2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Hyundai's been selling a wagon in Europe, but this is the first time the Korean company will offer a wagon based on the current-generation Elantra in the U.S.

Under the hood is a 141-horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

For fun, Hyundai also showed a customized version of the new Elantra wagon done-up by K-Daddyz Kustomz in Bakersfield, California. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor

Permalink | Comments (9)
Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 9:25 AM
Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai

9 Comments

By flicmod on February 7, 2008 11:17 AM

Good! I was just ranting the other day about the severe lack of small, sporty wagons with an available manual tranny and decent options that didn't cost an arm and a leg (ie. Saab Sport-combi). Glad to see that Hyundai is pushing a segment that may not necessarily be a hot seller.

By firstwagon on February 7, 2008 12:52 PM

I glad not everyone thinks wagons have to be needlessly tall. Good for Hyundai.

Fix that rear side window though. Giant blind spots in the name of "style" just ain't cool anymore.

By rick8365 on February 7, 2008 1:29 PM

Count me in on the list of those who like sporty or sports wagons.

By ktwnzsmartguy on February 7, 2008 1:32 PM

This one looks like it's gonna be a good seller, and it's packed with features, including a USB port! that's great and the interior looks better than the sedan's. Definitely goig to consider it.

By daytona_500 on February 7, 2008 8:54 PM

Is it just me or is that customized version pretty ugly?

I think this car will do very considering its will probably be cheaper than the Fit and Versa, while boasting some very good quality and features. The engine is pretty good for such a small car.

By ktwnzsmartguy on February 7, 2008 11:39 PM

I doubt the Touring will be cheaper than the Fit and Versa because the Touring version will come loaded with features (options are only a sunroof and heated seats) and it will probably be priced around $16-18K.

By flicmod on February 8, 2008 8:23 AM

The Fit Sport with a manual retails for $15,270. AT retails for $16,070. Add some options on it (like most people do) and you're talking $16K+, maybe even close to $17K. I think the Elantra Touring will be fairly competitive. Especially if they keep the weight down and MPG up.

And also, it makes the Accent look all that more appealing compared to the Fit/Versa when you think about how much one of those costs!

By redliner on February 8, 2008 9:41 AM

The customized version is disgusting!

By ateixeira on February 11, 2008 2:23 PM

Yeah, it looks better stock!

Not bad overall, but I agree about the poor visibility to the rear corners.