Test Driven: 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Having finally gotten behind the wheel of a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring SE after many enjoyable viewings of the SUV-alternative at various auto shows, I have to say how disappointed I was that I could only test-drive the automatic version. And no, it wasn't because it unduly drained the power of the standard 2.0 liter 138 horsepower 4 cylinder. Granted, most all 4-cylinder engines thrive on revs and the Elantra motor is no different.

4-cylinder economy cars are at their best with manual transmissions because they make it easier to gain access to the most power wherever it may lie in the rev range. And in the harsh world of the automotive new car marketplace some manual transmissions do sometimes suck and others do not.

Some manuals actually take what might be an ordinary transportation appliance and turn it into a source of driving joy. Still others feel somehow detached from the engine or in worst case scenarios they can feel like you are stirring a wooden stick in a vat of porridge surrounded by peanut butter. That's what a late 1980's Excel felt-like. How times have changed.

I have read countless auto reviews of the 2010 Elantra Touring that make the bold claim that this car has the best manual transmission of any Hyundai product, period. Those are fighting words, I'd say. With the Genesis Coupe lurking about Hyundai has more than just one fun to drive car for manual transmission-only driving enthusiasts.

Maybe Hyundai should start thinking about shipping over more manual transmission equipped Elantra Tourings over to the United States. At least to the western coast. While doing a dealership search on AutoTrader.com, the closest manual transmission unit in the more appealing up-level GLS trim was over a thousand miles away. And I live right by Los Angeles.

When quizzed on when they might get one in a local dealer acted clueless and then asked if I wanted to drive the sedan instead. Aren't Hyundai salesman supposed to know the Elantra sedan and wagon aren't even based on the same platform but essentially share an engine only? If there is one downside to Hyundai having named their new wagon the Elantra Touring is the fact that people think it is based on the far less fun to drive sedan.

While the Touring is a hugely practical, well built compact wagon it is also one of the best handling Hyundais I have ever driven. Steering is razor sharp with little kick-back over bumps and the ride smoothes out the worst bumps Southern California freeways have to offer. All the while the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring manages to tackle twisty roads with the measure of aplomb not usually associated with station wagons.

Exterior styling is classically conservative (how crazy can you get with designing a wagon?) and it is one of Hyundai's better efforts thanks to the very clean lines this practical people and cargo hauler. This straightforward approach really pays off in the interior of the GLS model. Large easy to read dials and flanked on the center stack by chunky, easy to figure out controls. Plastics have a nice quality sheen and the seat fabric (in the SE) looks built to out-live the 10-year warranty.

I recommend the top level SE model because even though it is about a grand more expensive, it feels more expensive by that much and more. Not only does it get nicer upholstery and interior chrome-finish trim, but it also gets steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, dual heated seats and far more stylish 17-inch alloy rims. The base model makes do with always-tacky plastic wheel covers.

Now just because you bought an inexpensive Hyundai doesn't mean you have to be made to feel like you bought the cheap car. And nothing makes a car feel as cheap as when your plastic wheel cover flies off after you hit the curb too hard at the DelTaco drive-thru.