Hyundai has released details on the North American version of the i30 Wagon yesterday. Along with an official press release came an attractive teaser sketch. The sketch shows that the version we get has gone through a major overhaul to suit our tastes. The official name of the vehicle is Elantra Touring, just like speculations have long pointed to. The Elantra Touring will utilize the same 2.0L engine found in the sedan.The Elantra Touring will offer a standard electronic stability control. The Touring will also be equipped with a USB port along with an AUX jack, a first for Hyundai. Hyundai has targeted the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 and the Dodge Caliber as its competition. The Elantra Touring is slated to go on sale next spring. Continue to view the official press release.
[Source: Hyundai]
PRESS RELEASE: 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. Aug. 8, 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.
