Korean Job Discussion Forums

[madoka]

I recently went to the LA Auto Show where they introduced the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. A lot of car enthusiasts are pretty excited about it because it looks good, has an impressive 4 cylinder engine (200 hp and 35 MPG on the highway), and is competitively priced. Unfortunately, at the show the Sonatas were on pedestals behind barriers so you couldn't sit in it. Since it's been out a while in Korea already, I was wondering if any of you guys have any experience with the new model.

BTW, I sat in the Equus, which strangely enough they had hidden in the back corner and you could go into it. I was pretty disappointed by it. I was expecting something much more luxurious and refined. No way anyone picks it over a Lexus LS460 unless they price it no more than $50,000.

[GoldMember]

Its a definite contender for the ugly awards.

[jvalmer]

Looks sweet to me...

[Forever]

Strange - the Lexus LS460 looks very similar to the Hyundai Equus (especially the back of it)

Lexus - http://www.rpmgo.com/images/lexus_ls460_fabulous_back.jpg

http://lexusenthusiast.com/images/weblog/07-07-25-lexus-ls-460-junction-produce.jpg

Equus - http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/2/large/2010-hyundai-equus_1.jpg

http://www.easycarblog.com/wp-content/gallery/16_march_2009-hyundai-equus/2010-hyundai-equus-hi-res_1.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-news/hyundai-introduces-113-000-equus-limousine-for-korea-could-it-work-here/30712890+w527+st0/hyundai-equus-limousine.jpg

I have always found the Equus to be a very luxurious car - I actually liked their LARGE older models (2006~2008) - however - they are priced a bit too high ($113,000)

But you do get more comfort and luxury than its closest competitors, the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes-Benz S500L.

An additional 12 inches has been tacked onto the stock Equus chassis making for an overall length of around 215 inches. Aside from the extra length, designers installed a horizontal crossbar grille to further distinguish the edition's exterior. Find your way inside and you'll be treated to powered footrests, plush leather, fine woods, a rear seat leg support, and seats with what the automaker calls a Relax Posture Control and Massage System function.

The Equus uses a Lambda 3.8L V-6 and Tau 5.0L V-8 motors that can be specified to power the Equus Limo, and there's even a bulletproof edition for those looking for the ultimate in protection.



The Lexus actually sits a bit too close to the ground - so you wouldn't want to dent it up by accidentally going over a bump or a steep-drive way


The Hyundai Sonata 2011 - http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/images/sept09/2011-hyundai-sonata-585.jpg

They actually look quite good this year - better than the older ugly models

There are actually many sitting out the back of my apartment and I have had many oportunities to take a look inside (because there is a Hyundai dealership under my apartment building)...

The Samsung EMX still has not fully evolved yet -
http://news-images.caradisiac.com/IMG/jpg/1/1/4/1/3/samsung-sm3-2-2.jpg


Australias HOLDEN
( http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/10/27/27hsvM_m.jpg )

seems to be doing well in Korea, the USA, Canada and many other countries. (Holden is parts of the GM family that purchased Daewoo)

I have recently noticed many Holdens sitting on streets around Seoul.

Holdens sell in Korea as the Daewoo Statesman, Daewoo Veritas
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/daewoo_l4x_lo_003.jpg

and in the USA under the models Pontiac GTO and "Pontiac G8"

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2009/nopq/2009-Pontiac-G8-GXP-Front-Angle-1920x1440.jpg

[hellofaniceguy]

You want a comfortable, smooth, quiet ride? Vast interior, seats are leather and VERY comfortable...Toyota Avalon....top of the line for Toyota....
They rival the low end/middle of the line Lexus' and Benzs and are priced reasonably.
What korean cars are made in the U.S.? Sonata?

[Forever]

[madoka]

[VFRinterceptor]

The new sonata looks like a true Genesis sedan.

[madoka]

Went back to the auto show for a second day last night. Found a Sonata that they had open. Having sat in a Camry, Accord and a Ford Fusion, the Sonata simply blows them away. It wasn't even a contest.

Interior materials and features were WAY, way better. The Ford Fusion had shockingly poor materials. Lots of hard, flimsy plastic. The Accord and Camry didn't feel nice until you got to over $30,000 and then you're competing against low end Genesis sedans. The Sonata is going to be priced lower than the competition, have a better warranty, has best in class mileage, and best in class HP. In the last reliability survey I saw, Hyundai came in fourth out of all brands. Only Lexus, Porsche, and Cadillac beat it. And for the patriots, it was designed in Irvine, CA and built in Alabama.

I think Toyota, Honda, and Nissan should really, really be worried.

I also sat in the Equus again. Found that the rear table (very Jaguar XJ like) was broken. Doh! And all the spectators mocked/laughed at the hood ornament. I think they still have a ways to go before people will feel comfortable dropping $60,000+ on their cars.

BTW, I went to a Hyundai dealer last month to test drive the Genesis. Without any negotiation, they offered the V-8 fully loaded with the tech package for $200 over invoice. I was pretty surprised at that. But now with current incentives, it's possible to get this car for even cheaper at about $39,000.