- Hyundai’s next-gen Elantra N gets reimagined as a go-fast wagon.
- A motorsport-derived 2.5-litre turbo swaps in for the old 2.0.
- Unfortunately, Hyundai has no plans for an estate version of the Elantra.
Hyundai’s next-generation CN8 Avante that will be sold in overseas markets as the new Elantra may only be fresh off the press, yet we think the South Korean automaker fumbled by not building a wagon version. SUVs pay the bills, that much is settled, but the new Elantra’s heavier-set styling would sit well under a longer roof, particularly in a performance trim.
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A wagon is officially off the cards, but that hasn’t stopped us stretching the roof ourselves and finishing the job in N Performance trim. Here’s how it might have looked.
Magnum Stance
Up front, the slim full-width LED lightbar and stacked headlight modules carry over unchained, while the N version gains a honeycomb lower grille and deeper side intakes. A wider track and a pronounced front splitter, finished in trademark red inlays, help ground the car to the road.
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In profile, the longer roof flows into steeply raked D-pillars, and its separate rear quarter windows almost exude a Dodge Magnum look. Large alloys and red brake callipers help fill the wheel arches, while black mirror caps and exaggerated side skirts reinforce the go-fast intent. Out back, the spoiler has a deep central indent, while a deep diffuser houses quad exhausts and a central F1-style brake light.
Performance Outlook
Inside, the N wagon would largely mirror its sedan sibling but with sporting flamboyance. It would adopt the larger 14.6-inch Pleos Connect infotainment setup, incorporating OTA (over-the-air) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging.
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N-specific upgrades include heavily bolstered sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and leather, a flat-bottom steering wheel with red contrast stitching and dedicated N mode buttons, alloy pedals, and configurable digital instrumentation. Other goodies could include launch control, customizable drive modes, N Track manager, Performance Data logging and adjustable suspension settings.
A Sharper Steer
Korea’s new 2027 Hyundai Avante will be sold as the new Elantra in overseas markets.
Riding upon an evolved version of Hyundai’s third-generation K3 platform, the Elantra N would benefit from additional chassis strengthening to improve torsional rigidity. Corner carving would be further aided by revised steering, a limited-slip front differential, upgraded bushings and larger performance brakes.
Turbo Tricks
Under the hood, Hyundai’s motorsport-proven, next-gen turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder will replace the outgoing 2.0-litre unit. Expect outputs in the region of 330 horsepower (234 kW), and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.
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All-wheel drive is an unlikely bet, so expect power to be delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Helping make the most out of the performance package is launch control, aided by N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift functionality.
A Niche Proposition
If Seoul ever built an Elantra/Avante N wagon (let alone a standard estate), it would occupy a very small niche in the market. The only rivals that bother to play in this segment all come from the Volkswagen Group; the Golf R Variant, Skoda Octavia vRS Wagon and Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer. And none are sold in North America.
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Look further up the ladder and the comparison starts flattering Hyundai. For anyone priced out of the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring, an Elantra N wagon would scratch the same itch for under a third of the money, with half the cylinders and most of what draws buyers to those cars in the first place. A quick estate for driving enthusiasts, with room in the back for a bicycle.
Small buyer base aside, should Hyundai reverse its recent stance on wagons and bring a long-roofed Elantra to life? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
