Hyundai Knows How to Have Fun, and Its N Performance Division Proves It

• The event took place at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario.
• The electric IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N demonstrated their impressive agility on closed-course exercises.
• The Hyundai Elantra N proved particularly entertaining on the track.

Hyundai had everything lined up for an entertaining day. The objective was simple: put the spotlight on its N performance division, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In Canada, the story is a little shorter, as the first Hyundai N model arrived here in 2019 with the now-discontinued Veloster N.

Attacking the Orange Cones

While that heading might suggest we were literally supposed to attack the orange cones, the idea was actually to avoid them. With the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N, we tackled both a slalom course and a full-on autocross exercise designed to showcase the surprising and genuinely impressive agility of these high-performance EVs.

Unsurprisingly, the power produced by Hyundai’s electric N models borders on excessive. Both deliver 601 horsepower, with output temporarily climbing to 641 horsepower when the N Grin Boost button on the steering wheel is activated. That is a lot of power—arguably far more than anyone needs on public roads—but when you are threading your way through a sea of cones, it certainly adds to the fun.

It was particularly interesting to experience the differences between the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N. The taller IONIQ 5 N remains remarkably capable, but getting behind the wheel of the lower-slung IONIQ 6 N sedan reveals a subtle dynamic advantage. In everyday driving and at legal road speeds, however, the difference would likely be almost impossible to notice.

Hyundai Launches N Performance Accessories Catalogue for the IONIQ 6 N, Canadian Availability Still Unconfirmed

Despite carrying large battery packs exceeding 84 kWh, these immensely powerful EVs are genuine technological showcases. Their suspension systems are particularly well calibrated, and although the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N are closely related, differences in their respective setups once again give the sedan a slight advantage.

Tight corners also highlight the quality and responsiveness of the steering, which is remarkably precise. The braking performance is equally impressive, particularly considering the substantial weight associated with high-performance electric vehicles.

For anyone still skeptical about whether an EV can deliver serious performance, it may be time to get behind the wheel of one of Hyundai’s IONIQ N models.

Hyundai Elantra N and Elantra N TCR Take to the Track

There is nothing ordinary about the Hyundai Elantra N. It may not be quite as technologically sophisticated or as razor-sharp as the Toyota GR Corolla or Honda Civic Type R, but it delivers a very convincing performance, especially when its price is taken into consideration.

That brings me behind the wheel of an Elantra N TCR Edition on the short circuit at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The current-generation Elantra N may be approaching the end of its lifecycle, but it still wants to impress—and it succeeds.

This generation of the Elantra N uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower. Output temporarily increases to 289 horsepower when N Grin Shift is activated with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Torque remains at 286 lb-ft.

A manual transmission is also available, complete with rev-matching technology for smoother downshifts.

The performance package goes much further than the engine. Hyundai adds an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, track-oriented suspension tuning, larger brakes, sharper steering and, purely for entertainment purposes, an active exhaust system with variable valves. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires mounted on 19-inch wheels complete the package.

To make the car even more serious, Hyundai’s engineers have also incorporated additional structural bracing under the hood and in the trunk to improve body rigidity.

Like the Honda Civic Type R, the Elantra N does not benefit from the all-wheel-drive systems found in the Volkswagen Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla. That does not prevent Hyundai’s sport sedan from performing remarkably well on Mosport’s smaller circuit.

Anyone who has driven this track knows it is not necessarily about achieving massive speeds. It is technical, with corners arriving in rapid succession.

As is often the case on this type of circuit, there is little reason to go much beyond third gear. The goal is to keep the engine within its optimal power band.

And I genuinely had fun behind the wheel. The Elantra N reacts almost instantly to driver inputs and feels eager to play.

Even more interesting is the sedan’s success on European racetracks. Hyundai has won its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours for five consecutive years, demonstrating that the company’s performance ambitions go well beyond marketing. There is every reason to believe that lessons learned in motorsport will continue to find their way into future Hyundai N production models.

Taking the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro Off-Road

Over the past several years, Hyundai has joined the industry-wide trend toward offering more rugged versions of its SUVs designed for light off-road use. In this case, we had the Palisade XRT Pro at our disposal.

We headed onto a trail to put the SUV’s all-wheel-drive system and electronic management to the test.

In fairness, the trail hardly required a dedicated off-road model. A little finesse behind the wheel was more than enough to get through it.

Still, the Palisade proved capable, while its 3.5-litre V6 producing 287 horsepower provides adequate motivation.

What ultimately separates the Palisade from many of its competitors, however, is its comfort. The excellent fit and finish and genuinely upscale cabin remain some of its strongest attributes.

Genesis GV60 Magma Makes an Appearance

We also had the opportunity to see the Genesis GV60 Magma, the first true high-performance model from Hyundai’s luxury division.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to drive—or even really play with—it.

So, unlike the N models, there was no opportunity to put the GV60 Magma through its paces. I simply had to stand there, look at it and wait rather impatiently for the opportunity to eventually get behind the wheel.

Hyundai N’s First 10 Years Are Only the Beginning

Hyundai could hardly be more serious about developing and expanding its N performance division.

The automaker wants to inject genuine performance into its vehicles while embracing a motorsport pedigree that, despite being relatively young, is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. Hyundai’s racing achievements are recent, but they are already significant.

More importantly, it is obvious that the N division is being run by people who genuinely care about performance and driving.

In the automotive world, passion remains one of the best ingredients for creating something memorable.

After its first decade, Hyundai N appears to be just getting started.