is it true that the n-line premium sedan has more safety features then the n-line premium hatchback? I thought it could be the reason why the sedan is more expensive.

[@simonfraser5788]

I liked the I30 Sedan N-Line enough that I have one on order.

[@kevinwong1786]

no regrets getting the sedan NL Premium!

[@fyzbahamas]

It is sad we didn't get N Line version in Malaysia :( The front looks more aggressive

[@ianmedlicott9961]

Much better Car now. Had a i30 N Line Premium Hatch. This Car👌👍

[@johnyuen2107]

I dont understand the difference between i30 N-Line and i30 N-Line Premium... i checked online (mainly carsales) all i30 N-Line are not in digital cluster display (not sure if you understand) but analogue dials instead. Am i looking into the wrong vehicle?

[@jessm5558]

I'm pretty sure N-Line Premium has stuff like heated sets, sunroof and more features and stuff like that whereas the 'standard' N-Line doesn't.