Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/new-chinese-market-hyundai-sonata-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/new-chinese-market-hyundai-sonata-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/new-chinese-market-hyundai-sonata-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for image gallery of the Beijing Hyundai Sonata

Apparently the looks of the Hyundai Sonata were deemed not bold enough for the Chinese market, so Beijing Hyundai has made some adaptations for the local market. What is being called the Hyundai Ling Xiang or Sonata NFC is based on the same car that we get over here. However, the Chinese have given the car a nose job and new tail-lights to make it stand out more. Unfortunately, as Michael Jackson has proven conclusively, rhinoplasty does not necessarily make you stand out in a good way. While no one would describe the current gen Sonata as exciting, this grille surround just doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the car. At the back, a new trunklid provides slightly different tail-lights. A new rear seat is claimed to be more comfortable, as well. Next year the Chinese operation will reportedly develop a larger D-segment sedan based on the new Sonata that will debut at this fall's LA Auto Show. Hat tip to reader Joe.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata for China


[Source: PaulTan] [Autoblog China shots]

New Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinese sonataChineseSonatahyundai sonata nfcHyundaiSonataNfcFri, 09 Jan 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai Sonata gets redesign for China, we want too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/hyundai-sonata-gets-redesign-for-china-we-want-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/hyundai-sonata-gets-redesign-for-china-we-want-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/hyundai-sonata-gets-redesign-for-china-we-want-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the BHMC Sonata

The changes to the Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata are not enough to raise the roomy sedan's profile above handsome anonycar, but it's encouraging to see Hyundai figuring out freshening cycles without bringing the weird. This Sonata has been facelifted by BHMC, Hyundai's Chinese joint venture, and the car in the pictures is either a pre-production model, or a Monday-morning car, as it's missing some window trim. The tweaked nose and rump echo the styling of so many cars on the road that you can just pick your favorite brand as the one Hyundai copied. Derivative? Maybe, or it may just be that there's only so many places to go with a modest refresh of a modestly styled car. The interior also garnered some attention, getting adjustments to the seat and dashboard trim in the bright, airy cockpit. The design may not be quirky enough to please some, but a handsomely styled car at a competitive price will always find buyers. Thanks for the tip, 94 Taurus owner!

Gallery: Facelifted Chinese Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Carscoop]


Hyundai Sonata gets redesign for China, we want too originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachina hyundai sonatachina sonataChinaHyundaiSonataChinaSonatachinesechinese hyundai sonatachinese sonataChineseHyundaiSonataChineseSonatahyundaihyundai sonataHyundaiSonatasonataTue, 11 Nov 2008 09:31:00 EST