Sales representatives at the Chicago used Hyundai dealership are undoubtedly happy to see Hyundai sales staying up, regardless of such hard times for the U.S. automobile industry. When compared to other Japanese car companies, Hyundai seems to stand out in its ability to keep selling top models such as the Hyundai Elantra Touring in Chicago.

While the recent recall issues that Toyota has been dealing with somewhat account for their loss, Honda is also suffering in sales too. Honda’s numbers decreased from 10.5 percent share in the first quarter of 2009 to 10.1 percent share during the first quarter of 2010. Some feel this drop in sales is because Honda has failed to produce new and exciting cars to add to their lineup. Although Honda sales are up 12.5 percent since last year’s first quarter, the total automobile market grew 17.1 percent. What vehicles are consumers shopping for these days? Why isn’t Honda able to keep up with the competition? After all, Toyota has an excuse, so what is Honda’s explanation?

To recover from decreased sales due to the unfortunate recall incident, Toyota has offered incentives such as 0 percent APR programs for new buyers. Honda also offered cheap leases, which helped increase sales slightly. However, the market share slope continued to decline, leaving Honda and Toyota in a bit of a struggle. Not Hyundai, though. Hyundai Motor is up to 4.4 percent share, compared to 4.2 percent share last year. While these numbers might seem unimpressive to some, they have to take into consideration how other Japanese car companies are managing. Those who have recently purchased a Chicago Hyundai Elantra Touring at the used Hyundai dealership in Chicago may agree with Charles Summers, a car shopper who recently purchased a Hyundai Sonata. Summers initially planned to trade in his 2007 Hyundai Elantra for a Honda Accord; however, after some consideration, he felt the styling of the Honda Accord a bit “bland,” and favored the Hyundai Sonata instead. Summers got the style he wanted, and saved a few thousand dollars in the process. Even something that appears as simple as style preference can hinder a car company’s overall market shares. Luckily for Hyundai, sales aren’t suffering just yet.

When I showed up at my Hyundai Chicago dealer I could not help but to test drive Hyundai’s new Touring model. That’s right, the hatchback is back. The 2009 Elantra Touring is a spicy little ride.

I realized all of the perks that this new model would be able to deliver. This new design offers much more room than before, with the most cargo capacity of any vehicle in its class.

Aside from the new design, the new Elantra Touring also handles the road like a pro. The 2.0 4-cylinder 141 horsepower engine was more energetic than I had expected and the overall ride was far sportier than any of the Elantra predecessors. The 2009 Touring model has much larger wheels and tires, along with a sportier suspension, making the overall feel much sturdier and more responsive.

I was also very impressed by all of the new features the new Touring offers. The Chicago Hyundai dealer pointed out that it has iPod connectivity, along with a USB port for other electronic devices. But even better, when he let me put in my iPod into the car, it started to charge it for me, while also displaying what song was playing with artist and album name as well. Good thing to have for someone so obsessed with their iPod, like I am. It also comes with XM Satellite radio (for those not as obsessed with their iPods), heated mirrors, keyless entry and plenty more new features. Plus, the new Touring is big on safety – with stability control, active head restraints, six airbags and ABS.

After driving the 2009 model around and seeing its new features up close in person, I can honestly say that this new Touring is my favorite Hyundai Elantra. Chicago showrooms are now featuring this new model, so stop in and test drive on for yourself to see what I mean and get hooked as well.

The Hyundai Elantra Touring offers a smooth ride, and a surprisingly spacious interior

Growing up, my siblings  favorite argument was about the back of the car. Neither of them ever had enough room, and heaven forbid either of them ever sit in the middle seat, or behind the driver and survive with a little less leg room. Now they’re older and wiser, but their arguments haven’t really progressed. Put the two of them in a car together and you only need to wait to see who will throw the first punch. With that thought in mind, I decided it would be a good idea to bring both of them with me to a Chicago Hyundai dealer for a test drive of a2009 Chicago Hyundai Elantra Touring.

Having heard rumors about the insanely large interior, I figured I had brought along a fool-proof way to test how spacious it really was – with back-seat-warring siblings.

We took it out for a spin, and the 138-horsepower engine was more powerful than I had expected it to be. More importantly, it’s efficient and economical. This wagon gets 25 mpg overall,  better fuel economy than most other vehicles in its class. It offered a smooth and easy ride that was very pleasant to steer. A salesperson from the Chicago Hyundai dealer explained as we drove how safe it is. The Elantra Touring received five stars for its overall crash rating.

The Touring also boasts a multitude of features that are now offered standard. Air-conditioning, keyless remote entry, heated outside mirrors, a six-speaker sound system and even XM satellite radio are all now offered standard in this sporty little wagon.

However the most remarkable aspect of the test drive was the back-seat silence. Neither sibling was yelling about the other occupying the other’s legroom, and neither threw a punch over who had to sit behind the driver’s seat. The copious cabin space saved the day! Everyone had enough leg room and head room, and they were far enough away from one another that they could carry on a pleasant conversation without accusing anyone of halitosis. And there was room to spare. The rear cargo space , which the Chicago Hyundai dealer salesperson informed me is 24.3 cubic feet, is large enough to fit cargo for almost any outing.

So, I am pleased to say that there is something out there that can supress my siblings’ loathe of riding together in the back seat. Its safety ratings, great fuel-efficiency, and smooth ride are all added bonuses to the amount of room it boasts for its sportiness and affordability.