Used 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring for Sale nearWashington, DC

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring gains a couple of new options and colors, but otherwise carries over unchanged from 2011. A complete overhaul is rumored for next year's model, but that may not actually happen. Drivers seem pretty satisfied with their cavernous 5-door compact hatchback. Although the seats could be a little more supportive and the ride could be a little softer for some, neither of those are seen as a significant detriment to all that the Touring has to offer.

With a spirited feel and class-leading interior volume, the remarkably fun and spacious Touring seats 4 adults quite comfortably with as much as 65 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2-liter four-banger powering the Touring fuels 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque with another gallon every 23 miles in the city and roughly 30 miles on the highway - the standard 5-speed manual getting the job done slightly more efficiently than the optional 4-speed automatic. Small as those performance figures may seem, the Touring hits 60 mph in just under 9 seconds thanks to this perfectly able engine.

New for 2012 are two color choices - Volcanic Red and Dove White - and the option of a roadside assistance kit. Additionally, the Popular Equipment Package has been renamed to the Preferred Package, adding 16-inch alloys to the mix.

As such the 2012 Touring carries over in the usual GLS and SE forms. Above the expected inclusions for a well-equipped baseline entry, the GLS additionally features heated side mirrors, keyless entry, conditioned glovebox and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 playing stereo with auxiliary and USB audio jacks and satellite radio connectivity. The SE includes all of the Preferred package options and notably adds heated front seats, sunroof and leather interior. Bluetooth connectivity and a rear spoiler are also available.

When it comes to safety, the Touring is neck and neck with some of the best in the industry, thanks at least in part to its German roots. A fine complement of standard safety features including antilock disc brakes with brake assist and front-seat active head restraints helped the Touring score a perfect 5 stars on frontal collisions, and 4 for side impacts.

Drivers with reservations about Hyundai's history with interior materials need not be concerned about such things with the 2012 Touring. All of the ugly hard plastics were removed with the debut of this second generation, leaving a cabin very comparable to other mid-range entries in terms of fit and finish. Very few drivers have anything negative to say about their Touring at all - they're just happy to have finally found the perfect companion.