Elantra Touring Options

[Bigs]

You know it's funny, seen this car in person changed a bit of my perspective towards it. I thought the "Sport" model looked a lot better. Though for some reason the interior seemed a little cheaper... I might have to revisit and take pics...

[Silentwolf]

Those tails scream "I'm too big!".

Smoking those on a dark car would be sweet.

Burning the car might look sweet but anything else is no go.

[roydjt]

I don't see how they can badge this as an Elantra. Outside of a platform and a powertrain, it's a completely different car. It's like calling a Spectra5 a trim package of an Elantra. Completely different car, inside and out.

-Roy

[sarge]

I think it goes along the same lines as the Genesis having 2 totally different bodies and powertrains.

Just another unknown from Hyundai

[elantragt]

I don't see how they can badge this as an Elantra. Outside of a platform and a powertrain, it's a completely different car. It's like calling a Spectra5 a trim package of an Elantra. Completely different car, inside and out.

-Roy

I could be wrong, but here's my theory. I think the HD sedan styling was a bit of a miss by Hyundai and they know it. The euro designed i30/i20 etc. is more the direction Hyundai is going now with their "lower end" models. So bring over the i30 wagon, badge it as the Elantra Touring and get us used to the new look. I'm guessing the next Elantra will be an evolution of the i30, not the HD.

Then again I'm probably wrong.

[afob3]

Got to lay eyes on one in person today and I must say that it looks better in person. We just popped in on the way to a birthday party so it was a short visit without a test drive. Definately not as tall as the taillights look.

It was vivid blue with the sport something package that adds the sunroof, heated seats, and 17 inch wheels plus automatic and stickered for 21k. Rear seat seemed roomier than my gt and the steeringwheel felt very small/sporty compared to the gt. I like it but have a hard time justifying the cost even with a 1k rebate.

My wife was along, whom I haven't shared any of the board's comments with.... First thing she said was it looks like a Honda refering to the CRV like taillights. We tinkered with the gadgets and thanked the salesman and got back on the road to the party.

Twenty minutes down the road, she asks how much was the GT? I told her that ours stickered for 16 or 17 grand in 05. Her imediate response was how can that car be 3 or 4 more grand and not have leather? Sure there is abs & traction control standard plus a few other things now but I found it funny that a non-car wife would spot the same things this board has since the touring info was released.

Did see their one Genisis coupe too. Very nice. We also spotted the first one on the road leaving the airport. I wonder if it was a rental?

[KaptKrunch]

I could be wrong, but here's my theory. I think the HD sedan styling was a bit of a miss by Hyundai and they know it. The euro designed i30/i20 etc. is more the direction Hyundai is going now with their "lower end" models. So bring over the i30 wagon, badge it as the Elantra Touring and get us used to the new look. I'm guessing the next Elantra will be an evolution of the i30, not the HD.

Then again I'm probably wrong.

You see Mitch, the problem with your theory is that it makes sense. Hyundai USA will not accept that kind of tomfoolery!

This post has been edited by Stevetheriddler: Mar 7 2009, 10:10 PM

[natesi]

So it seems Hyundai is its own worst competition. As their reputation, engineering, quality, reliability, and competitiveness get better, their prices are still expected to be bargain basement.

Sadly, for them, I agree with that statement. They will have a hard time selling cars at Japanese prices, for a while, I think. Plus, quality is good, BUT the engines (at least the ones they put in the elantra) are are not as silky smooth as Honda's, for example.

You see Mitch, the problem with your theory is that it makes sense. Hyundai USA will not accept that kind of tomfoolery!

I actually like the HDs styling. The Touring though, is gross.

[hyundaiLKsunday]

Just saw one today in person. LOVE the first 3/4...HATE the last 1/4. The rear really ruins it. Interior looks nice. Not that much different from the HD. I wish they had a leather interior option for the HD/Touring. That was a big reason I got the GT Hatch. Side-by-side, I think my '06 GT still looks better...sportier even.

[Silentwolf]

10times sportier!

[elantragt]

Just saw one today in person. LOVE the first 3/4...HATE the last 1/4. The rear really ruins it.

Yep they shoulda brought the i30 hatch but they chose the wagon. It will sell in dribs and drabs but not to enthusiasts.



Even though it's very similar to the Touring wagon, the hatch's rear has just enough slope to look sporty.

[cclngthr]

Yep they shoulda brought the i30 hatch but they chose the wagon. It will sell in dribs and drabs but not to enthusiasts.



Even though it's very similar to the Touring wagon, the hatch's rear has just enough slope to look sporty.

I think it looks like a cross between an anteater and a upside down bathtub (our version).

This post has been edited by cclngthr: Mar 9 2009, 11:03 AM