2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line Aims at Hatchback Competitors

DETROIT – Hyundai says it is going after sporty hatchback competitors with its new ’19 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line trim level shown here at the North American International Auto Show.

The Elantra GT is the first Hyundai in the U.S. to get the performance-inspired trim package intended to give the 4-door model an athletic look inside and out.

To come are more vehicles with that trim level, says Mike O’Brien, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president-product and digital planning.

The performance-inspired models will appeal to many Millennial buyers, he tells Wards. Hatchback competitors Hyundai is taking aim at include the Volkswagen GTI.

The N Line trim level is more of an appearance package, and shouldn’t be confused with the South Korean automaker’s N designation for beefed-up performance models such as the Veloster N.

The ’19 Elantra GT N Line, which replaces the ’18 Elantra GT Sport, includes look-fast design elements, a stiffer suspension, blacked out side mirrors, sport seats, N Line badging and 18-inch wheels.

It is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cyl. engine producing 201 hp. Starting price is $23,300. O’Brien calls it “affordable performance.”