Hyundai Motor Philippines recently launched the more affordable regular Elantra range at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show. For this spec-sheet brawl we’ll be pitting the sporty Hyundai Elantra N Line against the popular Honda Civic RS. Let’s see how these two sporty turbocharged C-segment sedans stack up against each other.
The Elantra N Line is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged in-line-four gasoline mill that pumps out 201hp and 265Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Civic RS, on the other hand, is motivated by a smaller-displacement 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four gas unit which puts out 175hp and 240Nm of torque and is paired to a continuously variable transmission. The obligatory-for-a-sporty-car paddle shifters come as standard on both the Elantra N Line and Civic RS.
In the sound system department, the Elantra N Line makes do with six speakers, while the Civic RS gets a Bose-branded 12-speaker system. The sporty Hyundai has an eight-inch touchscreen display, while the sporty Honda has a slightly larger nine-inch infotainment. The Elantra N Line features wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay, while the Civic RS gets wired Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay. Both sporty sedans offer a suite of driver assist and safety technologies, ‘Hyundai SmartSense’ for the Korean car and ‘Honda Sensing’ for its Japanese rival. As expected from cars in this price range, basic safety features like six airbags, ABS, and stability control come as standard.
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In terms of dimensions, the two cars are very close to each other. The Elantra N Line is 6mm shorter, 23mm wider, and 15mm taller than the Civic RS. Both cars also offer decent-sized trunks—474 liters for the Elantra and 494 liters for the Civic. Standard 60:40 split-folding seatbacks on these both cars allow their cargo areas to be expanded.
Some of you might point out that the true rival of the Elantra N Line is the 200-plus horsepower Civic Si, but sadly, that sporty compact Honda is a North American variant and is not available in our region.
So, how much do these cost? The Elantra N Line carries a price tag of P1.795 million, while the Civic RS stickers in at P1.79 million. The difference in price between the two cars is a mere P5,000. Still not sure which of these ‘H’ cars is the winner of this battle? Take a look at the table of specs we prepared and let us know through the succeeding poll which of these sporty sedans you’d rather drive home.
Hyundai Elantra N Line |
Honda Civic RS |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 1,795,000 | 1,790,000 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Engine Type | 1.6-liter turbocharged in-line-4 gasoline | 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-4 gasoline |
| Power (hp) | 201 | 175 |
| Torque (Nm) | 265 | 240 |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 47 | 47 |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | CVT |
| Paddle shifters | yes | yes |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | disc/ disc | disc/ disc |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Tires | 235/40 R18 | 235/40 R18 |
| Front suspension | Independent MacPherson strut | Independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link | Independent multi-link |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Seat material | leather | leather + suede |
| 60:40 split-folding rear seatback | yes | yes |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25-inch digital display | 10.2-inch digital display |
| Infotainment system | 8-inch touchscreen | 9-inch touchscreen |
| Connectivity | wireless Apple Carplay + wireless Android Auto | wireless Apple Carplay + Android Auto |
| Speakers | 6 | 12 (Bose) |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| ABS | yes | yes |
| Electronic Stability Control | yes | yes |
| Hill-start Assist | yes | yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | yes | yes |
| Collision Mitigation System | yes | yes |
| Lane Keep Assist | yes | yes |
| Camera | rear | rear (multi-view), side (LaneWatch) |
| Parking Sensors | front + rear | front + rear |
| Headlights | dual projection LED | LED |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,675 x 1,825 x 1,430 | 4,681 x 1,802 x 1,415 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,720 | 2735 |
| Trunk capacity (L) | 474 | 493 |
