Up Close: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Hyundai's new Elantra Touring may not have the visual appeal of a Mazda3 hatchback, but it is reasonably sporty looking thanks to wraparound headlights and a large opening in the front bumper. Tall, thin taillights finish off the rear end.

Despite its small exterior size, the Elantra Touring has good room on the inside in both the front and back. If you need more room for your stuff, the rear seatbacks fold down easily. Apart from minor changes to the instrument cluster and center dash controls, the Elantra Touring's cabin design is much like the interior of the regular Elantra sedan. Material quality is better than the Dodge Caliber's and similar to the Mazda3's.

Hyundai positions the Touring as the sporty version of the Elantra, and while we won't be able to evaluate that claim until we have a chance to drive it, this compact hatchback seems like a smart addition to the Elantra lineup based on its utility alone.

Comments

[ziggy]

Price it right and they could sell a ton of these.

[Happymantis]

I'm really thinking of trading in my 2003 Honda Pilot for this station wagon... what's the pricing on this vehicle?

[Mike Hanley]

Pricing hasn't been released yet and probably won't be until closer to when it goes on sale at the end of the year. Expect it to start higher than the Elantra sedan -- I'd guess about $17,000.

[Mike B.]

I agree with Mike: right at $17K for the manual, $18K for an automatic -- roughly $2500 less than a comparably-equipped Mazda3; and the HET will delivery superior fuel economy and much greater interior space (though it won't be quite as quick).

[HET]

I was told the Hyundai Elantra Touring would be n showrooms April '08.

Can anyone confirm that?