2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Wagon aimed at the Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit

Buyers looking for a small wagon just got a boost to their choices with the introduction of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. It joins the Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber and Mazda3 Sport in the compact wagon segment.

Canadians have always had more of an affinity for small hatchbacks and wagons than their cousins south of the border, who have traditionally preferred SUVs. Maybe it's our more thrifty ways as compact wagons usually cost less to buy, use less fuel but generally hold just as much cargo as a compact SUV. So the introduction of a wagon into the vehicle line is a safe bet for Hyundai.

To cover the broadest spectrum of buyers, Hyundai is offering the Elantra Touring in four different trim levels starting at $14,995 and going all the way up to $22,395. We drove a GL model with an automatic transmission.

The Touring is slightly longer and wider than Toyota's Matrix. Hyundai claims the Touring has the most passenger and cargo space in its class, with 2,866 litres of passenger volume and 689 litres of cargo capacity. It also boasts a longer wheelbase, which helps ride and rear legroom.


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