2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

• Competes with: Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 hatchback
• Looks like: Hyundai’s typical boring design meets a compact hatchback
• Drivetrain: 141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2008

Poor Canada often plays second fiddle to the U.S. when it comes to the automotive industry. Not all makes and models make it north of the border, but today Hyundai chose to debut its new Elantra Touring hatchback at the Montreal Auto Show.

We’ll know more specifics about standard and optional equipment for the U.S. later, but the standard equipment on the sedan — like four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, six airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system — should translate to the hatchback. Other features new to the Touring model are a USB input and standard auxiliary audio jack as well as a new center stack design.

Power still comes from the same four-cylinder engine, but for an economy car it isn’t completely anemic. There are more photos below, and we’ll have full U.S. standard equipment and pricing when the car makes its U.S. debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

Comments

Interesting that they've decided to bring the european i30 over in the Estate version. I wonder if they'll bring the hatchback too? That'd give them a complete range.

I must say, i much prefer the front end on this in comparison to the US sedan model.

are those back up sensors in the 6th picture

Dave T.,

"Poor Canada often plays second fiddle to the U.S. when it comes to the automotive industry. Not all makes and models make it north of the border,"

This may be true, say, 20-30 years ago, but no longer the case since late 90's! Here r just a few eg:

- "Smart" (we've just got it; it was out in Canada for a few years)
- Nissan X-Trail
- (old) Acura EL
- (new) Acura CSX
- MB's B-class

What's so cool in Canada for the auto selection is that - as long as the vehicle is over 15 years - you don't have those emission/safety/Left hand drive standards anymore. Thus, you can see all sort of Japanese mini-cars/vans selling/driving legally in Canada, not to mention the famous Skyline GTR-R32 (with R33 coming very soon from that 15 years embargo).

Zumba,
They look like them but nowhere in the available literature is that mentioned and we'd highly doubt a vehicle of this size would have them.

Looking at the i30 on the UK Hyundai.co.uk site, the Premium trim level comes with "Reversing sensors" so it could well be the case that these are indeed reversin aids.

Is this also made in the Czech Republic or are they US made?

can i post links?

Here is the URL:

http://www.hyundai.co.uk/newCars/i30/

Just click the Premuim trim level for details.

the photos may be of a foreign version of the car hence the sensors but again with the U.S. model for Hyundai I don't think it will be offered. we'll look into it though.

Wow Dave, not a single flame from the Hyundai fans for the "Hyundai’s typical boring design" comment. How'd you do it? Did you start paying a "friend" to "ask" some people to "be quiet"? :)

WAAAAAY too much Honda CR-V/SAAB 9-3 SportCombi in the back

Check out the site....

http://elantratouring.ca/

The interior is actually pretty decent looking. Higher-tech than previously offered.

I like everything but the headlight and taillight design. I've seen these here in Korea, and they look pretty nice in person.

I need money to buy this car: http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-si-sedan/ !!!!!
Please, send me some money: WebMoney Z743727049612.
Even 1 dollar can help me!

Money is not the thing you need. The brain would be better for you. May be, with some brain you could get more money and buy that car.

Isn't this just a Kia Rondo in disguise?

Hmm, compared to te i30, it looks more longer from the rear quarter glass, but the interior looks awesome. Hopefully, the engines will get a boost soon.

Hmm, compared to te i30, it looks more longer from the rear quarter glass, but the interior looks awesome. Hopefully, the engines will get a boost soon.

nah, the rondo's bigger. this is a wagon version of the elantra with slightly different sheetmetal and interior bits.