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I spotted a NEW (insert make/model) today!

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw an Elantra coupe today. In typical Hyundai fashion, it has lots of...ummm...styling! I guess Honda can't be allowed to own that segment.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    My wife just bought one. Loaded Titanium model. She was concerned that it was a 4 CYL, but once she drove it, she thought it was great.
    We brought it home last night. It rained today, so she was happy she left it home. That new car aroma is permeating the garage. It smells good. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw a new ES today - greenhouse reminds me of the new Malibu. Not the exciting heap of dynamism the brand floggers want us to believe. I suspect about 0% of these will be operated by the under-40 males seen in new commercials.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...red Dodge Avenger at Hellerman and Bingham Streets in NE Philly.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm seeing them all over the place, though. They seem to be off to a good start in terms of sales.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Seeing as the old one lived for 6 model years, I bet there was a line of fans waiting for this one.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    New one is notably taller. Makes the old one look like a 4 door coupe.

    I think people complained about rear headroom.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    I've noticed that too, it appears like an elongated yet stretched upwards IS.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    edited October 2012
    And the new LS doesn't look that much different than the ES, good for ES sales, but I don't see how it'll help LS sales:
    image

    image
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Problem with that LS is that it doesn't even look very "new", more like a moderate facelift. New S-class is coming soon, won't help sales either.

    But I guess the 61 Plymouth gets some redemption, anyway :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's quite a stretch.

    I don't think the LS was new, merely updated.

    The ES is new, though.

    The IS is more interesting anyway. Lexus dropped the IS250, which is interesting. I guess the CT can serve entry level buyers. Wonder if the next gen IS will offer a base engine?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Spindle grille was panned then, nobody has used it since until now, when it is also panned.

    It will be interesting to see if the new S impacts LS sales.

    The current IS was interesting when it debuted, but the competition reacted fast. Now it is old. The new one should be interesting initially anyway, especially if an attempt at driving enjoyment is made.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited October 2012
    Panned by you. And lemko, so 2 people. :P

    Both of the people who don't like it would never own a Lexus anyway.

    Lexus sales were up 36% last month.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    I haven't read anything really embracing it, either in 1961 or today. But yes, both of us are often skeptical of some "design". Looks different for the sake of being different, to me - a desperate stab at identity.

    I'd assume GS and ES are behind the increase. Sales of the former couldn't go down from the previous year.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Remember the Super Bowl ad featured the spindle in a prominent way. In fact all the ads do, even the new ES ad with the mirror images.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Maybe it will work. The truckloads of "styling" Hyundai has applied to attract attention haven't hurt them.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They keep growing, and I don't think it's despite the styling, it's in part because of it.

    The volume models are not new any more. Competition is newer than Elantra or Sonata now.

    They just had a record September.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Never underestimate the bad taste of the American public, I suppose. And the relative value propositions of the cars along with the brilliant warranty marketing can overcome any questionable looks.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Questionable to you.

    Hyundai sent competitors back to their drawing boards, literally.

    Styling is subjective, but you're in the minority on this one. Even the press has given them accolades.

    I think you're just mad because Mercedes did the swoopy sedan thing first.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Accolades about the styling? Really? From which credible source?

    Attention for the sake of attention. It won't age well. Desperate attempt to add an aura of dynamism to a bland product.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited October 2012
    Hard to think of a review that didn't complement the styling.

    Edit: hasn't aged well?

    Sales continue to grow and it came out in 2010.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    I don't recall any lauding it, unless it was one of those disguised advertising sections from the newspaper.

    Like I said, sells despite the styling...and more than one ends up in fleets, too.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    Most articles I've read were positive on the Hyundais' styling, very few disliked it. Me, I think it's a bit overdone.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited October 2012
    Here's a sample from Edmunds reviews:

    Accent Hatchback - "engaging style inside and out"

    Elantra Touring - "handsomely styled four-door sedan"

    Hyundai Tucson - "Sharp styling inside and out" ("sharp styled" was also used in a new Santa Fe Sport First Drive review; I suppose you could argue that "sharp" is a detriment.)

    Didn't see much about Genesis styling and I didn't skim any others.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Well, there are some words. Actually, the Elantra touring is a pretty clean design. Tucson is overbaked. But the real goodies are the trunkback Elantras, and of course the Sonata.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No reviews are more respected than ours, right? :)
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,785
    Someone nearby has picked up a AM Rapide; I've seen it driving through the neighborhood a few times now. Black on black.

    And no, the Fusion does not look like it.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw another Escape today, seem to be selling well.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Like I said, sells despite the styling

    I disagree.

    35mpg when it came out was best in class, but Camry matched it and Altima and Accord leap frogged it.

    Yet in the 4th model year they just had a record month.

    If that's not aging gracefully then I don't know what is.

    People like the styling. Opinions are subjective and I know you disagree, but you're in the minority. Sales continue to grow.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited October 2012
    The warranty and price/value also come into play.

    Aging gracefully? I still haven't seen a credible positive analysis of Hyundai's overblown styling. It's just a cribbed down to a WalMart level CLS with high standard features and a good warranty. The latter two matter most.

    Sales and good styling are not necessarily connected.

    And on a lack of styling tangent, I saw an ILX today. For when an IS is just too dynamic and exciting.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    haven't seen a credible positive analysis

    I bet the only Hyundai review you read was some euro car mag that panned it.

    ILX is what the Civic should be. As an Acura it's grossly overpriced.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited October 2012
    So there are none then. Funny thing, the Euros actually like smaller Hyundai cars, but as size increases, credibility decreases.

    We should just get the pimped out Acura Civic offered in Canuckistan. It's no less boring than the ILX, and probably has a higher profit margin.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Textbook fintail.

    Never cite a source, yet ask that others do. :P

    You're lazy, you go look. Pick 10 car mags, read the reviews, and paste that they have to say about the styling here.

    I've read praise from everyone from Autoweek to CR to Edmunds to Autoblog to cars.com.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited October 2012
    If you know the sources, then post them. Asking for stuff while not providing is how this place works, see the inconsiderate drivers thread.

    You're the beltway area IT guy, you have plenty of free time :P

    Saw some kind of tall Ford hybrids on a truck today. I suspect they were C-Max.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll start with the 3 from Steve which you ignored:

    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef2675c/9500#MSG9500

    C&D:

    well-appointed and attractive alternative to the Accord and the Camry

    MT:

    in all its "fluidic sculpture" glory. Let's just say Hyundai has angered its competitors and delighted its dealers

    R&T:

    only now, your main reason for purchasing a Sonata might be its newfound style.

    Motorweek:

    With its stunning design, four-cylinder and hybrid engines, and extensive warranties, the Sonata is a repeat winner [Driver's Choice Best Family Sedan]

    Autoblog:

    We've grown quite fond of the rakish roofline and sloped beltline, and we love how the profile's creases carry over to form the shaping around the taillamps

    cars.com:

    What We Like: Stylish exterior

    Autoweek:

    There's a lot to like in this sedan, from the fits and finishes to the styling and sticker price

    TOUCHEE! :P
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Nice, but you ignored my request. I said "credible", which would mean someone who has some history of design analysis. Quotes without personal attribution from sources which rely on manufacturer-based advertising donations aren't really kosher to my jaded eyes ;)

    And I can agree, it is "stunning"...like "holy crap, look at all that!".
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    Juice, give up, you know when Fin gets like this....
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    on I-90 leaving Boston, MA. Small wheels! That or a Smart, Yikes!
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw a new Altima today, not a rental.

    As a fun aside, the driver could barely see over the wheel. Fantastic.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    "That or a Smart, Yikes!"

    I haven't seen an iMiev lately, but there seem to be lots more Smarts around here - odd, I didn't think sales were anything but terrible lately.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    sources which rely on manufacturer-based advertising donations

    Here's the only source that doesn't:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wexjef1G054

    At 0:24 they say

    Let's face it, the styling of many family sedans is kind of boring, and the Sonata kind of breaks out of that mold. It's got this sleek, low slung look. It manages to look a lot more expensive than it really is.

    That's the 12th so far, I'm sure you'll discredit every one who doesn't agree with your opinion no matter what, so let's agree to disagree.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Some skate boarder must've won the lotto. All the badges were blacked out, even the 3 pointed star. Windows tinted, matte black paint. Brand new so he must've spent a pretty penny to get that look.

    Also saw Black Betty, i.e. a black VW Beetle.

    Altima sedan parked at a meter on K st.

    CX5 this AM.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    The Sonata breaks a mold anyway, for sure. Poor mans CLS. But opinions without personal attribution are only worth so much. When CR starts publishing material about design analysis, get back to me ;)

    Murdered out E350 could be a middle aged exec trying to look young/trust funder/recent investor visa recipient who likes to be showy (common here). Not a typical result for the demographic of that car.

    Parking garage at work today featured a new Yaris with a big "born American" or something sticker on it. And saw a 5er GT driving on the street leading to another garage. Late model BMW driver didn't signal, shocking!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hate the look of those GTs. 5er sedan was fixed, though, Dame Edna lights excised.

    Guys at VOB BMW couldn't even figure out how to open the trunk the 2nd way.

    Hosts, where's the face palm emotorcon?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    It's just so...awkward. Only redeeming feature is the "tubes of light" rear light clusters. I can't see how any sell, not just weird looking, but expensive. And we lose out on the 5er Touring for it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    This looks 10x better than the GT:

    http://www.carspotting.de/s/Sportwagen/BMW/BMW-535d-Touring/18838

    Or go used. I'd look for pre-Dame Edna, so II gens back.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited October 2012
    My rental car in Germany, 2010:

    image

    The GT over this? At least MB and Audi have some sense. Not huge volume models, but they have a devoted customer base who will keep buying. I suspect the GT sells to those who simply want the most expensive model.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Mercedes-to- -build-a-baby-G-wagen-SUV-mud-plugger/

    FWD based? A-class platform? Faux G wagen look?

    Like selling your soul.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited October 2012
    And worst of all, I bet they lose the external rain gutters. :P
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Germans have a niche fetish, gotta make something for absolutely every imaginable segment. Look at BMW...

    Sad thing is, it will sell.
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