Click image for gallery of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
The eye-searing Hyundai Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept that appeared at last year's SEMA was the first real look we had at Hyundai's new US-bound station wagon. Since then, we've been interested in seeing what it looks like in non-Phoenix Suns colors augmented with a tribal tattoo pattern. Today, we get our wish.
Hyundai has officially unveiled the 2009 Elantra Touring at the Montreal International Auto Show, giving us a proper look at the car we can expect to see in showrooms a little later this year. Sold in Europe as the i30 CW, the Elantra Touring is a handsome small wagon with a nicely-detailed interior. The instrumentation and switchgear look like quality stuff, leather's optional, and it has both USB and AUX ports for iPod compatibility. Power comes from a 2.0L four-banger making 141 horses mated to a five-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. Exterior accents include subtle brightwork on the front and rear bumpers, available 17" wheels, and wraparound headlamps. In all, the Elantra Touring looks like a practical, appealing package. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but we expect it to be very competitive, in keeping with Hyundai's value-oriented approach.[Source: TheCarBlogger]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tim @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:33AM
Not a bad looking car, but it bears little resemblance to the Elantra sedan.
geo.stewart @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:14AM
and thats a good thing. the current elantra does nothing for with those wave creases on the side. totally out of the design language on the sonata and tiburon.
this looks much better.
Hube @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:46AM
That´s because it´s an Euro Hyundai i30 wagon and it does not have nothing to do with an Elantra.
Truth Hurts @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:30AM
Hyundai i30/Elantra Touring EuroNCAP Frontal crash test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3UtuIyo-YY
The elantra gained 33 points in total (A car needs 33 points to gain 5 star EuroNCAP status), but it got four-star ratings instead for some odd reasons ;()
John R @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:36AM
This one looks good and the interior looks pretty well done for its class. Now if only we can get the turbo-4 there putting into the Genesis Coupe...
slider912 @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:42AM
Big thumbs up on the jazzy interior, big thumbs down on the cartonish exterior. Comparo vs. Matrix XRS, please?
xxxxxxx @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:48AM
Looks very boring! they took elements from any other bland vehicle that exists in this world and created the Elantra.
jsjs @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:53PM
I guess Honda, Toyota and Chevy (until the new Malibu) weren't known for making bland-looking vehicles - lol!
Keith @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:52AM
Like the looks of it. Back end reminds me of the Volvo V50, which is not a bad thing, and the interior is nice. Looks like it is a 6 spd manual in that interior pic! Nice touch with the adjustable headlights also. Must have HID's! Cool!
Alex Nunez @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:08AM
Pic likely shows the Euro-spec 2.0 diesel, which is available with a 6-speed manual.
calebe @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:40AM
The USA will not get all the goodies. Wait for the US spec interior shots. Exterior of the red car is Euro, the champaign colored car is the US version. No side turn signals on the mirrors.
Aetius @ Jan 23rd 2008 8:57AM
It's boring but atleast it's got cohesive design. That's more than I can say for Toyota, Honda, BMW
Andrew @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:03AM
I must say, I kinda like it. The front end resembles the Mazda3, and that's a good thing. The side view is a little less interesting, I think because the rear glass is so upright. But that adds practicality and useful cargo space, which is why you're buying a wagon after all, right? This really is more of a "wagon" than a "5-door". Cool.
Sandeep @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:04AM
throw in a CRDi diesel engine, and I'm sold
TBlueMax @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:10AM
Bland but inoffensive. Overall, I like it. I would actually consider picking this up as a 2nd vehicle depending on drivetrain options and pricing. Would also be curious to see how this stacks up to the new Matrix/Vibe and maybe the Mazda3 for comparison?
calebe @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:46AM
I like it a lot actually.Much better than the current Elantra The only thing i really really do not like is the little chrome strip on the front and rear bumper.
D.S. @ Jan 23rd 2008 9:50AM
There was a post recently showing one of htese in the background of another Hyundai in an England showroom and everyone commented on how that car in the background looked like an 06 Accord.... they did rip off the grill and overall front end design of the 06-07 Accord
tanooki2003 @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:10AM
Yeah now that i think about it they also ripped the lights, paint color, black tires, red tailights, metal for the exhaust pipe, oh and the glass for the windows from Honda too. Those thieves!!
nopliiz @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:09AM
Starts as the Mazda3, the middle is a Matrix, and the end is the previous gen Punto. Not very original, and the headlamps are fugly.
Leaf @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:11AM
At first I thought, "Nice interior!"
And then, I realized, it's just a ripoff of the G35 interior.
I really shouldn't be surprised.