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Which Hatchback?

768 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2012 at 2:54 PM

You are in the Hatchbacks Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Mazda Protege5, Suzuki Aerio, Honda Civic, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 32 of 77

#309 of 768 Re: [billmchale] by rctennis3811

Oct 04, 2004 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: billmchale (Oct 04, 2004 6:05 am)
While some of that is true, some of it is not. For one, the Aerio already is a "best pick" in IIHS frontal test scores. It also earned a 5-star rating in the NHSTA side-impact test without the side-impact airbags. The new side-impact airbags cover both the torso and head and rear passengers don't always need as much protection, though I think they should also have an airbag...so I agree partially with you there. Yes a sunroof is not available, but you can get one custom made from a dealer, but not everyone is willing to do that. The 16" rims on the Spectra don't even look that great, so I wouldn't trumpet that. Also, Suzuki has launched SWT (Suzuki Works Techno) which means you can order body kits, mufflers, wheels, decals, etc. from your Suzuki dealer starting this November...ala Scion. That includes the Aerio getting 16" and 17" wheels as accessories.
 
While Hyundai is moving upmarket, Kia is NOT. They will be left mainstream while Hyundai eventually shoots for a more upscale image. Sure, GMDAT is dumping a lot of cars on Suzuki, but Suzuki also has many new upcoming products by 2007, one of them including the next-generation Grand Vitara and an SUV based on GM's Theta architecture. One thing Kia does not have is GM's financial support...

#310 of 768 I wonder if by nippononly

Oct 04, 2004 (12:50 pm)

the fact that Hyundai is trying to move upmarket means that the Elantra hatches are doomed. They have only just introduced a GLS hatch for '05. Hatches are not generally viewed in America as "upscale".
 
Suzuki's own cars have proven over the years to be well put together, if cheap, and reliable. I am not sure how far I would trust any of the rebadged Daewoo crap though...
So give me an Aerio over a Reno/Forenza/Verona any day of the week.
Sidenote: too bad Suzuki has finally dropped the Vitara V-6. Tough little truck with cheap little price.

#311 of 768 Hyundai doing something right.... by larsb

Oct 04, 2004 (12:54 pm)

"Hyundai considered high quality by owners
Posted Oct 4, 2004, 2:09 PM ET by David Thomas"
 
"In a study sure to make the Korean automaker happy and most of us confused, an automotive consulting firm released a new study that reported Hyundai as the second highest ranked carmaker when it comes to best value. It placed behind only Lexus in the survey based on price, affordability, expected reliability and resale value. Somewhere Honda & Toyota (the brand) is looking around to see what went wrong. Oddly enough Toyota’s new youth effort, Scion, tied Mercedes-Benz at #3, while Toyota itself didn’t break the top ten. Honda eked out a sixth place finish. The rest of the list included Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac, BMW, Audi and Volvo."

#312 of 768 larsb by nippononly

Oct 04, 2004 (1:06 pm)

yeah, well everyone knows Toyotas and Hondas are overpriced by a bit, so in order to get the "best value" prize, they have to NOT have the issues they have had the last few years, like rattling interiors.
 
otherwise, "you get what you pay for" turns in to "you DON'T get what you paid EXTRA for"...

#313 of 768 Re: [muffin_man] by backy

Oct 04, 2004 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: muffin_man (Oct 04, 2004 9:02 am)
The NHTSA crash test results for the Spectra are surprising given all of its airbags and it is a new design. They aren't even as good as its older cousin, the Elantra. The 3-star result on the rear is particularly puzzling, since the Spectra has side curtains and the Elantra got 4 stars without them.

#314 of 768 by billmchale

Oct 04, 2004 (2:27 pm)

Well I hadn't realized about the Kia's disappointing crash test results; on the flip side the Aerio also had at least one result of only 3 stars. I really don't think 3 star results are all that acceptable in an age when you can essentially wrap a passanger in air bags. I will have to wait and see what the Elantra's new offset crash score is.
 
As a thought, as a single person with no kids, I find the Aerio's three star more disturbing than the Spectra's. The Spectra's is for the rear seat, but I am far more likely to have someone sitting in the front passanger seat. (Does anyone know if there are safety upgrades to the Aerio for the 2005 model year?).

#315 of 768 Re: I wonder if [nippononly] by smith20

Oct 04, 2004 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: nippononly (Oct 04, 2004 12:50 pm)
"the fact that Hyundai is trying to move upmarket means that the Elantra hatches are doomed. They have only just introduced a GLS hatch for '05. Hatches are not generally viewed in America as "upscale"."
 
I hope not! I think when Hyundai makes a move to go real upscale it will result in a new premium brand. Besides, I think there is somewhat of a resurgence for this body-type . . . seems like there are a couple new hatchback competitors each successive MY for the past couple of years . . .
 
Anyway, I hope you're wrong. I'd definitely like to check out the Elantra hatchback again in 2008 or so.

#316 of 768 Re: [billmchale] by rctennis3811

Oct 04, 2004 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: billmchale (Oct 04, 2004 2:27 pm)
The Aerio receives an "advanced" front- passenger airbag system which deactivated the airbag if the passenger is under 65lbs. It also received side airbags for MY05...the head/thorax type.

#317 of 768 smith20 by nippononly

Oct 04, 2004 (4:46 pm)

Hey I was only wondering! I love hatches - my favorite body style - and I do not look forward to the day they begin to go away again (if the car biz is cyclical like everything else).

#318 of 768 Nippononly by billmchale

Oct 05, 2004 (5:57 am)

I am not sure that the move by Hyundai upscale is goin to doom its hatch back efforts. Each year there seems to be more and more hatchbacks offered, and they seem to be gradually stepping up in price power and prestige; you can even get a Mercedes Hatch now (though not a 4 door hatchback). There are even rumors that VW may be thinking of bringing over a 4 door variant of the GTi to America (Though not in the first model year of the next generation).
 
Ultimately hatchbacks have a lot going for them. They offer alot of the utility of a wagon or an SUV but have a younger hipper image. In other words they may well be to this decade what SUVs were to the 1990s (well a guy can dream can't he ).

Messages Page 32 of 77

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