Saw this photo compilation on another Hyundai site of the '09 Elantra. They are uncertain if it will be coming to US, but seems likely. Car looks nice, with the front end smoother-looking, more integrated and not so 'Oriental looking,' if you know what I mean.

Two more views of freshened '09 Elantra.

This post has been edited by zetec: Jul 4 2008, 04:17 PM

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Ugh... it's kind of starting to look like a GM car to me... yuck.

Newbie, give me an Oriental car over American heaps anytime!

Goomba, an American in S. Korea

Wow.. it's really changing! I take pictures lightly, I always wait until seeing it in person.

This post has been edited by vitacura: Jul 4 2008, 11:20 PM

Maybe I should clarify my 'Oriental-looking' comment concerning the '09 Elantra. I like the '08's styling, have been considering buying one. I feel that, from what the pictures of the '09 depict, the front looks more integrated, smoother-appearing than that of the current version.

Since I currently drive an '02 Focus ZX3 (which I like a lot) and am considering a Korean car as its replacement, I, too, think that, in so many ways, vehicles from Korea/Japan have the U.S. cars beat, hands down!

Yup, always best to see the new cars in the flesh, as pictures/photos certainly do not always tell the full story.

I may be classified on this site as a 'newbie,' but I know my way around the automotive scene, thank you.

LilBean.....

I see you drive an Accent SE. How dou you like it? Along with the Elantra, I have been somewhat interested in that model. Driving a Focus ZX3 now, I DO like the three-door hatch concept. Only thing of concern for me about the Accent SE is its low power. How does it perform, does it 'keep up' OK on the road, etc.? How's its handling? Has it 4-wheel disks, or just disks in front?

This post has been edited by zetec: Jul 6 2008, 08:03 AM

Haha, it's kind of ironic... I used to own a 2002 ZX5 a few years back. I traded it in for a Cavalier and have regretted that decision to this very day... However, I do love my Accent, you can't beat the warranty, price, or mileage with a Focus. The Focus was my first brand new car and will always hold a special place in my heart... lol.

In comparison to the Accent SE, it's quite similar in driving characteristics, only slightly smaller on the inside. The Accent feels lighter than the Focus. Of course the Focus has more power, about 20 more horsepower if I remember right, so the Accent is not going to have as much "get up and go". The Accent keeps up ok, but the harder you push it, the worse your gas mileage will be. I suggest getting a 5 speed SE if you are looking at getting one. The manual transmission helps with city mileage and has better pep, the SE package has the upgraded suspension with alloys. The SE is not offered with rear discs anymore, that was only in 2007 I believe. Mine has rear drums, but so did my ZX5, and my Accent has ABS where the ZX5 did not.

You have to remember as well that the Focus and Accent aren't really in the same category to be making comparisions. The Focus actually competes with the Elantra, which will have a more competitive lineup with the addition of the Elantra Touring later this year. It will probably be a better match against the Focus. I hate to see that they aren't offering the hatchback version anymore, I've never really been a 4 door sedan kind of person, and the 2 door "coupe" Focus looks like crap, IMO.

This post has been edited by LilBean: Jul 6 2008, 09:52 PM

the front looks alot better but i still dislike the body lines and the boring rear end

sorry to burst your bubble, but that is the photo of Hyundai Elantra model being released ONLY in China market.

yeh they need to migrate this into the US market asap.. i much preffer this styling and would prob be tempted to upgrade

The Hyundai Motor Company has absolutely NO PLAN WHATSOEVER of releasing this model for the rest of the world. This Hyundai Elantra model is meant to be released ONLY in the China market. Even if we do get an upgrade version of Hyundai Elantra for the North America market, it will be a completely redesigned model.

im sure they will do a facelift sooner than later.. and i would bet it will look pretty simillar if not the same

did you see the Kia Spectra (Cerato) facelift?.... it really shows that it's made over the same platform... btw it looks very nice.