Posted Sep 21st 2009 11:30AM
Hyundai is fast banishing the ghost of the Excel.
September 22 2009 at 2:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe current Sonata has been edging closer to the Accord/Camry--this one blows em both away at least from an aesthetic standpoint. Considering this is supposed to occupy the grocery-pusher segment, it's far and the way the most attractive in its class.
September 22 2009 at 12:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replythe only similarities are they both appear to have 2 headlights, a grille, and a hood. I love how people say this car looks like every other car. How about we applaud Hyundai for once again raising the bar, it not only gives us another high quality car to choose, but it makes the competition take notice and improve or try and exceed this car. Im not even sure you could compare the interior of this car to say a 2010 fusion, the Sonata seems to be in a completely different class all together.
September 21 2009 at 10:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyam i the only that thinks the front has strong similarity to solara?
September 21 2009 at 6:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDoes the front of the new Sonata really look like this?
http://www.edmunds.com/flipper/do/MediaNav/year=2008/make=toyota/model=camrysolara/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=20222261
It is a sexy midsize sedan inside and out!
September 21 2009 at 6:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI think you're wrong Rar. Traditional Hyundai customers know the virtues of Hyundai ... they are now well-built and reliable, rivaling the best from Honda and Toyota. When you're making more money and want to trade up, an Azera or Genesis is a great choice. Or, for those Accent and Elantra drivers, the new Sonata will be the icing on the cake!
The Genesis doesn't WANT to be a luxury car, it IS a luxury car. Heck even the features of the Azera make it pretty luxurious as the Sonata is very near luxury car status. It's all about comfort and performance, not name tags.
It looks overprice luxury car to me.
If Hyundai create new brand, they can sell new sonata as 'Lexus ES'. (And, Lexus ES was originally "Camry prominent" in Japan. Lexus ES is a variant of Camry)
Hyundai itself want be a Luxury brand?
Traditional hyundai customers want 'econo car', not overpriced luxury car.
Definitely not a "luxury" car (certainly won't be priced that way).
The new sheetmetal for the 2011 Kia Optima looks just as luxurious (and w/ cleaner, less busy lines).
Car looks amazing. Without even seeing it in person, i can clearly tell this car will outclass everything it competes with to include some higher end models as well.
Are the outside mirrors power folding units like those found on high end luxury sedans and SUV's? Does any Acura even offer those at any price?
It looks great, until you see the front. It just looks too ripply (sp?)... EVERYWHERE. If they would eliminate some of the ridges and change the grille, they might have a winner.
September 21 2009 at 1:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI'm very excited to see what they are going to bring next.
Sonata has not been a serious contender in its class like Camry or Accord
but now it looks diferent.
Sonata already is one of the most competitive 4 cylinder family sedans, yet with new design and new engine making 200hp will put her on the sweet spot for sure.
Can't wait to see RWD Azera as well as 4 door Genesis coupe wich will complete
the RWD line up.
The Azera is going to remain FWD - and will be joined by the Kia VG (which reportedly will have an optional AWD system) which is a real looker.
Aside from the Equus, the only other RWD model on the horizon is a smaller, but upscale Kia sports sedan.
