The Demo Site

It won't turn heads, but it will reward its owner for his savvy.

The Elantra Touring is the reincarnation of the old Elantra GT, a five-door hatchback that disappeared at the end of the 2006 model year in the transition from generation three to gen four of the sedan. It's back for 2009, and, as with the old GT, it's supposed to satisfy the needs of drivers who grow morose without big daily doses of lateral g.

Sorry, no sale on that part of the deal. The Touring edition has pleasant road manners, good steering feel, adequate power, respectable grip, and forward sightlines worthy of a Honda, but the chassis feels a little flexy when pressed, and the suspension runs out of travel on rough roads. If you're looking for athleticism in a small five-door, the Honda Fit is a better, although slightly smaller, bet.

Keep Reading: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Short Take Road Test