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.

It’s simple in presentation to keep costs down, but comes across as elegant and refreshingly restrained.

Check out Healey’s article about the Hyundai Elantra Touring, or better yet, visit your Hyundai Elantra Chicago dealer, Patrick Hyundai, to take a test drive and see for yourself why this unassuming little wagon has so many fans.

Currently, the story is that 100 Equus sedans are on their way to the U.S. in order to gauge consumer reaction to the model.  If consumers respond positively, and I’m guessing they will, the top-of-the-line luxury sedan will be rolled out in the States.  Hyundai first got feedback from a U.S. audience at the New York Auto Show and must have felt confident enough in its appeal to give it this broader test.

U.S. consumers have already purchased 6,021 Genesis sedans this year through April, so I think the idea that car buyers will reject Hyundai as a luxury car provider is pretty unfounded. True, the Genesis price range is roughly $32K to $42K and the Equus would be priced at a higher level, as it would compete with high end sedans of other luxury auto makers.  According to CNW Marketing Research, Genesis buyers have included consumers switching over from entry-level Lexus models, the BMW 3 Series, or upgrading from large, non-luxury sedans like the Toyota Avalon.  This speaks volumes to me.  Based on what the Genesis has done, I feel like the Equus will lure buyers from the mid-level luxury car lines because it would be similarly priced but pack the luxury of the top-level models of those luxury brands.  Additionally, I feel like entry-level Lexus or BMW owners would be tempted to jump to the Equus for the same reasons: top-line luxury for mid-level price.  Of course, I’m speculating.  I’m not sure what the Equus would be priced at in the U.S.  USA Today mentioned a $75,000 price, but I believe that was just generated by converting its current selling price in South Korea.  I think it might come in under a $60,000 starting price here, which would turn heads the way the Genesis has.

Besides price, there is another uncertainty.  I remember hearing about the Equus getting a “Genesis Prestige” label if it came to the U.S. in order to keep it branded under the successful Genesis line.  Perhaps they will keep the Equus name in order to break free from the Genesis and hope the Equus emerges as a name with even more panache.

I’ve taken a Chicago Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Genesis sedan out for test drives.  They are great cars, and I expect the Equus to impress even more.

For now, it seems smart the way Hyundai is going about this.  Even though the Equus had a great response at the New York Auto Show, they are still cautiously gauging consumer reaction to a higher-priced, luxury option from an unlikely source for luxury autos.  They realize Hyundai is not a brand associated with luxury, but I think they also realize that can/will change.

I really can’t wait to get inside the Equus that arrives at the Chicago Hyundai dealership near me (if I’m allowed).

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