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Comments
Still, it's what is underneath that sheet metal that'll count.
-juice
I wouldn't use a Malibu as a benchmark. A Corolla or Mazda 3 would be better bechmark. Even a Protege is a good benchmark.
-juice
So, let's hope they say the same thing about the Cobalt!
Look at the trunk on the Sonata, it's double-hinged like BMWs are. Camrys and Accord both have the cheap and space-robbing gooseneck hinges. Even Mercedes do.
The Sonata's hood has nice gas struts to hold it up. Again, you'll find cost cutting on most Japanese cars - cheap prop rods basically.
Then look inside, especially on entry level Accords and Camrys. The headliner are lint-sprayed-on-cardboard quality. Or Peach fuzz, pick your poison.
The Sonata has a nice padded headliner with a fabric covering.
So, look at these things, and I'd argue the Sonata uses better quality materials and even better design in those areas.
Camry and Accord are well built and tolerances are very tight, but cost cutting runs rampant throughout both.
So yeah, target the Korean interiors, and maybe the Japanese tolerances.
-juice
Hyundai uses heavier metals and a relatively old tech engine. That's why curb weight is fairly high, and performance is only so-so.
But we're talking about interiors and who the Cobalt should target for interior quality, and I think the answer is definitely not Honda or Toyota.
-juice
Malibu's interior improved a lot, they just didn't pick nice colors IMO.
-juice
How about adding Subaru AWD and a Hyundai warranty, with Saturn sales and service?
-juice
-juice
I'm just saying... you should use better evidence of cost cutting, rather than ones that 99% of consumers won't notice. That said, there are tradeoffs that most consumers will tolerate- for example, the availabilty of more safety features, higher tech engines offering better fuel economy and acceleration, autos w/ 5 speeds instead of 4 to complement these engines.... etc.
But I digress....
~alpha
The hinges are sort of hidden, but they do rob space. Toyota just covered that area. At least you won't crush groceries now.
Struts for the hood? Maybe EX V6 models get them, low end models don't? It's possible we are both right.
ABS is not standard on the Camry, we frustrated ourselves trying to find a 4 cyl 5 speed manual with ABS to no avail. Looked at several dealers' on-line inventories.
-juice
jchan- there have been no Camry V6 models available with manual transmissions since the 2002 MY redesign. All SE V6 Camrys have the 5sp. auto.
juuice- maybe you are right about the Accord- it was an EX model I remember propping the hood of. However, ALL Camrys have strut supported hoods, and Toyota did such a great job of packaging in the Camry that it still has 16.7 cu. ft. of room in the trunk, even with the semi intrusion. (Still a win-win in my book). Also, just curious- in which part of the country are you located?
Lots of cars dont have ABS standard, it hasnt taken off as all the safety advocates (including myself) would have hoped. If youre referencing cost cutting, not sure on your point there, since Hyundai doesnt offer ABS standard on any except the XG, and not at all on the Accent.
Will ABS once again be standard on the Cobalt (and Pursuit in Canada)? That would be a great surprise. Its one of the few things the Cavalier used to have going for it. Any speculation on pricing.
again, Seasons Best.
~alpha
We drove an SE 5 speed without ABS. Actually we thought the shifter was very clunky so that ruled it out, but still we were not able to drive a car with the equipment we wanted (ABS + Manual Tranny).
-juice
Enjoy!
The Cobalt will have more power than all but the Mazda 3.
Its funny up here in Canada its all about cost, Cavalier and Sunfire combined sell more than the Civic I believe. Cobalt/Pursuit may sell less. Atleast they won't be an embarassment for GM like Cav/Sunfire.
Bret