2007 SEMA Show: Hyundai Elantra Touring Concept

Hyundai There’s one key to success that seems to be universal: Never forget where you came from. When implemented correctly, it keeps celebrities’ and politicians’ heads small and rapidly growing companies aligned with the needs and wants of the customers and clients that brought them so far. It’s a mentality at work in the halls of Hyundai, a Korean automaker that, while launching large crossovers and high-powered rear-drive cars, is simultaneously announcing the arrival of a five-door hatchback. Dubbed the Elantra Touring, this vehicle will hit streets in 2008 and is seen here in concept form.

Thom Blackett MyRide Senior Road Test Editor Photo credit: Staff

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Hyundai is putting a lot of effort into moving itself upscale with progressively luxurious vans, crossovers, and soon, rear-drive sedans and coupes. But what’s made it possible for the brand to be a player in the most competitive marketplace is a line of well-backed and affordable small and midsize autos. While the venture upscale may indeed prove fruitful, Hyundai is smartly playing it safe by also filling a niche that will better serve its current core audience

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A redesigned version of the Elantra Sedan was released for the 2007 model year, complete with a 138-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine featuring variable-valve timing and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. Look for these powertrain bits to be featured on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. However, you won’t find (at least in stock form) this concept’s cold-air intake system, strut tower brace, and under-hood painted accents.

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If you ever wanted to see a Tango Orange and Amazing Grape Hyundai, consider this to be your lucky day. Enjoy, because there may never be another (fingers crossed). This Beach Cruiser concept project was lead by K-Daddyz Kustoms, and includes not only flashy paint but also a lower body kit, billet trim pieces, a huge sunroof, and even a Tiki doll painted on the hood. Konig wheels measuring 20-inches and rolling on Dunlop Sport Maxx round out the exterior. The interior adds two-tone leather, multiple DVD screens, and an upgraded sound system with a custom amp setup in the trunk area.

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Call us crazy (everyone else does), but we’re fans of vehicles like the Elantra Touring. Small utility vehicles just make sense, since they provide owners room for pretty much whoever or whatever they wish to carry while aiming to keep operational costs low. That translates to getting more accomplished with fewer trips to the pump. At least that’s the idea. For others, the five-door hatchback/small wagon styling is appealing, though the fruit-themed colors of this example can probably steer clear of production without causing any riots. Those DVD screens and expansive sunroof would be nice, yet unlikely additions to the forthcoming 2009 production model.