The 2009 Elantra Touring is finally released on Hyundai Canada web site.
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/showroom/showroom.aspx?model=Elantra%20TouringThis car was rumored to be released as far back as March 2008 and has now finally been released almost a year later. So much for rumors.
I been anxiously awaiting this car as it seemed to have everything I wanted in a car. Attractive, roomy, reliable, quiet, smooth ride, excellent cargo space, manual override shifting on automatic, fairly economical and very attractive dash design.
But from what is on website presently I suspect I am in for a few disappointments.
1) Color selection is limited and no too interesting.
2) Mentions 4 speed auto but no mention of Manual shift mode.
3) Steering only tilts and does not telescope.
4) Only interior seating color is black and I suspect that means that dash will not have the nice 2 tone beige and black I have seen on so many web sites.
http://cars.about.com/od/hyundai/ig/2009-Elantra-Touring-pics/2009-Elantra-Touring-interior.htm Any bets USA get 2 tone interior and we don't. Why is it the USA always seems to get better packages that we do.
5) No leather seating option.
6) Sun Roof (which I want) only available with sport package. This includes 17 inch wheels and low profile tires that are expensive and might provide a ride too rough for my tastes.
I hoping a lot of these problems are just oversights on the web site. Looking forward to seeing and test driving this car. If it disappoints I will be off to check out the new Vibe (despite it ugly interior and lifeless steering).