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At least the Kizashi is unique and sexy. The Sonata is pretty much a rip off the a camry/mazda 6 exterior styling with a ugly [non-permissible content removed] grill and punch yourself in the head rims. Now don't even get me started on a Hyundai interior....
You're all proving me to be spot-on in my assessment. Everyone but carstryke and skoobee-doo25 sees midsize cars with blinders on. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is the first real midsize car that is built with 2014 safety, beautiful sexy looks and all the amenities Mitsubishi built in to my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. For those with blinders on, my '08 Lancer GTS has the wrap-around bodykit (blinders off?), foglights, sunroof, 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, 10-way adjustable driver's seat, rear passeneger HVAC controls, etc., etc., etc. See something similar here?
Mitsubishi and Suzuki designers see what's needed, build 'em strong and sexy, Warranty-em strong, and don't charge an arm and a hammer for them. Are you blinded?
Or, can you see? If you can see, what color shirt do I have on? Which NFL team does it espouse then, if you're so smart?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Everyone but carstryke and skoobee-doo25 sees midsize cars with blinders on.
Glad you are including yourself in that remark. "Strong and sexy"? Is that because of the "Supercar" S up front, or the 180 hp that trails other I4 entries in the mid-sized class?
P.S. "I hate anything with a Hyundai badge on it" would qualify as having blinders on.
"In a bland sort of way." What the?
Does this look bland ta you? In any way? Come on!
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport
This car is gorgeous, sexy, sporty and strong! All of that and more!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Here is a review of the Kizashi -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOTwWemWzLo&feature=related
It's pretty much a direct competitor to the Jetta.
Keep in mind you are focusing here on elements of style, which are totally subjective. So really not good form to tell someone what they think is bland, or stylish, or not. You know what you like in style; the rest of us know what we like.
One big thing in it's favor is the lack of chrome. No chrome around the windows, thank you. Not too much chrome on the grill, thank you again.
I'm not sure what makes a car's styling "European" or "Japanese". But apparently I prefer European styling. From what I have read Mazda went Japanese with the current Mazda6, while the prior (better looking to me) version was supposed to be more European. I have read that this Suzuki maybe also went for a European look and I like it.
Not a big fan of the wheels, but the 17s look better than the 18s:
It's part and parcel of what makes this land a great place ta live. Give me liberty or give me a Philly Cheesesteak. You get the picture.
But for the life a me, why would you choose this:
When you could have one of these:
Can I get a true witness here that will give both of these rigs a solid look unencumbered by pot or whiskey or Metallica?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Also, how did you find the performance and handling when you drove it? Have you compared to other mid-sizers, e.g. the new Sonata? Or are you focusing on the Kizashi for now, so no need to compare to others?
BTW, the last photo you posted has no fogs. What trim level do you need to get to add those? I think the front looks better with the fog lamps--as do most cars.
Realllllllllly tough decision.
Note the different wheels on the Sport model. Also, some chrome inserts(and a differently-shaped cutout for the fogs, too) around the foglights. Basically some superficial changes with the new Sport.
This is the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS, which is already out. Both have foglights.
Yep, back, I did post a picture of a Kizashi with no fogs. I wouldn't buy one without foglights, you are correct. Room in the rear, don't know. You'll have ta Google that one yourself, that is really never a factor in whether I buy a car or not. So all I do is briefly read the press report on that and move ta something more important.
I did test drive a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS with an automatic CVT tranny. The car takes bumps and just levels them out for you. They feel like little ripples instead of something that takes your car up and then down again. Steering is true and balanced.
The car, like my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, is sport-tuned and invites you take acclelerate in to turns.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata no doubt would be much like the 2009 Toyota Camry I rented from Sea-Tac airport. Floaty and non-descript. Dullsville.
Open and shut case. Fun=Suzuki Kizashi. Boring=Hyundai Sonata.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Looks a lot like an old toyota corolla actually. The door handles are nice. One on each door is a good layout.
Haha it is very obvious you have not driven a 2011 Sonata, and especially not the SE. There is no comparison to the cushy Toyota Camry - the Sonata has equal or better handling than anything in the segment right now. Why don't you just save yourself $5000 and skip the Kizashi, buy a Forte Koup SX if you are looking for a boy-racer car that isn't really that fast.
Kia body designs have flow and purpose, Hyundai's reach like Kobe Bryant for reason but fall far too short.
Let's hope OKC flattens LAL in the NBA playoffs. If not OKC, the Laker's next opponent.
Case in point, here's the 2011 Kia Optima.
2011 Kia Optima
And here's the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.
2011 Hyundai Sonata
Using all of your...ummm...senses, please compare the above photos and then come back ta the class and tell us what you all think.
I rest my case.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It's just that when you go to the midsizers, Hyundai seems ta be tearing their grey hairs out stretching for viable competing answers to Kia's 2011 Optima or the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS or the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I don't have that problem. After getting used to a V6, my wife doesn't want another 4cyl. I keep telling her that 4cyl's are way better than they used to be, but she just gives me "the look". I'll have to talk her into driving a modern 4cyl to convince her.
I don't think they "falsify" anything, but I'm sure they massage the numbers to a fare-thee-well.
Car makers are already getting desperate to improve their fleet mileage, and there is still 4 years to go until the 35mpg standard must be met. I think we'll see weaker, noisier, less comfortable cars in the mid size segment as a result of the upcoming government restrictions.
Hate to say it iluv, but the number large of pics as you've posted here aren't selling me on the Suzuki. If anything, they're reminding me that it's just another rolling blob, like most other midsizers out there. No real points stand out as particularly aesthetically pleasing. It doesn't offend but it doesn't attract, either. Par for the segment, I suppose.
I am an old timer(
I think the ford flat head v8 was less than 110 Hp, and it was fun to drive.
I have this suspicion the 2011 Optima will actually look better in the "normal" trim, with wheels and grille that blend in better with the rest of the car.
BTW, you asserted that Mitsubishi's designs are better looking than Hyundai's. Personally, I'd take the Sonata every day and twice on Sunday over the Galant. Looks like most car buyers would, also, based on sales.
Yes there is when compared to the modern V6 and V8 offerings, which are not only more powerful, but more refined. In many cases the V6 version in the same car doesn't really get much worse gas mileage, 1 or 2mpg?
"The new Hyundai 4s are rated at 200 HP,that should be enough for anything but the drag strip."
You are joking, right? About 8 seconds 0-60 at best which for me personally doesn't cut the mustard. For some other folks it is good enough. Remember, comparable midsized V6 powered sedans are 6.5 to 7.0 seconds and more refined.
For me, the new Sonata not offering a V6 would be a deal breaker.
On the other hand, if you merely want to, that's another matter.
I think that's it! By not offending it does attract, in my case.
To me many others do "offend", generally with too much chrome and/or a kind of over-done styling.
According to this logic there is no reason for cars then that do 0-60 in less than 8 seconds? LOL!
"And for the record, most published times for the 2011 Sonata are low to mid sevens. "
Please site these sources that show the 2011 Sonata at low sevens? Two sources below...
Car and Driver has 7.8 seconds the street start at 8.2 seconds.
Motor Trend 8.1 seconds.
That is far from low 7's.
There is no Sonata V6 because the 2.0T (turbo) is coming out in late summer early fall - 274 HP, 0-60 around 5.5 seconds, and mileage is 22/34 city/hwy (only one less than the 2.4 sedan). Both the Limited and SE will also comes with duel exhaust/18'' wheels in the turbo models. I would take that over any V6 in the segment, that is ridiculously fast. It could race a G37!!!
Really, no offense but where do you get the 5.5 seconds for the new Sonata turbo from? Is this just a guess on your part or what? I haven't seen anything, anywhere where that combo has been tested yet. We don't even know if it will be auto only or a stick will be offered on the turbo to my knowledge.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Just a little insight from a younger non bias party. As for me im pretty sure i have given my stance (hideous rims, cheap looking chrome everywhere, 3rd world interior ect ect ect)
Thanks,
Chintan
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Second, everyone is biased. That's what personal opinion is - a bias.
I hope you and your wife find a vehicle that you both like, but it isn't helpful to the conversation to label other members negatively, just because you prefer other vehicles' styling.
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Maybe you haven't heard that the next Hyundai model to hit these shores will cost over $50,000. Not very cheap in my (pocket)book.
You should check again...
I know a lot has been said about your age in the last few posts -- I'm 22, a college graduate and employed full-time. First and foremost, when car shopping, I see if it makes sense financially before EVER test-driving, in order to prevent my emotions from clouding my head. Young doesn't have to mean financially irresponsible, just as shopping for the best car for you money doesn't make you a cheapskate. Last time I checked, that's called being an adult.
Cutting costs is not always negative - cutting costs can also be a result of negotiating better deals with suppliers, and more efficient production, just off the top of my head.
If you are assuming that just because something more expensive, it is a better product, then you are going to find yourself parting with a LOT of money unnecessarily, and I'm not just referring to vehicle purchases. If you're not sure about these words of wisdom I'm passing on to you, walk into any quality wine store and ask two questions:
1. What's the most expensive bottle of wine you sell?
2. What's the best-rated wine you sell?
Those two answers will be different. Then, just for laughs, ask "what's your best-selling wine?" I can guarantee it won't be the cheapest, nor the most expensive in the store.
Quality, cost, and value ARE related, but not like you think they are.
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100% agreed, well said!
Too bad it (Sonata Turbo) will still be powering the wrong set of wheels (Front wheel drive) Historically, high horsepower/torque and front drive don't make for the best combinations. I would take a G37 over that anyday, at least it's Rear Drive or all wheel drive depending on model and a far better weight distribution ratio than the nose heavy front drive Sonata. While the Sonata might keep up with a G37 in a straight line, in the twisties it will not handle as well. There is more than just straightline 0-60.
Where is this 5.5 second time you claim? As far I know the Turbo Sonata hasn't been tested yet by a reliable source, not on-line videos again, LOL!
BTW.. Motor Trend (October '08) got 5.2 seconds 0-60mph for the 2009 G37 sport sedan along with a .89G skidpad.
I don't doubt you would take it, but instead you'd have to PAY for it. About $34,000 to start.
And of course it's not as sporty as a G37 RWD performance sedan that costs $40K, the point is that it performs well. 5.5 seconds vs 5.2 seconds is certainly not getting smoked, by a car that costs 2x more. Motortrend got a skidpad recording of 0.82g, insideline.com got 0.84 (both for the 2011 Sonata SE) ... it's not a sports car, but that is pretty respectable in any sedan, especially one as big as the Sonata.
I also refer you to exhibit A:
http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Agent00R/main/hyundai.jpg
Nope. You can get a brand new G37 for about $30,691 to start. AAA pricing. Check it out at AAA.
There is no road test on the turbo Sonata that I'm aware of, so know one knows what it will officially run. I'm sure it will do pretty well.
I never said that 5.5 vs 5.2 was getting smoked, re-read my post....While the Sonata might keep up with a G37 in a straight line, in the twisties it will not handle as well. There is more than just straightline 0-60.
The 2010 G37 RWD, brand new as mentioned prior can be had as low as $30,691, Not $40k. $30,691 is not twice the price of a turbo Sonata. Don't forget, the Infiniti holds it's resale value better as well.
.82 and .84 is a very good skidpad, but not as good as the .89 C&D Oct. 08 a G37 did.
The facts speak for themselves, as the other poster mentioned, but I do care about accuracy and facts during these discussions.
And if you got the Sonata Limited 2.0T, you would get heated front and rear seats, moonroof, bluetooth, panaramic sunroof, paddle shifters, rear air conditioning vents, 360 watt 7-speaker audio, and duel zone automatic climate control (the G37 base only has single-zone) ... and almost equal acceleration for considerably less. None of those are even options on the base G37, to get all that you'd have to move up to something like the Anniversary Edition ($43K). And besides that, some people (like everyone who lives above the Mason-Dixon line) cannot drive a RWD car as a daily commuter because of the snow, so the AWD would be the only viable option on the G37.
I am guessing you have not driven the Sonata SE but I can tell you the handling is very solid and similar to the Mazda6. Sure, the Infiniti would win in a race by a car length or two, but the Sonata owner would still beat 90% of other sedans on the road, have more features, and be saving a heap of money at the same time in most cases. The G37 is a great performance sedan, one of the best, and the fact that a turbo Sonata is even close a contender against a car like that is impressive.