A remarkable journey has come full circle for a 2008 Hyundai Elantra that covered over one million kilometres before receiving an extensive restoration as part of a special tribute to Hyundai’s N performance division. Thanks to a unique collaboration between Hyundai Canada and the automotive TV show Roulez au Suivant (“Move on to the Next”), this beloved sedan has been transformed into a stunning symbol of endurance, dedication, and modern performance.
A Million-Kilometre Journey
The journey of this Elantra began when Jocelyn Roy, a delivery driver, purchased it from Hyundai Granby in 2011. At that time, the car had just 30,000 kilometres on the odometer. Over the next several years, Roy put an astounding 107,000 kilometres annually on the vehicle, meticulously maintaining it along the way. By 2020, the Elantra had reached the symbolic milestone of one million kilometres, making it the highest-mileage Hyundai vehicle in Canada.
When Roy purchased a new Hyundai Kona, his Elantra was sold back to Hyundai Granby, then passed on to Hyundai Canada, where it would later become part of the Roulez au Suivant restoration project.
A Heartfelt Restoration for a New Owner
Fast forward to 2024, when this Elantra was chosen for a restoration project by Roulez au Suivant, led by host Antoine Joubert. The car was donated by Hyundai Canada, which also provided over 100 parts for the restoration, including a brand-new engine short block. While the original engine remained in surprisingly excellent condition, Hyundai chose to replace it as a tribute to the new beginning of the car and its new owner.
The fully restored Elantra was gifted to Éloïc Lachance, a 16-year-old from Rougemont, Québec, selected by the Roulez au Suivant team from hundreds of applicants. Éloïc’s family—his mother and brother—had secretly nominated him for the restoration project, knowing how much a car would impact his independence and future.
From Million-Kilometre Workhorse to N Division Tribute
The restoration of the Elantra was nothing short of comprehensive. Everything from the mechanics and bodywork to the interior was carefully refurbished, with the team choosing a resplendent light blue paint inspired by Hyundai’s iconic Performance Blue from the high-performance N lineup. The Elantra now sports an “Inspired” badge below the N logo, and a red-lined skirt around the vehicle pays homage to the 2024 Elantra N’s design cues.
Joubert, who had the honour of driving the Elantra past its one-millionth kilometre in 2020, expressed his amazement at the vehicle’s condition throughout the restoration process. “Even the compression of the original engine was convincing,” Joubert said, adding that the Elantra had clearly benefitted from Jocelyn Roy’s commitment to regular maintenance.
A Full Circle Moment
The transformation of the 2008 Elantra was completed when the keys were handed over to Éloïc at Hyundai Granby, the same dealership where Jocelyn Roy had purchased the car. Roy, who had been invited to present the car to its new owner, was deeply moved by the moment. “I had a little tear in my eye,” Roy admitted, adding that he was confident the car would serve Éloïc as well as it had served him.
The restored Elantra represents more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to Hyundai’s craftsmanship, longevity, and the dedication of its drivers. Now, with a fresh start, it will continue its journey, this time as a symbol of modern performance and a tribute to Hyundai’s N division.
Source: Hyundai Auto Canada
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
