Autoblog

click above for more high-res live shots of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

While the official unveiling of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring took place in Montreal a few weeks back, the Chicago Auto Show is the first place that we at Autoblog got a chance to eyeball it in person, and we like what we see. While we'd certainly not classify the Elantra Touring as a "hot hatch," fuel efficiency is becoming an increasingly larger concern for many buyers. As a result, sporty little cars like the Elantra Touring will likely become increasingly relevant. The fact that the car is also a wagon adds plenty of usefulness for everyday driving needs. This version of the Elantra is sold as the i30 outside the U.S. and we welcome its arrival, joining the Saturn Astra as a Euro-designed five-door recently making its way here. Like the Astra, the Elantra Touring offers your choice of either a four-speed automatic or a more desirable five-speed manual, featuring a B&M shifter.

Premium options include seventeen inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power sunroof, but standard gear is pretty good with power windows, remote keyless entry, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and a stereo equipped with an auxiliary jack and standard XM radio. Also included are safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, ABS and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution. Like other Hyundais, this one comes equipped well and should be priced very competitively against its competition.

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.

Hyundai has a 5-door hatchback version of the Elantra that will be bowing in 2008, and it's getting an early debut at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas as the Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept. The Beach Cruiser is a SEMA vehicle in the truest sense, having been customized by K-Daddyz Kustomz. It features a two-tone paint job of Amazing Grape and Tango Orange with tribal graphics that supposedly incorporate the Hyundai 'H', but we're having a hard time seeing it. There's a giant panoramic sunroof in place of the roof, while the interior is customized to the hilt. The rear cargo space is dominated by a custom enclosure with eight speakers and a plexiglass floor beneath which the high-end audio bits are hidden. There's not much to bolster the Beach Cruiser's performance here, however, except a cold air intake and strut tower brace, although Hyundai lists the painted motor cover and engine accessories as mechanical upgrades. We'll have more pics of this wild concept from the floor of the show next week, but in the meantime check out the official press release after the jump and our gallery below.

[Source: Hyundai]