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Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

7871 messages,  Last post on Aug 17, 2012 at 1:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Sedan

Messages Page 673 of 788

#6719 of 7871 Hyundai/Kia Synergism by w9cw

Dec 12, 2006 (8:24 am)

For those of us who either own a Hyundai Sonata, or are thinking about buying one, it's interesting to compare the synergism, and yet differences, between the Sonata and the Kia Optima.
 
Many of the complaints of existing Sonata owners who have the GLS trim with the 2.4L I4 and the 4-speed automatic are actually addressed with the Kia Optima's 2.4L I4 offering, as it offers a 5-speed automatic. Also, some complaints of the Sonata's dash and center stack are addressed with the Optima. I find this very interesting, as Hyundai is the parent company of Kia, and Kia is "supposed to be" Hyundai's poorer sibling - so to speak.
 
For example, a friend of mine works for Hyundai USA. He told me back in the Spring of 2005 that the Kia Spectra's platform would be the basis for the new generation (2007) Elantra. Now, why would Hyundai offer the newer platform in a Kia which preceded the new Elantra? This is another point I find very interesting.
 
Compare the Sonata side-by-side to the Optima, and in some cases - especially the interior, the Optima is better executed than the Sonata, and the materials seem to be of better quality. Frankly, this mystifies me, but someone must have an answer for this??

#6720 of 7871 Re: Photo's [craigbrooks] by jlindh

Dec 12, 2006 (8:28 am)

Replying to: craigbrooks (Dec 12, 2006 8:19 am)
I like the '56 Ford convertible in the background, now THAT"S a summer toy!

#6721 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [w9cw] by backy

Dec 12, 2006 (8:32 am)

Replying to: w9cw (Dec 12, 2006 8:24 am)
Now, why would Hyundai offer the newer platform in a Kia which preceded the new Elantra?
 
Timing. The Spectra was due for a redesign before the Elantra was.

#6722 of 7871 Re: Photo's [jlindh] by craigbrooks

Dec 12, 2006 (10:15 am)

Replying to: jlindh (Dec 12, 2006 8:28 am)
That is a nice summer TOY, but I don't have Interceptor's $$$

#6723 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [w9cw] by micro99

Dec 12, 2006 (10:19 am)

Replying to: w9cw (Dec 12, 2006 8:24 am)
I am in total agreement with your observations about comparisons between the Optima and the Sonata . Regrettably ,I have nothing to offer by way of real explanation ! Perhaps it is simply that Kia, with the benefit of a newer generation product, has been given the first opportunity to address consumer feedback issues in its Optima line. Whatever the reason, the new Optima appears to be the real deal and something that every prospective buyer should check out . I am confident as well that Hyundai will adress some ot these issues as well in their next Sonata upgrade .Hyundai too has an excellent record of listening to consumer feedback .

#6724 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [micro99] by backy

Dec 12, 2006 (10:28 am)

Replying to: micro99 (Dec 12, 2006 10:19 am)
One huge advantage that the Sonata has over the Optima IMO is that ABS, traction control, and ESC are standard on every Sonata. With the Optima, you can't even get those features on the LX MT, and they are a $600 option on the LX AT and even on the EX.

#6725 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [backy] by micro99

Dec 12, 2006 (11:12 am)

Replying to: backy (Dec 12, 2006 10:28 am)
I would agree with that as well Backy !! But from my perspective, the as yet unrecognized ( by the buying public ) `full value` of the Optima lies in the fully optioned V6 Luxury model . Although most point to the inability of the smaller V6 to compete against the competitors larger motors in straight line accleration, an unbiased comparison of handling performance; build and material quality; and inherent technologies, is illustrative. Factor in the significant and sometimes huge differences in purchase prices and the Optima looks exceedingly attractive !
I believe it will be interesting to see how the Optima and the Sonata are differentiated going forward so as to avoid competing for the same market share . In my opinion, the Kia will evolve into the sportier model while the Sonata will evolve into the more luxury cruiser model . Just my opinion though !

#6726 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [micro99] by backy

Dec 12, 2006 (11:29 am)

Replying to: micro99 (Dec 12, 2006 11:12 am)
OTOH I agree with some reviewers such as Motor Trend who don't see a big difference in performance with the V6 on the Optima vs. the I4. So I'd go for the less expensive and more economical I4 on the Optima. With the Sonata, at least when you get the V6 you get a huge boost in power and performance.

#6727 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [backy] by micro99

Dec 12, 2006 (11:52 am)

Replying to: backy (Dec 12, 2006 11:29 am)
The choice between the smaller V6 and the inline 4 may, in many minds, not rest solely on power considerations . Some, like myself, believe that a smaller V6 could be attractive for reasons like smoothness of operation ; overall looks (dual exhaust)and sound on acceleration ; and of course, just additional power reserve for those unexpected driving events . I wonder out loud if there isn`t in fact a potentially large untapped market for cars with a smaller or more midsize V6, tuned to be extra fuel efficient ?? We surely have to stop this incredible focus on Hp and acceleration at some point, don`t we ?

#6728 of 7871 Re: Hyundai/Kia Synergism [micro99] by backy

Dec 12, 2006 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: micro99 (Dec 12, 2006 11:52 am)
With today's I4s getting 160-175 hp in mid-sized cars, with less weight than a V6, and with smooth operation from balance shafts, I don't see the need for a smaller V6. Anyway, the Optima's V6 isn't better on fuel than some much more powerful V6s. I'm all for stopping the focus on hp and acceleration, but an I4 is just fine for my needs in a car the size of the Sonata.

Messages Page 673 of 788

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