2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Spacious, zippy 5-door hatchback hits the mark

Gary Witzenburg / autoMedia.com

Who knew that when Hyundai brought out its all-new Elantra compact sedan to the U.S. market for 2007, it was planning to follow two years later with a sporty wagon version? Well, they call it a “5-door,” but it is a wagon—which is okay since relatively small, functional wagons, as alternatives to compact utilities, are beginning to be cool again. Witness German luxomakers BMW and Audi, who both offer premo-priced wagons of this size. Who knew, when Hyundai unveiled this Elantra Touring five-door hatchback (wagon) at the February, 2008 Chicago Auto Show, that it would turn out to be as likeable to drive as it is sportingly handsome to look at? Not to mention unusually roomy and practical for its size.

Two Levels

We recently spent several days of quality time in a sport-oriented SE model and came away suitably impressed. Largely due to its long 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Elantra Touring boasts a “class-leading” 125.5 cu. ft. of interior volume, meaning more space inside than popular-priced Japanese (Toyota, Corolla, Honda Civic) and domestic (Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus) competitors. Four well-fed six-foot males can sit comfortably inside with ample legroom front and rear, plus room for a fifth (preferably smaller) companion in the middle in back. It also offers best-in-class cargo volume, with 24.3 cu. ft. behind the 60/40 split rear seats and a spacious 65.3 cu. ft. with them folded flat. That number beats Toyota’s Corolla-based Matrix CUV and falls 7.6 cu. ft. short of the larger and more expensive Honda CR-V. And the retracting cargo cover in back can be removed and stored under the floor.

The 2009 Elantra Touring was introduced in just one well equipped trim level. For 2010, a lower-priced, paired-down GLS version joins the line, while the sportier uplevel model becomes SE. Electronic stability control (ESC) and iPod/USB/auxiliary jacks are standard, as are a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system, power locks, windows, heated mirrors, cruise control (with automatic transmission) and remote keyless entry with alarm. A popular equipment package adds roof rails, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, fog lights, retractable cargo cover, trip computer, eight-way driver’s seat, premium cloth interior and more.

Features and Comfort

The SE gets all of that plus a power sunroof, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob, a B&M Racing sport shifter and low-profile tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. Besides roomy, comfortable and relatively quiet, the SE’s cabin is surprisingly upscale in terms of fits, materials and feature content. The serious looking instruments, illuminated in cool blue LCD at night, and two-tone interior trim deliver a premium feel.

Hyundaii says the Elantra Touring is the first compact five-door with standard XM Satellite Radio and USB/iPod inputs. When an iPod (or flash drive) is connected through the USB port in the console storage compartment, it can be accessed through the handy steering wheel controls, its plays through the standard audio system, and it keeps the iPod charged.

Also impressive is the amount and convenience of interior storage. There’s a covered dash-top bin, a sunglass holder below the (easy to use) HVAC controls, covered two-tier storage in the central console, bottle holders in the front doors, twin cupholders front and rear, front seatbacks pockets and a hidden storage bin under the cargo area floor. And, in addition to twin 12V outlets up front, there’s a third power-retained (the car does not have to be turned on) 12V plug in the cargo area—very handy for tailgating.

Hyundai Elantra Touring Pricing

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS model is priced from $16,715 with manual transmission and from $17,915 with automatic. It basically mirrors the GLS sedan’s equipment while adding the traction and stability-control systems. The optional Popular Equipment Package for the 2010 Touring GLS model adds roof rails, a steering wheel that telescopes and has audio controls, a trip computer, and an eight-way driver’s seat with lumbar support. It also includes dual illuminated vanity mirrors, sliding sunvisors, seatback pockets, retractable cargo cover, fog lights, illuminated ignition, and a premium cloth interior with cloth door panel inserts.

The 2010 Elantra Touring SE is priced from $18,715 with manual transmission and from $20,515 with automatic. This is the sportiest Elantra model and has performance tuned suspension and steering. Its manual transmission comes with a special shift linkage supplied by B&M Racing, a maker of aftermarket performance equipment. The Touring SE adds all the equipment in the Touring GLS Popular Equipment Package plus a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and 17-inch alloys with P215/45R17 tires.