2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring: European Penned i30 Coming To The US In 2008

Hyundai’s US arm announced today that that it will add a second version to its Elantra line-up in 2008, the “Elantra Touring” 5door model. Even though Hyundai avoids saying it in the press release, the Elantra Touring is actually based on the European designed i30 C-Segment model. We remind you that the i30 is practically a re-designed Kia Cee’d which was also designed in Europe.

Although this is not officially verified, our inside information is that the American version of the i30 will be based on the i30 Station Wagon model and not the 5door hatch, something that may explain the different tail-lights in the sketch in comparison to the i30 5door (see pics here). The Elantra Touring will go on sale in the States in spring of 2008 as a 2009 model and it will be offered with the same 138Hp strong 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine as the Elantra Sedan. –Press release after the jump

HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES NAME OF FUTURE FIVE-DOOR

ALL-NEW 2009 ELANTRA TOURING MOVES A POPULAR NAMEPLATE IN A SPORTIER, MORE FUNCTIONAL DIRECTION

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., 08/08/2007 Hyundai Motor America Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning John Krafcik, speaking at the Center of Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars, announced Hyundai’s all-new five-door compact will be named “Elantra Touring.” Elantra Touring will reach dealers in the spring of 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. The “Touring” name captures this all-new model’s combination of high-function and fun-to-drive character. Elantra Touring will once again extend Elantra’s product line into the compact five-door segment. (The previous generation also featured a sporty five-door model). Elantra Touring will come with class-leading standard safety technologies, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and six standard airbags, including side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The vehicle will be the first compact five-door with standard Electronic Stability Control.[1]

Elantra Touring will have the most interior volume (passenger volume plus cargo space) of any five-door in its class and will be powered by the same fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder found in the Elantra sedan. This newest Hyundai will also feature unique sport suspension and steering tuned for greater response and handling, while offering Hyundai’s first USB port, along with a standard auxiliary jack and standard XM Satellite Radio®. Elantra Touring’s competition will include the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber and Mazda3.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.