I really want to take a Chicago Hyundai Tucson test drive as soon as these hit the showrooms. Looking at the sweeping lines and fast look of the design combined with the shot of the very luxurious interior make me think that Hyundai again will be stealing business away from automakers with similar amenities and higher prices.

So I started making the rounds and I have to say, I was impressed.  All cars offered great amenities and each had appealing differences.  But there wasn’t one that stuck out.  Until I visited my Chicago Hyundai Dealership and had the opportunity to finally test drive the 2009 Hyundai Sonata.  Now I have to say, I’m really impressed.

The first thing I noticed was the luxurious interior.  I know luxurious seems like an overstatement reserved for the likes of a Jaguar or BMW, but Hyundai has really earned the right to utilize the adjective.  Between the comfortable leather seats, accented wood trimming and leather-wrapped steering wheel, it really made the car feel more “at-home” than the Camry or the Accord.  I’m also a huge music guy and have to know that I can take my mp3 player with me anywhere.  I know it’s a minor detail for some, but this is a major detail for me.  Luckily, I was shown the intuitive portal to connect an mp3 player or an iPod to the premium 6 speaker audio system (which sounded amazing by the way.)  So the Hyundai Sonata scored extra points.

And then there was the engine.  The most power I’ve ever had in a vehicle involved 4 cylinders and a 0-60 in around 11 seconds.  So needless to say I was pretty excited to look under the hood and see “V6″ in bold letters on the casing.  At this point I had to take it out for a spin.  Since we were at a Chicago Hyundai Sonata dealership, I had to play it cool on the road, but immediately I could feel the power of the 249 hp engine.  Just knowing it was there was enough for me.  It was a noticeable difference between the 4 cylinders I’m used to, and definitely pushed me in the right direction.  Again, extra points for the Hyundai Sonata.

So after I had all the facts and saw all of the cars, did I make the right choice?  I would say MOST DEFINITELY.  I chose the Hyundai Sonata at the Chicago Hyundai dealership over all other models I’d considered because of the well-rounded amenities and superior performance.  Of course, you can get most of the same features in any other mid-sized sedan, but Hyundai offers the whole package for a great price that you really can’t say no to.  Well, at least I couldn’t say no to it.

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.

Visit your Chicago Hyundai dealer to find out more!

It was a little more than a decade ago that Chicago Hyundai dealers first introduced drivers to America’s Best Warranty as a way of showing car buyers how much faith the company had in Hyundai’s vehicles. Fast-forward ahead to today and the warranty is still in place. Now, Hyundai is demonstrating to buyers Hyundai’s faith in them. Allow me to further explain.

Anyone, regardless of age, health, or employment history, financing or leasing any new Hyundai automobile who loses their income will be eligible to return their Hyundai hassle-free; even being covered up to $7,500 in negative equity. Coverage comprises a wide range of circumstances of which the driver is eligible to return the automobile, including, involuntary unemployment, physical disabilities, revoking of driver’s license due to medical impairment, international employment relocation, personal bankruptcy, and accidental death.

For those who fall under any of the categories listed above, one is eligible to file a request for benefits with Hyundai Assurance Administrator. To qualify the driver must have made at least two scheduled payments and be up-to-date on their loan or lease. From there the benefits specialist will assess the value of the vehicle by averaging your dealer’s appraisal and the values from leading industry guides. Upon approval, the vehicle will be returned to the selling dealer and pay any additional balance above the previously mentioned $7,500 Hyundai Assurance, if any; walking away free of further financial obligation and their credit score intact.

Not sure what “negative equity” is? Imagine you still owed $20,000 on your Hyundai when it is decided to be turned back in; if the automobile is valued at $15,000, then it has $5,000 in “negative equity.” That’s $2,500 under the $7,500 limit, and therefore you owe nothing. The likelihood of the car depreciating by more than $7,500 in the first 12 months is very slim.

Hypothetically speaking, what if I were to lose my job and didn’t have enough saved up to make payments in the meantime but felt I could track down another opportunity in only a couple of months? Having already planned ahead, Hyundai recently introduced the Hyundai Assurance Program Plus, a program available to anyone looking to buy new Hyundai in Chicago. If let go by your place of employment, Hyundai will make your payments for up to three months; after those three months are up, if you have a job, you are able to keep the car with no obligation to pay them back for the assisted payments. If you are still unable to find employment, you can return the car via the normal Assurance process, free and clear and without it impacting your credit rating.

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For more information please visit your Chicago Hyundai dealership.

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.

Hyundai plans to release its plug-in hybrid in 2013

The big news this week is that Hyundai will be selling a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by the year 2013. The Hyundai PHEV will be released to compete with the Chevy Volt (if that’s still around then) and Toyota’s soon-to-be-released PHEV.

As a huge hybrid fanatic already, I can attest that the appeal and excitement of the “plug-in” is that it is far more fuel efficient than any of our current hybrids, and in an economy like today’s, PHEVs are the short-term solution to oil dependence and emissions reduction.

The futuristic Hyundai, which is set to be released three years after a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in 2010, is Hyundai’s all-out attempt to catch up with Japanese battery technology, which is leading, but not by an absurd amount. The 2010 release of the Sonata Hybrid marks Hyundai’s first ever hybrid offering, according to managers at a Hyundai dealer in Chicago, and now Hyundai is already announcing taking on the fuel-efficiency giants of Toyota and Honda in the PHEV race? I guess that’s what I should expect from a car company that has transformed itself into a major player from discount provider. Let’s not forget that a few years ago, if someone had said Hyundai would be making a luxury sedan that would win car of the year awards, we would have laughed and laughed. Playing David to the hybrid Goliaths won’t be easy, but if the Genesis sedan, Hyundai’s Assurance plus plan, and Hyundai’s top-of-the-line warranty have taught us anything, it’s that this company can really accomplish big things.

Hyundai says it not only wants to make hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars because they appeal to a new consumer segment and help increase their CAFE ratings, but they want to focus on green technology because it is the socially responsible thing to do.

And for most of us who are used to hearing of “going green,” Chicago Hyundai dealers explain that “Blue Drive” may have us seeing a new color when we think of eco-friendly vehicles. “Blue Drive” is the new system that is guiding hybrid Hyundai models, which, for us non-scientists, will be better for the earth. And who wouldn’t want that?

Hyundai revealed the Blue-Will plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in Seoul a couple of weeks ago. I’m glad Hyundai is getting into the plug-in hybrid arena.  My guess is that since they have something going on the HEV realm, they will be ready with a plug-in electric hybrid car when all of the other car makers drop them on the North American market in 2011 and 2012.  And I’m also guessing they will make a huge impact, like the company has done in every other segment it’s ventured into.  Somehow Hyundai will turn this concept into a more affordable plug-in HEV than anyone else can offer and then give it the best warranty.

The specs on mileage capability and electric-only miles are similar to other plug-in hybrid concepts right now.  That’s cool, because we know that if Hyundai matches what other plug-ins can do, we’ll be able to get the same benefits with a lower price tag.

What do I think of the design?  Well, a lot of times with concepts (especially the recent hybrid concepts) only one of two things is retained into production: design or powertrain.  My guess is that we’ll definitely see the Blue-Will’s plug-in hybrid engine technology pop up in a production model within two years, but I’m betting against this exact body style making it past the cut.  I actually really love it and wish there was more uniqueness in cars on the road.  I can see myself pulling out of a Chicago Hyundai dealership in this exact car.

I’m happy, as usual, with Hyundai for doing something different.  I’m worried it is too design-forward to appeal to the number of consumers Hyundai will hope to entice, though.  Like the 4th-grade basketball player who has the most fun on the court but forgets to play defense and doesn’t totally understand the traveling rule — he deserves a chance and some encouragement, but he probably won’t make it on the high school varsity team when the time comes.  Anyway, this is Hyundai’s first plug-in HEV attempt, so you can be sure refinements and consumer testing will change what you see currently, even if a model emerges that’s based on this design.

Still, some design elements from the Blue-Will should be emulated if not retained.  Like the car’s underbelly, which has a full length cover to make it more aerodynamic and minimize drag.  Another good idea, carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and composites were applied to the Blue-Will’s side sills, moldings and fenders to make the car lighter.

Lots of other cool stuff: Recycled soda bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp covers.  And bio-plastics were used for the interior the engine cover.  Bio-plastics are made from plant extract in place of fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.  Here is a quick video of the Blue-Will being unveiled in Seoul:

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Again, I wouldn’t expect to see this at a Chicago Hyundai dealership when Hyundai does introduce its first production plug-in hybrid, but how cool would it be to see this plug-in techonology in the next generation of the Elantra or the Genesis?

Last Saturday I ventured out to a Hyundai dealer in Chicago to test drive the 2009 Elantra Touring.  It’s one of those models that I’ve thought looked smart and fun to drive but just never had gotten around to exploring.  I’m glad I finally did.

I was immediately impressed by the car’s unexpected zip and tight steering, which I unintentionally tested via a rather quick-paced, illegal turn.  My little blunder exposed two things–the car’s very responsive handling and my accompanying salesman’s responsive nervousness.  So I had covered cornering, steering and braking in one shot.  All seemed great.  Now I stood first in line at a red light, and I felt it was the appropriate opportunity to check out the giddy-up.  The Touring responded with enthusiasm.  The 141-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder won’t show up in Fast and Furious 8, but its acceleration has enough gusto to satisfy.

The Elantra Touring provides a driving experience I would term “simple elegance.”  No, it’s not a luxury car, and isn’t priced like one, but the Touring accomplishes everything it’s supposed to with surprising ease and refinement.  You buy it because it’s affordable, because of its great fuel economy and because you need the cargo space.  The Touring dependably delivers all of those things and more with a very unassuming dose of indulgence.

Part of that quiet indulgence comes by way of an extraordinary amount of features for a car under $20,000–including a really good audio system (which is more of a loud indulgence), power windows, heated power mirrors, to name a few of my favorites.

The Touring also has an available Premium Sport package—including power sunroof, heated front seats and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels—that goes for a still-extraordinarily priced $20,500.

Topping off the benefits is a very important aspect–safety.  The touring comes loaded with standard safety features like curtain airbags and front side airbags.  First-in-class traction and stability control are also standard on the Touring, which means for the Hyundai Elantra Touring Chicago, with its snowy roadways, is home.

Any car buyer who values space and fuel efficiency will find the Elantra Touring appealing.  Add the Touring’s capabilities to Hyundai’s 10-year warranty and Hyundai Assurance Plus program, and it’s a very attractive option.

As I pulled back into the Chicago Hyundai dealership, I seriously thought about trading up for one because the car really fits my needs nicely–having the ability to transport cargo, to get good highway mileage and to totally pump the tunes.

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