Flawless fit and finish
What surprised me about this Hyundai is the top-notch build quality of the entire package. Outside, you won't spot a single flaw; panel gaps are impeccable. Inside, fit and finish is equally impressive. Hard plastics have made way for textured materials that are much more refined than in the previous generation. They're also softer to the touch and better put together.
While understatedly plain, the dashboard design takes some cues from the Santa Fe, such as the blue backlighting and steering wheel-mounted controls in certain models.
Versatile interior
To emphasize the family orientation of the new Hyundai Elantra Touring, designers strived to offer greater versatility. I'll tell you, they were in a very generous state of mind.
First of all, owners can expect to find more knee room (25+ centimeters overall) than in any other competitor. The Elantra Touring also leads the way in terms of shoulder room, allowing larger-than-average people to find comfort even in the back. Only headroom is sub-par.
Elsewhere, cargo capacity is a massive 1,848 liters once the 60/40-split rear seatbacks are folded down (almost flat). That's more room for your luggage than in the Dodge Caliber and even some SUVs.
A short drive to Habitat For Humanity, a community-oriented housing project, allowed the handful of journalists on hand to appreciate the outstanding interior capacity of the 2009 Elantra Touring. We had to carry several feet of mineral wool along with bathroom supplies; yet, comfort was never compromised.
What surprised me about this Hyundai is the top-notch build quality of the entire package. Outside, you won't spot a single flaw; panel gaps are impeccable. Inside, fit and finish is equally impressive. Hard plastics have made way for textured materials that are much more refined than in the previous generation. They're also softer to the touch and better put together.
 |
| While understatedly plain, the dashboard design takes some cues from the Santa Fe. |
While understatedly plain, the dashboard design takes some cues from the Santa Fe, such as the blue backlighting and steering wheel-mounted controls in certain models.
Versatile interior
To emphasize the family orientation of the new Hyundai Elantra Touring, designers strived to offer greater versatility. I'll tell you, they were in a very generous state of mind.
First of all, owners can expect to find more knee room (25+ centimeters overall) than in any other competitor. The Elantra Touring also leads the way in terms of shoulder room, allowing larger-than-average people to find comfort even in the back. Only headroom is sub-par.
Elsewhere, cargo capacity is a massive 1,848 liters once the 60/40-split rear seatbacks are folded down (almost flat). That's more room for your luggage than in the Dodge Caliber and even some SUVs.
A short drive to Habitat For Humanity, a community-oriented housing project, allowed the handful of journalists on hand to appreciate the outstanding interior capacity of the 2009 Elantra Touring. We had to carry several feet of mineral wool along with bathroom supplies; yet, comfort was never compromised.
 |
| The cargo capacity is a massive 1,848 liters once the 60/40-split rear seatbacks are folded down (almost flat). |