Autoblog

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]

click above image to view more pics of the Hyundai "Beach Cruiser" Concept

We really don't know what to say about the Hyundai Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept, except that you probably shouldn't take it to the beach... or anywhere else... except for a long drive... off a short pier, which could count as a beach activity.

Mind you, we're not talking about the car, which underneath is the new Elantra Touring that will begin production soon. Beneath that Amazing Grape and Tango Orange wood paneling paint job, the five-door hatch appears to have some nice lines, even if they are reminiscent of the first gen Ford Focus. It also looks like it will lend itself well to being dropped and tuned, just not like this. Although, we do dig the artistic piece of pin striping on the hood. And first prize goes to the person who guesses how many Hyundai H logos there are on the car... Hint: look at the grilles, speaker ones included.

Click image to enlarge

Hyundai has announced that the 5-door you see above is set to arrive next year as a 2009 model and will be named the Elantra Touring. It will use the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder currently found in the Elantra sedan. Based on Europe's i30 wagon, the sketch provided by Hyundai suggests that the US-spec car will be more aggressively styled, which makes sense since the Elantra Touring's marketing will focus on its sporting character. The usual list of standard and comfort equipment will be offered, of course, and you can read Hyundai's full release after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]