Thursday, January 7, 2010

Elantra MD Spy Shots



Revealed on TheCarBlogger site (the Canadian-based blog that covers Korean car news) are spy shots of the 2011 Elantra (Codename: MD). Body style is getting total revamp. From these pix it looks like a morphing of the current Elantra and the new Prius. It hardly looks like a sedan anymore, which can become a sales obstacle in the U.S. market. Not a fan of the tinier windows either. It makes the car look bloated. Hopefully the concave character lines on the side will help offset that effect.

Counting Cars

Last Sunday afternoon, I spotted three Elantras when I was driving about doing errands. Even more unusual is that two of them were SE's with spoilers. Very rare site in these parts, because I can still go days or weeks w/o seeing a post 2006 Elantra. The other was a 2010 GLS with the new wheelcovers.

I still have yet to see an Elantra Touring, the wagon, on the streets.

Two weeks ago I was able to ride in a friend's older hatchback style Elantra.
The engine sound and comfort was very similar to my car, so I assume they've been keeping it in good condition. This is the only other Hyundai I have ever ridden in (besides test drives).

In car news, the site for the 2010 Tucson is up.
It is definitely a sleeker more compelling piece of sheet metal than the old Tucson that was anonymously boring. The headlights and the rear window really gives it family resemblance to the Elantra, which is only right don't you think.

Not very powerful with 176 hp, but gas sipping with a 22/28 mpg. It's a crossover, not a true SUV.... I don't think there is even a 4WD option. I wonder why they bother with the bigger tires on these cross overs. (Not really...it's the LOOK of course) They just make for a noisier ride. Panoramic roof option is a nice touch.