This Is Hyundai's Last Gasoline N Model (Hyundai i30 Sedan N / Elantra N 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N (i30 Sedan N / Avante N) including price, interior and handling.
With European sales of the Hyundai i20 N and i30 N set to dry up - and Australia will likely follow - the i30 Sedan N is going to be the last car standing in Hyundai's petrol powered N performance model range.
N Division is now focussing on fully-electric models like the Ioniq 5 N but America and Australia will continue to get a petrol-powered N sedan and a hybrid version is also under consideration.
Rivals to the i30 Sedan N include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Toyota GR Corolla, Honda Civic Type R and others.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Rivals
0:58 - Interior
3:22 - Back seats
4:03 - Sedan styling
4:32 - Boot and stabiliser bar
5:12 - Fuel economy
5:36 - Servicing and warranty
5:56 - Only gasoline N car with a future
6:30 - Another generation expected
6:56 - Engine isn't perfect
7:30 - Automatic or manual choice
8:15 - Steering
8:35 - Handling
9:14 - Ride quality
9:47 - Is now the right time to buy?
10:37 - Verdict
Chasing Cars makes Australia's most independent new car reviews.

[@chasingcars]

In the video I mistakenly claim the service interval is 15,000km. Didn't mean to say that but I did. It's 10,000km. Cheers.

[@jmmch3358]

In USA was 100,000 miles and 10 years, did it got reduced on the '24 model?😳

[@David-Dumont]

The Elentra has got so big it can easily accommodate the 2.5 litter turbo and it should

[@chasingcars]

Agreed

[@KeithPatrick-wo5cw]

I waited a long time to finally see this car reviewed by a proper team, not just fanboys. Well done.

[@chasingcars]

Happy to help, though I wish I had been able to get my own performance numbers on the car.

[@KeithPatrick-wo5cw]

@@chasingcars indeed that would have been frustrating in the pursuit of getting the full comparison to the likes of the civic R. I dare say there is a bit of curation (their terms) where they provide a track and car for appraisal. No doubt seriously good bang for buck (arguably unparalleled) and one has to be grateful that Hyundai is filling the vacuum as others depart the hot hatch (cum sedan) segment. The report sealed the deal for me, put the car in a close second amongst everything I was considering . Now in my 40s not 30s I picked up a facelifted stinger instead at slightly less expense.

[@TheMASDrummer]

I had an i30 standard hatch...2023 i think. Fantastic car

[@fredjashar9586]

I've just ordered one with the DSG gearbox. Can't wait!!

[@NelsonNelsonFH5]

I'm 'interested' in how this car is designed. l'm getting very big Honda accord vibes but I like it, Hyundai has some cool cars these days!

[@chasingcars]

These days the Sonata is the same size as the Accord. The i30 Sedan is still a big car at over 4700mm in length, though.

[@tonestar0183]

Chasing Cars - Some constructive criticism only as I always love your videos. This is a performance based car and as such would loved seeing and hearing the i30N being driven as such. A "1 minute hot lap" springs to mind.

[@steeley_]

I don't think the NGS is an artificial kick, it just quickens the shifts, gives you a bit more spice, and that's the result lol

[@hayu812]

This car is the only car that is full of ample convenience equipment and safety devices at this price range.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

No rear side airbags and adaptive cruise says no to the safety equipment comment

[@steamroller231]

Plus no 360 camera or lane watching cameras

[@anthonywalsh2164]

Oh no, no adaptive cruise, no lane watching cameras - we’ll all be killed in this dangerous car!

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@anthonywalsh2164 sure, you can make the argument, but it’s certainly not full of equipment according to modern standards.

[@CrystalNinja07]

@@anthonywalsh2164 🤣

[@menamesframerate9136]

I think it’s the right time to buy. Refined, facelifted, and adding a bigger engine would only raise the price when these are supposed to be in budget

[@chasingcars]

Yep, this spec may well suit!

[@paulklp8262]

Bigger engine would make it better than the Civic Type R. They should do it.

[@gregj7916]

Like the design, the frontal update has helped a lot, think I would go with a lip spoiler on the rear, I guess the 10,000kn service intervals indicate Hyundai is concerned about the durability of it's turbocharged engines.

[@dw1508]

Good review! Love the manual option wonder if they will give it awd and 2.5 turbo

[@chasingcars]

Maybe in future. I hope the 2.5, if it happens, is still available with a manual.

[@rover1374]

I remember about 15 months ago or so I watched a review of yours for either the N sedan or hatch - I can’t recall now. Anyway, you said that there will be no more ICE N cars (along with other media) and now might be our only chance to grab one. So I ordered the hatch. Took 12 months to arrive. Now there is a new sedan and even a new hatch coming 😢 either way I still love the car!

[@iBlogGadget]

The “new” hatch is just a mild update. It has been axed in Europe so there will not be another generation. The media was not wrong…

[@chasingcars]

You're on the right track but not quite - you're thinking of this December 2022 video in which I said that the i20 N, i30 N hatch and Kona N SUV would be discontinued and that the Elantra N/i30 Sedan N would be the only non-EV N model: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYCylqOolsdrerM

[@rover1374]

@@chasingcars Sounds about right. Had I I known the new Sedan N FL was a month out or a Hatch N FL2 was on its way it’s unlikely I would have bought a 2021 Hatch N FL1 in 2024!

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough. The decision to do a second facelift (?) for the hatch did surprise me, and I am still pretty cynical because European production has ended. They're building it for a very small number of markets now. We'll see how extensive it is - or isn't.

[@rover1374]

@@chasingcars I am also a bit skeptical of the Hatch FL2 but I read somewhere just yesterday it could be here sooner than expected as supply has freed up with EU now no longer producing them. I think the numbers were around 1000 sold in Aus annually vs 6000 in EU. It was always going to be a risk (and still is) as it could be completely different in a bad way or not happen at all I guess. For example if it lost that exhaust (which I’m unsure how they still manage to produce it within reg) then that’s a no from me.

[@BigBirdMustang]

Great review Tom. Can you please give me an idea of ride quality in comfort compared to some other cars. In comfort,what it like compared to Golf GTI or R, WRX sedan or wagon. Cheers.

[@scottmackenzie318]

There is one thing that is overlooked with many modern manual cars and that is the inclusion of a hill start feature (yes - it's on the auto too but not that relevant) for a manual gear box - this takes the drudgery out of stop starts using the brake pedal to hold the card in position, release brake and then hill hold and then feathering the clutch and accelerator back to brake without any handbrake for short stop starts in lovely Sydney traffic. This really takes the b.s out of "don't get a manual for city driving" Those who can drive and have worked this out are living with all the driving enjoyment of a manual. And, yes, when you're away from traffic use the handbrake like a real manual driver - LOL - Get a manual and enjoy!

[@psewgobind]

My 2023 EN 6MT revs out nicely. It'll still pull, but upshifting about 500rpm early will put you into the meat of the turbo and encourages...still, nice to have the extra useable power up to redline, when you don't want to force the upshift in track condition... For those Aussie roads, 6.3L/100km combine is doable if you put your mind to it...6MT with broken in engine (my 2023 has 53000km) will pull up a hill (small) at 1500rpm while doing about 12l/100km and then do 0L/100km on the way down. If Hyundai is able to shave another 150lb off this chassis, it'll beat Civic's consumption. Perhaps a 2025 Elantra N- Lite, would be a better route to keep the ICE powertrain desirable vs EV.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, this all sounds accurate, good comments.

[@jmmch3358]

Some customers complained that they were having issues with their engines after taking the car into a car wash or driving in stormy weather, those cars going into limp mode. Hopefully Hyundai corrected this issue in the '24th version.

[@chitchatwithjoshua2517]

Where can we find some news about talk concerning a 2.5L engine

[@jmmch3358]

Looks like the seats are very different to the US/CAN version that are thinner and more sporty

[@spiro5327]

Actually the hatch is getting an apdate and will come to Australia later this year

[@chasingcars]

True, though beyond that there doesn't appear to be a future for the hatch. At least that is what Hyundai's most senior executives say.

[@user-do2po7hd9t]

Will hit classic status. I love it

[@hsv215i]

I can only dream of a i30N wagon.

[@chasingcars]

It’d be nice!

[@jmmch3358]

The Elantra N still is not available in the USA. I wounder why the delay if Hyundai announced that was going to be available in the '23 Winter🤷

[@elfishcoder7287]

What do you think the cooler thing will be that is on the horizon?

[@chasingcars]

Second-generation Sedan N with the 2.5-litre turbo and plenty of learnings about chassis tuning.

[@saigoneze4465]

no rear side airbags is unforgivable

[@wayneyoung146]

ICE vehicles will be around for some long time to come

[@chasingcars]

Absolutely, though Hyundai's product pathway has only allowed for the Sedan N to continue as the petrol option. Maybe they will change their mind later.

[@jmmch3358]

Hopefully, I don't like the driving feeling of the EVs and aren't practical, hybrids are better option

[@afrikengunner]

Come on Tom NGS is not an artificial kick in back... NGS is 7kw more and 8Nm more for 20sec

[@chasingcars]

It's both. You get modest, temporary overboost and the shift aggression goes to maximum, where the computer induces a very noticeable shift.

[@alritevegemite]

You might get some people a bit pent up with your comments about the engine, but you're spot on IMO. Dynamically the car is too good to still be lumped with that old, thirsty powerplant. Unless you go through the silly octane learning procedure, which is a pain, the power just isn't satisfying enough and the top end feels very anaemic either way. Bring on the next-gen with the 2.5L.

[@whelangc]

Depends - we see 6.4 litres per 100m in both our Kona N and I30 N (manual ) but yes if you 'haul' it like motoring journo's keep using lauch controls , driving in in N model constantly well you get the picture

[@chasingcars]

I drive everything, it's just a fact. This engine is really strong and impressive in the low-end and mid-range but up top it runs out of puff. This is measurable and palpable. Hence why the more flexible 2.5-litre is expected to go in for the next-gen.

[@Awsme]

Is 95 octane being required an Australian thing? In North America it is 87 or higher but recommends 91

[@TheHarrisonator]

95 octane in Australia is roughly the same as 91 in America. We use a different method of rating octane so our numbers are higher for equivalent fuels

[@Awsme]

@@TheHarrisonator oh cool! Appreciate the reply

[@stormthing22]

How does this compare to the fl5? Thanks tom

[@jonttran1092]

He didnt test them for performance metrics or against other cars. But should.

[@chasingcars]

FL5 is on a higher level when it comes to steering feel and overall B-road capability. I think another megatest is in order - it has been six years between drinks in this segment for us.

[@jmmch3358]

I prefer this '24 front design, compared to the '22-'23 version. Hopefully there is an option available to delete that hideous rear wing pedestal spoiler.

[@mikipavloski5239]

Wich one is faster, this one or previous model ?

[@afrikengunner]

This car is a little heavier

[@joeysterz7591]

Both the same

[@mharro88]

PFL apparently?

[@lazzlazz8600]

Same

[@chasingcars]

Didn't get a chance to run my own performance numbers. Hoping to in future. The old one put down 6.71sec 0-100km/h in manual guise at our test track, and 5.59sec as a hatch with the DCT…

[@jmmch3358]

I wish that we could have a red and dark grey and silver metallic colors available in the Elantra N and if possible to delete the lower red stripe.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed, I’d like a no-cost option to delete red highlights. Starting to look a bit juvenile now.

[@minjmaxvlog5006]

🎉😊

[@NGSMODE]

"Doesn't have much top end." Have you actually driven this car hard? It's top end is certainly no joke for a 4cyl. The pre-facelift EN was already doing 0 - 150 mph 5.5 sec faster than the Type-R. I have the EN and it actually pulls the hardest on top end. Feels like you'll never run out of gears at over 140 mph. Just keeps on pulling.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, have driven the car and engine very extensively since its inception. The engine has good low and mid-range torque but yes, it doesn't have strong top-end in stock form - it responds well to slightly short shifting to extract the best acceleration.

[@NGSMODE]

​@chasingcars And what 4 cyl cars are you comparing it to in class for this conclusion? Stock EN's will do 165 mph/ 265 kph despite being electronically limited to 155 mph/ 249 kph. Tuned they will do over 180 mph/ 289 kph under the proper conditions. Main limiting factor is air drag and friction. (Ik people in the community with tuned Elantra N's that are over 400 whp. No electronic limit.) I myself have kept up with a M4 Comp from 100 to 140 mph on the freeway. And I'm completely bonestock (no tune.) BMW driver was going full throttle hence his visible bewilderment. Can you explain how I'm getting such high boost beyond the mid end? I only use 93 oct fuel. We don't get faster DCT EN's in the US. It's fairly quick if you know how to push it by brake boosting and taking advantage of it's weight.

[@asherpangu]

This one has screen that looks way cheaper looking than the Canadian and American EN. Idk why they did that

[@cindysue5474]

Dont understand why they don't offer a spare for all the Elantra Ns. Had to hunt one down for the Kona N.

[@apexcobra.official]

Regular spares don't fit over the front brakes. You can get a spare for the regular Kona, but if you have a flat on the front, you need to swap the wheels around so the spare is on the back.

[@Mexxx65]

As much as most of us in here (youtube) love ICE cars and manual gearboxes. Reviews such as these, proliferating the internet, with click-bait titles "Last gasoline" "last manual" "Last sports cars" , well we'll all have to contend with now. I just hope the more established and respected cartube channels......don't now become the car manufacturer's "sale pitch" Advert, to help them for free, get all these old ICE cars of their lots......its a natural technological evolution, nothing bad, sad or wrong about it, the automotive history has always been that way.

[@chasingcars]

It's my job to bring you accurate descriptions of what is happening in the motoring world. Chasing Cars was among the first to report that N Division would move away from petrol power to a focus on electric and that is now happening. Albert Biermann has told me personally that the only petrol model with a clear future is the i30 Sedan N (Elantra N), which will continue to be updated and may get another generation or even a hybrid motor in future. Hence why I describe this car as *the last petrol N model*, meaning the *model* rather than the spec you see here.

[@Willowside]

I was quite disappointed the facelift version still comes with physical hand brake not the electric parking brake.

[@apexcobra.official]

You are clearly not a car enthusiast lol.

[@JorgeSoto-el7ji]

Why would you want an electric parking brake on a performance based car? 🫠

[@elfishcoder7287]

It's getting the a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine

[@chasingcars]

Hope so.

[@650thunderbird5]

N Line = 10,000 service intervals, N = 15,000? WTF are Hyundai doing? Hatch more soft touch points than sedan, but deleting the hatch? Confusing, but sounds tricky.

[@mharro88]

That 15000 is wrong it's 10.

[@650thunderbird5]

@@mharro88 👍🏻👍🏻

[@davidb1630]

If you want the engine to last, make it 6,000 or 6 months. @@mharro88

[@chasingcars]

Apologies, it's 10,000. I will add a pinned comment.

[@ironlungthe3rd]

The car costs around 18-20 thousand US to produce in the aussie dollar thats 27-30k roughly, so hyundai are making a killing on these, unlike toyota who only make back about a tenth of the cars value.

[@chasingcars]

Where do those numbers come from?

[@lazzlazz8600]

It’s kinda obvious this guy doesn’t like the car. Almost every other review out of Korea has been extremely positive.

[@jonttran1092]

He didn't mention the NGS nor did he mention the N menu in the infotainment. Instead refers to the i30 sedan premium for comments about interior?? He doesn't know the car, didn't do his homework.

[@lazzlazz8600]

@@jonttran1092 Absolutely correct 👍 He actually said the NGS button gives you an artificial kick in the back of the seat🤣🤣 Not one idea of the track capability. Terrible review.

[@chasingcars]

NGS *does* give you an artificial kick, as it ratchets the shift aggression mode to maximum in addition to providing temporary overboost functionality. My comment is accurate. I refer to extensive customisation of the N mode. I made explicit reference to the car's balance and behaviour on track, so I don't place much stock in this comment.

[@lazzlazz8600]

@@chasingcars Ratchets? The car is already in N mode…. It’s most aggressive engine and transmission setting. Any kickback is purely a result of what gear you’re in. There is no deliberate kick down function different to the transmissions regular downshifts. It’s purely a little overboost. If you’re ever in WA, make contact with the us at Hyundai head office and I’d be glad to walk you through some live diagnostics at one of our dealerships.

[@jbuhd]

As you said it's a more aggressive shift mode where the clutch drops even quicker. There's nothing artificial about that kick. It's a real kick. You may thinking of the ioniq 5 n where it cuts power to give you an artificial shift feel

[@-ac-8296]

life is so hard having to close a boot manually with your own hand...

[@laxmoto3119]

There's just nothing to grab onto except for the paint. It's a bit annoying.

[@lukemothug3744]

The Sonata N-Line is up your alley then.

[@chasingcars]

Closing by hand is fine - I'd appreciate you not misrepresenting my remarks. Closing by the dirty exterior of the boot isn't fine at this price. At almost sixty thousand dollars on-road, a 20-cent piece of plastic to swing the boot closed isn't too much to ask. And it's not a weight-saving thing - you'd probably scrap the ventilated seats and premium stereo first.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Bruh a comment like that shows you can’t afford a car at this price point anyway. People paying this level of money expect power tailgates. Have some respect for Tom please. Journos are pretty poor as a breed but he’s always been pretty even handed on their reviews.

[@GR8Tmate]

⁠​⁠@@chasingcarsmisrepresenting your remarks? 🤦‍♂️ Seriously, you can’t be for real. 😂

[@whelangc]

The hatchback FL is for later in the year - So it is technically not the last - but these newer models do not have the racing style buckets which is a shame

[@chasingcars]

Yes there may still be that update as expected, but my point is that the i30 N hatchback model with a petrol engine has no long-term future, where as the sedan does long-term.

[@whelangc]

@chasingcars Having said that I will continue to drive our Kona N, I30 N hatch and our i20N for years to come

[@steamroller231]

Was keen on this but i was suprised to see that it doesnt come with a 360 camera and the lane watch cameras. What a letdown

[@fale892]

Open your eyes. You CAN watch the lanes yourself 🤦‍♂️ dumbest feature to sook about

[@steamroller231]

@@fale892 if its offered i still want it. Better than other bullshit safety features. But you live under your rock mate

[@chasingcars]

Australia misses out because we've opted for the physical handbrake - for some reason, those systems require the electric brake, Hyundai says.

[@user-lo6vk3yw4c]

These cars are great but they break. Expect fuel injector failure at 8k miles or worse.

[@CampbellSimpson]

Shocking urban fuel consumption. I appreciate the sportiness of the N, but this is going to be an expensive car to run over its life. It's also why all my cars only ever drink 91!

[@chasingcars]

It isn't fuel-efficient, but sadly the Octavia RS isn't available with a manual.

[@megax2152]

400-500km per tank is very good especially for a sports car

[@eighteenspaces.]

If this came with an AWD option and a 2.5L I think I'd sell my soul just to own one

[@entropy_2790]

did he say the engine lacks top end… 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@chasingcars]

Yes

[@matthewr.33]

Definitely not there last gasoline N series

[@chasingcars]

The most senior executives at N Division is saying that it is, so it's their word, not mine - but you never know if decisions could change in the future.

[@matthewr.33]

@chasingcars interesting. Only rumors I've heard is that the Nline will get the 2.0L turbo in the future and the N will get the sonata 2.5L. But it could just be in euro for emissions regulations

[@kulaak-krii]

Petrol in Australia. Gasoline is American.

[@chasingcars]

This car is sold in both markets, hence why the video says both.

[@tonycutillo2512]

What is with that god awful ugly frame around the gauge cluster and nav screens. It’s like a bevel frame. The previous ones are just flat and flush straight across. This new style looks cheap with those framed screens.

[@chasingcars]

The bezel is oddly thick, really goes against the thin bezel trend in other areas of consumer tech.

[@juslookinatyas]

If this is their attitude they won’t exist in 10-15 years.

[@chasingcars]

Time will tell.

[@jonttran1092]

A poor review. No tests for 0-100km/h, 80-20km, quarter mile and then makes generic comments about how it drives. Test it properly so viewers can compare to other cars. Also the engine has a flat power design, its tuned to make maximum power over a wider band of revs. Its not breathless as you describe. It makes higher average power, not just a peak number so it doesn't feel as linear. Also you say you prefer the manual but where is it in the comparison?

[@chasingcars]

This is a launch review - I was very much time restricted, so I did the best I could, and have delivered a video with a bunch of useful insights about my experience. As for the manual, I drove it extensively but the car provided for filming was a DCT. Sorry, them's the breaks.

[@CrystalNinja07]

Could the REAL car reviewer please STAND UP! You strike me as a sad individual, like, how can you watch this review and only be full of criticism? Tom does some of the best reviews around, his take is so unique and respected. Where the heck is your channel and almost 200k subscribers, pal? If you love CarExpert (which I'm 100% sure you are comparing this channel to), then go and watch that channel - CHOICE!?. This car has already been reviewed before in the pre-facelift model, so this is an update to the minor refresh, so a full review is not warranted. We got everything we needed out of this one. Finally, I need to say that it takes hours to drive out to location, film and edit one of these videos - you ought to have more respect. Instead, you just sit behind your little keyboard and type words. Tom, if you read this, don't respond to these life sucking internet trolls. The gall, I tell ya!

[@skynetcybernetics9058]

"Gasoline"

[@chasingcars]

=Petrol, but the fact this car is also sold in America means I should use a generic term

[@thechoshow12]

This guy always so negative.

[@ciupak7932]

Last ...?? ....are they going bankrupt ???? commercial suicide ???

[@chasingcars]

No, they are trying to avoid fines from European regulators. America and Australia aren't captured by these.

[@jimmyp1433]

shame the hatch is going, even if it's getting dated, as this is ugly and overstyled in comparison. Big rear overhang doesn't help

[@iskdude9922]

The colors ugly. I saw an n line version in some type of electric green. Looks amazing.

[@chasingcars]

The hatch looks more natural to my eyes.

[@gdawwg1125]

The n-line looks better

[@TomWilding1]

💩 📦

[@frankbrokercr]

Those designs from new hyundais 😂😢😢😢😢

[@ahmediqbal3810]

Nah not Korean performance cars

[@chasingcars]

We cover everything, so yes

[@user-kv1ul7mo1k]

Ugly car, specially back 🤮looks like kids toy all plastic

[@canadianaviator]

Tbh only those liberals buy these cheap Chinese cars. Far better options out there bud