Hyundai: Sonata News
06-20-2011, 08:23 PM
#961
i still don't think that's the Sonata, even if it's just the corporate face, the proportions of the car says Elantra.
06-21-2011, 07:49 PM
#963
then why does it look like the Elantra
06-22-2011, 02:02 PM
#964
Corporate design language.
Same reason why I have a hard time distinguishing the new 5-series from the 7-series. They share components and I honestly sometimes have to look twice to tell them apart.
(Disclaimer: I'm NOT comparing the Elantra to BMW 5 & 7, lest some anti-Hyundai, love-to-argue, know-it-all jackass starts arguing and attacking... sick of that shit now).
Same reason why I have a hard time distinguishing the new 5-series from the 7-series. They share components and I honestly sometimes have to look twice to tell them apart.
(Disclaimer: I'm NOT comparing the Elantra to BMW 5 & 7, lest some anti-Hyundai, love-to-argue, know-it-all jackass starts arguing and attacking... sick of that shit now).
06-25-2011, 05:30 PM
#967
Corporate design language.
Same reason why I have a hard time distinguishing the new 5-series from the 7-series. They share components and I honestly sometimes have to look twice to tell them apart.
(Disclaimer: I'm NOT comparing the Elantra to BMW 5 & 7, lest some anti-Hyundai, love-to-argue, know-it-all jackass starts arguing and attacking... sick of that shit now).
Same reason why I have a hard time distinguishing the new 5-series from the 7-series. They share components and I honestly sometimes have to look twice to tell them apart.
(Disclaimer: I'm NOT comparing the Elantra to BMW 5 & 7, lest some anti-Hyundai, love-to-argue, know-it-all jackass starts arguing and attacking... sick of that shit now).
the proportions of the i40, though, says Elantra to me, not Sonata. Look at the relatively short hood and the upsweep in the rear window as it reaches the C pillar. those are Elantra design cues. I don't know what yohan was saying when he said to watch the video, still looks like an Elantra to me.
06-26-2011, 03:41 PM
#968
I got you the first time with the corporate design language.
the proportions of the i40, though, says Elantra to me, not Sonata. Look at the relatively short hood and the upsweep in the rear window as it reaches the C pillar. those are Elantra design cues. I don't know what yohan was saying when he said to watch the video, still looks like an Elantra to me.
the proportions of the i40, though, says Elantra to me, not Sonata. Look at the relatively short hood and the upsweep in the rear window as it reaches the C pillar. those are Elantra design cues. I don't know what yohan was saying when he said to watch the video, still looks like an Elantra to me.
p.s. whats up with the attitude and the refusal to understand what the model is?
06-26-2011, 04:39 PM
#969
because I think you're wrong?
06-27-2011, 10:40 AM
#971
That's fine. I guess there is really no reason why you should believe me.
But perhaps you will place more credibility in these publications.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12...et-sonata.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02...an-market.html
They basically state:
1. The i40 is equivalent to the North American Sonata.
2. The styling is closer to the Elantra, rather than the Sonata, to follow the fluidic sculpture theme. This is what works in Europe. The i40 is designed exclusively for the European market.
The YF Sonata is designed for the Asian and North American market. The i40 is designed specifically for the European market. But both cars occupy the same market segment. One just looks different from the other.
In short, it's neither the Elantra nor the Sonata. This is the i40, its own car and name. Yes, it resembles the North American Elantra. But it's equivalent to the Sonata in terms of market placement.
FYI, the "Elantra" in Europe is the i30. So this i40 is definitely not the Elantra.
But perhaps you will place more credibility in these publications.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12...et-sonata.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02...an-market.html
They basically state:
1. The i40 is equivalent to the North American Sonata.
2. The styling is closer to the Elantra, rather than the Sonata, to follow the fluidic sculpture theme. This is what works in Europe. The i40 is designed exclusively for the European market.
The YF Sonata is designed for the Asian and North American market. The i40 is designed specifically for the European market. But both cars occupy the same market segment. One just looks different from the other.
In short, it's neither the Elantra nor the Sonata. This is the i40, its own car and name. Yes, it resembles the North American Elantra. But it's equivalent to the Sonata in terms of market placement.
FYI, the "Elantra" in Europe is the i30. So this i40 is definitely not the Elantra.
06-27-2011, 07:13 PM
#972
Race Director
Folks, this is not that hard to understand, let me put into english SAT terms:
Sonata is to i40, as the USDM Accord is to the EuroAccord (TSX).
Euro market mid sized sednas are smaller than the boats like Sonata and Accord - that just wouldn't do there so they make them smaller. Of course they will look similar - they are made by the same company.
Sonata is to i40, as the USDM Accord is to the EuroAccord (TSX).
Euro market mid sized sednas are smaller than the boats like Sonata and Accord - that just wouldn't do there so they make them smaller. Of course they will look similar - they are made by the same company.
The following users liked this post:
Costco (06-27-2011)
06-27-2011, 07:24 PM
#973
^ Yes.
Don't be confused by the fact that the front of the i40 looks more like the Elantra than the Sonata.
The new model of the European Elantra equivalent, the i30, will also be getting a similarly looking front.
Don't be confused by the fact that the front of the i40 looks more like the Elantra than the Sonata.
The new model of the European Elantra equivalent, the i30, will also be getting a similarly looking front.
06-28-2011, 01:13 PM
#974
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,493
Received 835 Likes
on
519 Posts
Hyundai has so many products now....or I should say, quite a few variations for each product.
4 B-segment cars (Hyundai i20, Accent, Kia Soul and Rio)
4 C-segment cars (Hyundai i30, Elantra, Kia Cee'd and Forte),
3 D-segment cars (Hyundai Sonata, i40 and Kia K5)
3 E-segment cars (Hyundai Azera, Genesis and Kia K7)
4 B-segment cars (Hyundai i20, Accent, Kia Soul and Rio)
4 C-segment cars (Hyundai i30, Elantra, Kia Cee'd and Forte),
3 D-segment cars (Hyundai Sonata, i40 and Kia K5)
3 E-segment cars (Hyundai Azera, Genesis and Kia K7)
06-28-2011, 04:52 PM
#975
Safety Car
in Korea, they have both i30 (i saw a lot of older gens) and avante (which is named elentra in USDM)
06-28-2011, 06:52 PM
#976
Drifting
As a disclaimer I work for Kia Corp.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
In case anyone hasn't seen the Optima hybrid, which btw only has one tiny badge on the rear that says hybrid.
I'm not intending to thread jack, but they're the same car, so it's on topic.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
In case anyone hasn't seen the Optima hybrid, which btw only has one tiny badge on the rear that says hybrid.
I'm not intending to thread jack, but they're the same car, so it's on topic.
06-28-2011, 11:13 PM
#977
The previous USDM Elantra (sedan) was simultaneously available with the i30cw (wagon), which was sold under the Elantra Touring name. Both Elantras.
06-29-2011, 12:15 PM
#978
Safety Car
As a disclaimer I work for Kia Corp.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
In case anyone hasn't seen the Optima hybrid, which btw only has one tiny badge on the rear that says hybrid.
I'm not intending to thread jack, but they're the same car, so it's on topic.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
In case anyone hasn't seen the Optima hybrid, which btw only has one tiny badge on the rear that says hybrid.
I'm not intending to thread jack, but they're the same car, so it's on topic.
Since current K7 is not making its debut outside of Korea, I doubt K9 will come anytime soon, but I love the way Kia is producing cars now. I rented K7 when I was in Korea last month and it was pretty nice.
Back on topic about Sonata... My friend bought 2.0T early this year. I have driven it and I have sat in the back. It was quite nice. I love the 18" wheel and the whole rear view with dual exhaust and such.
06-29-2011, 12:17 PM
#979
Safety Car
Well, the Avante (Elantra) is available as a sedan. The i30 and i30CW are available as hatch and wagon, respectively. While they may wear different badges, they do share components and are in the same class; they are just offered in different body styles.
The previous USDM Elantra (sedan) was simultaneously available with the i30cw (wagon), which was sold under the Elantra Touring name. Both Elantras.
The previous USDM Elantra (sedan) was simultaneously available with the i30cw (wagon), which was sold under the Elantra Touring name. Both Elantras.
I heard Avante will come in coupe in short time.
06-29-2011, 01:32 PM
#980
However, w/ the next gen, the US is getting the i30 hatch and not the wagon.
Aside from Korea, another market that gets both is Australia.
As a disclaimer I work for Kia Corp.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
I haven't quite gotten Hyundai's whole vision yet. They own Kia and yet imo everything Kia makes is nicer looking and somehow has slightly more hp. This is of course with the exception of the Genesis and coupe. The Optima Hybrid is hot, like I'd seriously consider it, if I had 32k to burn. From the above specs, the Sonata, has the exact same hybrid setup as the Optima, the same hp and just about the same price. Hands down, I would take the Optima, the decision would be looks, that's it.
For instance, they both utilize completely diff. infotainment systems and even use diff. AWD systems (Kia having developed its own Dynamax AWD system).
The relationship btwn the 2 is more like when Ford used to own a pretty big chunk of Mazda.
But yeah, I much prefer the cleaner, more masculine lines of Kia models (altho when it comes to the Optima and Sonata, I do like the dash/center stack design of the Sonata better).
Last edited by YEH; 06-29-2011 at 01:44 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Myxomatosis (06-29-2011)
06-29-2011, 01:39 PM
#981
Friend of mine works for Hyundai in Korea. He told me that not-yet-revealed K9 was supposedly going to cost more than equus because of materials and tech used in the car (to name few, alloy body, full color LCD dash, haptic steering wheel and such) but Hyundai didn't approve Kia selling more upscale/expensive cars than Hyundai, so it'll be toned down version now.
Since current K7 is not making its debut outside of Korea, I doubt K9 will come anytime soon, but I love the way Kia is producing cars now. I rented K7 when I was in Korea last month and it was pretty nice.
Since current K7 is not making its debut outside of Korea, I doubt K9 will come anytime soon, but I love the way Kia is producing cars now. I rented K7 when I was in Korea last month and it was pretty nice.
For the US market, Kia should aim for a starting MSRP right above the R-Spec Genesis (by the time it hits the US market, the next gen Genesis should be ready and it'll likely be a bit more expensive as well).
Hope they don't cheapen what we have seen of the interior b/c it looks pretty nice (nicer than the Equus).
As for the K7/Cadenza - are you saying that it won't come to the US in current form (b/c all the reports stated that it was coming in 2012, delayed from a Fall 2011 launch)?
Whatever the case, Kia needs to launch the Cadenza in the US 1st to let the market get used to an upscale Kia sedan before they think of launching a full-fledged luxury sedan in the US.
06-29-2011, 04:02 PM
#982
Safety Car
As for the K7/Cadenza - are you saying that it won't come to the US in current form (b/c all the reports stated that it was coming in 2012, delayed from a Fall 2011 launch)?
06-29-2011, 08:18 PM
#983
Drifting
Friend of mine works for Hyundai in Korea. He told me that not-yet-revealed K9 was supposedly going to cost more than equus because of materials and tech used in the car (to name few, alloy body, full color LCD dash, haptic steering wheel and such) but Hyundai didn't approve Kia selling more upscale/expensive cars than Hyundai, so it'll be toned down version now. :ghey:
Since current K7 is not making its debut outside of Korea, I doubt K9 will come anytime soon, but I love the way Kia is producing cars now. I rented K7 when I was in Korea last month and it was pretty nice.
Since current K7 is not making its debut outside of Korea, I doubt K9 will come anytime soon, but I love the way Kia is producing cars now. I rented K7 when I was in Korea last month and it was pretty nice.
While Hyundai holds a large stake in Kia, it's a minority shareholder and the 2 pretty much go their own way when it comes to developing vehicles.
For instance, they both utilize completely diff. infotainment systems and even use diff. AWD systems (Kia having developed its own Dynamax AWD system).
The relationship btwn the 2 is more like when Ford used to own a pretty big chunk of Mazda.
But yeah, I much prefer the cleaner, more masculine lines of Kia models (altho when it comes to the Optima and Sonata, I do like the dash/center stack design of the Sonata better).
For instance, they both utilize completely diff. infotainment systems and even use diff. AWD systems (Kia having developed its own Dynamax AWD system).
The relationship btwn the 2 is more like when Ford used to own a pretty big chunk of Mazda.
But yeah, I much prefer the cleaner, more masculine lines of Kia models (altho when it comes to the Optima and Sonata, I do like the dash/center stack design of the Sonata better).
06-30-2011, 01:21 PM
#984
See below.
At least in my area, I can't see too many Large expensive sedans selling yet (I'm in west bumblefuck county). I was surprised another salesman sold an Optima SX the other day to a walk-in. Usually we have a lot of sticker shock and brand image issues. like "$35,000 for a Kia?" that type of thing. I did sell a $37k Sorento this month, but I guess what I'm saying is for one thing, volume of a large upscale sedan would be low and really I think they should wait a few years, to let the public really take in what Kia has done recently, before they'll fully accept the value.
As for the Optima SX, the people who usually know about it are auto enthusiasts - so they have read all the reviews, etc. and know that it's a good deal for $33-35K (from what I have seen, a good many Optima SX buyers are coming from lower-end luxury vehicles).
But yeah, the general populace still gets sticker shock when it comes to a $35k Kia.
This is exactly the reason why Kia hasn't already rolled out the Cadenza for the US market; the US market isn't quite ready for a Kia sedan that starts in the mid-high $20K range and which likely will top off in the high $30Ks (if Kia does an SX trim for the Cadenza).
And it's exactly the same reason why Kia shouldn't roll out the K9 for the US market until the Cadenza has spent some time on the lots (so that people will get used to the idea of higher priced Kia sedan); also would give Kia some more time to get rid of the crappier dealerships.
Also, it's one thing to go from a sedan that priced from the mid-high $20K range (high $30Ks when fully loaded) to something around $45K than it is to shoot for something in the $65K pricerange (that's one of the mistakes VW did w/ the Phaeton).
09-07-2011, 05:57 PM
#988
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
That looks AWESOME.
09-07-2011, 06:01 PM
#989
Race Director
Mods - can we get rid of like 90% of the pics in that post. We get the idea but no need for that many pictures. Actually this should be moved to another thread as the i40 is not a Sonata.
09-07-2011, 06:39 PM
#990
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Maybe I missed it, but isn't this the wagon variant of Sonata? Please correct me if I'm wrong. 
09-07-2011, 06:47 PM
#991
Now that looks way too big to be an Elantra.
It looks gorgeous inside and out. Button placement is somewhat confusing though.... door lock/unlock right next to the driver's side HVAC temperature control?
and seat heater/cooler right next to traction control switch.
It looks gorgeous inside and out. Button placement is somewhat confusing though.... door lock/unlock right next to the driver's side HVAC temperature control?
and seat heater/cooler right next to traction control switch.
09-07-2011, 07:23 PM
#992
_____ like a rabbit
WOW! Fantastic interior! Fantastic exterior! That steering wheel looks nice and meaty. This almost make me want to get the GF preggers so I can have an excuse to buy one....
09-07-2011, 07:50 PM
#993
The greenhouse narrows a bit too much going towards the rear and the 2 chrome slats on the grill look like they were an afterthought and don't really mesh w/ the rest of the front fascia design.
Like the interior - may actually prefer the design of the center stack on the Sonata (a little more sleek looking) but the interior of the i40 has nicer materials.
W/ the new i30 (and Veloster)...
Hyundai is poised to really increase sales in Europe.
The i10 is already a big seller and the ix35 (Tuscon) sells pretty well.
W/ the new Santa Fe to arrive shortly, the only weak point in their Euro lineup would be the i20 (it's OK, but not nearly as good as the i10 is within its segment).
Like the interior - may actually prefer the design of the center stack on the Sonata (a little more sleek looking) but the interior of the i40 has nicer materials.
W/ the new i30 (and Veloster)...
Hyundai is poised to really increase sales in Europe.
The i10 is already a big seller and the ix35 (Tuscon) sells pretty well.
W/ the new Santa Fe to arrive shortly, the only weak point in their Euro lineup would be the i20 (it's OK, but not nearly as good as the i10 is within its segment).
09-07-2011, 07:51 PM
#994
Senior Moderator
I'll remove the pics tomorrow, on a mobile now. And I know I'm in the minority here but I can't stand wagons, this one included. But that interior is incredible.
Last edited by dom; 09-07-2011 at 07:54 PM.
09-07-2011, 07:56 PM
#995
The i40 is the Sonata (i45) like what the Euro Accord (TSX) is to the USDM Accord and the Avensis is to the Camry (a bit smaller w/ a nicer interior).
09-07-2011, 08:21 PM
#997
My first Avatar....
09-07-2011, 08:27 PM
#998
09-08-2011, 06:49 AM
#999
Race Director
This should really be in a different thread.
09-08-2011, 02:17 PM
#1000
^ Altho, there still is a chance that we see the i40 wagon rebranded as the Sonata Touring (or whatever).
Hyundai does that w/ the i30 wagon (Elantra Touring) and will be sending the new i30 (this time in hatch form) to the US.
But yeah, I don't really consider them the same model despite the rebranding (just as I don't consider the Euro and USDM Accords and Civics to be the same despite even having the same nameplate).
Hyundai does that w/ the i30 wagon (Elantra Touring) and will be sending the new i30 (this time in hatch form) to the US.
But yeah, I don't really consider them the same model despite the rebranding (just as I don't consider the Euro and USDM Accords and Civics to be the same despite even having the same nameplate).
Last edited by YEH; 09-08-2011 at 02:20 PM.