Hyundai Elantra N Line, the other Civic Si

About twice a week I get asked:

“Kamil, I want a sporty but comfortable, quick but affordable, and spacious but not huge, sedan. With your knowledge and experience, that is only surpassed by your handsome looks and charming personality, do you prefer the Honda Civic Si or the Hyundai Elantra N Line?”

That’s a solid question and a tough choice. It also neglects the existence of the Jetta GLI, which is absolutely fine because no one really knows if those still exist. And it also limits the search to front-wheel-drive cars, thereby excluding the Subaru WRX.

Both N Line and the Si have the similar turbocharged 1.5/1.6-liter engines that make around 200hp. Both have MacPherson strut front suspensions and multi-link rear suspensions. Both have disc brakes all around and 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in 235/40-18 tires.

The Civic Si comes with an excellent 6-speed manual and a proper mechanical limited slip front differential. If you plan to hit up any autocross or other off-street performance fun at all, that right there is your winner. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission of the N-Line may shift faster but it does take away front the driving engagement.

Both are sporty versions of pedestrian sedans but thankfully neither looks like a tuner boy racer. Both offer hotter versions of themselves in form if the Elantra N and the Civic Type R. Both are about the same size, with room for five in relative comfort, and 60:40 split folding rear seats.

Inside, the Civic does feel nicer in my opinion, but that’s really in the eyes of the beholder. Even the seats are similar. But the Honda is more engaging to drive, mostly due to better steering and that amazing shifter that no other automaker has been able to replicate (yes, even Porsche – fight me).

Comfort wise, the Elantra, in an odd way, edges out the Civic because it is less engaging to drive, and therefore more relaxed. The automatic transmission, even though it is a 7-speed DCT, does add to comfort, smoothness, and ease of driving.

Conclusion:

Hyundai clearly benched marked the N Line against the Si, ensuring that on paper it beat the Civic by some number, be it one horsepower or one extra gear. For most buyers, the decision will probably come to the transmission type; manual in the Civic Si versus an automatic in the Elantra N Line.

Both of these sedans however, are compromised. The conventional versions of both are more comfortable. The additional power of these warm-sedans is not that significant in daily driving and neither will win a drag race against a RAV4 Hybrid. My best advise would be skip both of them.

Yes, really, do not buy the Elantra N Line or the Civic Si. For simple daily driving, get the conventional versions. If you’re an enthusiast, check the couch cushions, skip the lattes and avocado toast, and do what it takes to get the the crazy Elantra N or the Civic Type R versions. That’s as honest advise as I can give anyone.