Cool off guys !

It's a Sonata thread tht ended up as the Kimchi vs Sushi war.

I've read thru the pages.. the "Kelvin" guys got it wrong. No one bash Japs car ! He probably din bother to read the earlier thread.

Let's be open minded.

Cyber summary (copy paste): -
Let me summarize my comments (again):

1) Korean makes have always proven to be of inferior quality since the good old days. The worldwide satisfaction survey proves this.
2) The newer models may have improved in quality but we will only know in about 2 yrs time when parts start breaking down and require replacement. Nobody can effectively say whether quality has or has not improved on these newer models.
3) The after sales service quality and standards have not changed and will not change as long its controlled by the local destributers/ service centres
4) The resale values will continue to be poor as long as the original sale figures are low
5) Cost of part replacement have and will still be relatively more expensive compared to Toyota & Honda
6) The Sonata has been poorly priced unlike the Forte and WILL lose out to the Camry & Accord especially since the new Camry is due next year while the Accord will be facelifted this year.
7) The Korean makes coming out now are getting better in terms of specs and styling
8) The Korean makes must be priced at least 25-35K lower than a corresponding Jap model in order to become competitive.

With an open mind: -

1. The quality issue is with the old days. The current generation is based on a new platform, new engines & proven gearbox. It's a whole new experience. U'll nid to wait a little longer (2 yrs as u mentioned) to make a point on this.

2. Same as point 1. Btw, the word "may" means u hv not take a close enuf view on the Kichi car. Once u does, the quality ACTUALLY improved.

3. This is subjective. A quick look on the Forte thread suggest it improved. (Forte is the 1st model to launch based on the all new Kimchi line-up)

4. This a fact. But to be fair, Sales figures has no direct relation to quality or wht not. Malaysian mentality & perception had a big influence as well.

5. "Relatively" more expensive. Throw-in multiple part pricing incl. the cold item (eg side mirror, head lamp & etc) & hot item (eg. engine oil, filter, brake pads & etc)...I think Kimchi should be 5-15% more expensive compared to Japs. Economy of scale influence the parts pricing.

6. This I agree. Priced too close to make an impact against the big boys. Unlike the Forte...which is a no brainer (open mind).

7. This I agree (no brainer).

8. Not in the Auto industry to make a guess.

Accept the fact tht the Kimchi is agressively pushing the market. We'll jus nid to cool off & re-visit the above-mentioned point from time to time.

Accept the fact tht 2 years ago, if u wan something other than P1 & P2...Vios & City is the only viable choice. But now...it's a different ball game.

On the current front: -

1. If u change car in 5 yrs time or less. T & H is a good choice.
2. If u use more than 5 years, take a look @ the Kimchi...or at least test drive one.

I was in these type of junction as well. Sushi or Kimchi. Reading forum....all cars hv issue (minor or wht not). Frens oso strongly suggest Sushi.

In the end, test drive all the shortlisted model...Vios, City, Alza & Forte. Forte it is then !

Build quality is better against competitor in the same price bracket. Specs is better (tht's the fact). The only issue left now it's the reliability. It's a whole new engine after all.

But KIA is giving 5 years warranty on the powertrain in other countries. I assume tht should b a general indicator(s) tht the engine is reliable. NAZA here only gv 2 yrs !....which is bad.

My apology for goin off topic. I can only gv a Kimchi view based on the Forte as I owned 1. End the war guys. Open ur mind up. It's a whole new world.

one thing did you guys notice Hyundai, Kia & Toyota's push button looks the same ?!

I believe might be from the same supplier

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Added on July 6, 2010, 11:31 am

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Added on July 6, 2010, 11:34 amcomparing hyundai and Kia cars I notice there's alot of similarity .

Compared the previous Sonata's accessories &build up to FORTE's:
air-con vents
gear box
center console (not 100%)
anti glare mirror
a few more

I think Hyundai and Kia is trying to have more similiar parts from a certain manufacturer to have a much lower price.

This post has been edited by titarium: Jul 6 2010, 11:34 AM

sometimes cannot compare like that...for the same spec..my sonata is 20k cheaper than camry....and sime gave me 5 years warranty...so if my car resale value is lower i can accept it...afterall....i know i will use it for at least 5 yrs....

i thought the older gen of sonata also have the 5yrs warranty (abeit 300k km only but that is more than the life time spent on the car owning)... look elsewhere (US) the sonata comes with a 10yr warranty if i am not mistaken...
They lost it on group level but the losses are actually coming from the plantation (after the merger)... they did not explicitly tell everyone that is coming from plantations but those who are in touch should know...

US 10 years / 100 k Miles !

I am wondering whether there will be any discount in the near future in the form of:

1. Overtrade/ discount
2. Free service for 3 years like Avante

This will make the Sonata more competitive.

don;t do it in future do it now ... if in future ppl will wait till then only buy and get along with existing car first ... do it now to make people to have a change of mind.

Went for preview this morning and have a test drive on both 2.0 and 2.4 version. The 2.0 version still lack the power and torque but the 2.4 is responsive as it is. Go for 2.4 version if you want to buy Sonata.

Thanks for the advice. Just like for the Forte. Just do it!

korea car is jus like power to surprise

There is an overtrade offer right now for the new Sonata. Up to RM 3k discount.

I took a test drive on Sonata. The overall is on par with the Japanese duo.

my fren from penang got 7k discount for New sonata 2.0!

Test drive the Sonata at Jln222 area... really impress me in terms on quality of the vehicle and sound proofing.. I use to drive company car Accord when i work for H company... Sound proof not as good as this Sonata..

I agree the price place too close to H and T.... which is a down point...

The plus point is i never expect the 2.0L perform so well...

Tell me more or you can PM me

If I can get 7k will really consider getting the car.

give more info pls!!!

Are u sure or not? since the RM3k is controlled by the SD, for the whole Malaysia..
Even previously other dealer offer me 5K, but after i check with Hyundai HQ, they said they will do soemthing to that dealer..
Not sure how is the result after that..

just get the car already... BNM has just increase interest rates by another 25bps (0.25%)... guess the banks will raise their rates as soon as next week probably...

this forum is so quiet now and nice.

yea sonata is a great car.

Sonata doesn't have many fans in LYN due to different age group?