Hyundai is planning to expand its Elantra range with a five-door wagon-esque variant that’s expected to be based on the European-designed i30 model. When Hyundai redesigned the Elantra for the 2007 model year, it didn’t include an updated version of the popular Elantra 5-door hatchback – just a traditional four-door sedan.
The i30 was designed in Europe (it is similar to the also-European Kia Cee’d) and will be available in five-door hatchback, as well as wagon variants. The hatchback, pictured, won’t actually serve as the base for the Elantra Touring. Rather, the Elantra Touring will be based on the i30 wagon. But the i30 wagon and five-door should share very similar styling.
Hyundai Motor America says that the Elantra Touring will have the most cargo capacity in its class. It’ll be powered by the same 2.0 liter four-cylinder that powers the rest of the Elantra range. Hyundai says that standard features will include stability control, a USB port, XM Satellite Radio and active head restraints in addition to six airbags and ABS. A five-speed manual is expected as standard equipment, much like the rest of the Elantra line.
Hyundai expects the Elantra Touring to compete with the Dodge Caliber, Mazda3 five-door and Toyota Matrix. It should go on sale in early 2008 as a ‘09 model.
Hyundai i30 Five-Door
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08/08, 2:58 PM
posted by:
Commodore
That’s how you do it, reach to your for your hatchbacks. GM is bringing over its Astra and Toy is considering inporting its Aurion or whatever to replace the matrix. Ford take note and bring the Euro focus and fiesta.
08/08, 3:58 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
It’s worth a look
08/08, 6:55 PM
posted by:
autonutt
I was hoping that Hyundai would keep its fastback models (Accent 3-door, Elantra 5-door) and leave the squarebacks to Kia (Rio5, Spectra5, Rondo).
08/08, 9:09 PM
posted by:
Brendino
wow, that looks about ten times better than the sedan.
the sedan, while not too bad on the inside, is just atrocious on the outside. way too many curves.
08/08, 10:49 PM
posted by:
masteryoda83
looks really good and a xxxx load better than the current hatchback Elantra. interior quality looks awesome. i will say one thing toyota and gm can battle it out til the end of time, but they BOTH better keep a look out for hyundai/kia
08/08, 10:55 PM
posted by:
steve333
That interior is hideous. The controls are too high up on the dash and it looks like a hodgepodge.
The Civic’s interior looks like it was designed by a crosseyed Mandrill.
The Mazda 3 still has the best dash. I rate the Cobalt second.
The Corolla is too dreadful all around to even rate.
08/08, 11:27 PM
posted by:
Deanster
Agreed 100% with Steve333.
While this looks nicer than a Honda Fit (it looks like that’s the target), the Mazda3 just lays waste to them all. I’ve yet to see something come near the 3 in design and drive, with the exception of the VW GTi, which is $5000 more.
08/09, 11:39 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
deantj: the 3 is a great car, yoda, you’re right, hyundai is sneaking up
08/09, 1:44 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Why does the side profile (first pic) look so much like the Mazda3? First Kia stole the Protege5 design and named it Spectra5, now this? C’mon, Hyundai, get your own design!
But it is easy on the eyes, unlike the POS Cobalt and Corolla. (I just realize I am pissing off both the GM and Toyota people in one sentence, haha).
08/10, 10:28 AM
posted by:
BLISS
NICE LOOKING
08/10, 10:30 AM
posted by:
BLISS
HYUNDAI STEPPING FORWARD
08/11, 11:53 PM
posted by:
A4
isnt this a kia cee’d?