I suspected the problem is the low end torque of the engine... yes it produces a healthy torque and power but i think it is only accessible 4k rpm onwards... did speed it at penchala and it feels sluggish at 2k - 3k rpm... push it more you can feel the power flowing through 4k rpm onwards... but that comes with the noise too... did a quick check and max power is @ 6.2krpm and max torque is @ 4.6krpm... so it does confirm my beliefs that the car is pretty much sluggish on the lower end of your rev range...

anyway it feels much better than the 2.0 accord or camry imho... tested those two as well a couple of months back...

This post has been edited by mavericksam: Jul 14 2010, 02:20 PM

I'm no techie when it comes to cars. But I am comparing paying RM140k for this Sonata, to the Accord and Camry 2.0s. The Sonata is no match for the latter two, speaking solely in terms of driving experience.


This post has been edited by Starbucki: Jul 14 2010, 02:29 PM

I assume you are comparing with Accord/Camry 2.0? Have you tested those before? What are the differences?

same thing la....camry 2.0 also underpowered.....that's why i bought the sonata 2.4....

That bad huh? I tested the Sonata but yet to test Camry and Accord. Maybe my expectations are lower so it seems fine to me.

No offense,but this is just my opinion on the new Sonata.

Went to glenmarie showroom last week and sat and test drove the new sonata.

IMHO,the interior quality is way way way below that of the Japs.Somehow,it just felt not solidly put together especially the center dash.

The leather seats were of very low quality.Just by looking at it,I could feel that the leather was those cheapo type.

The seat was those cheap soft sponge type.So basically not much support .Once you sit on it,the seat kinda goes down way too much.

Then we go to the exterior of the car.THe car looks great in pictures and in brochures,but when you see it in real life,can really see the reallife quality.The chrome section on the front looks good in pictures but in real life,its just a cheap looking chrome piece .Compare that side by side with a chrome from a Jap make and you can see the big difference.

Then i test drove the 2.4.Honestly speaking,the power was ok but somehow dint have the surge or the exhilliration of driving a Mazda 6 or a Camry 2.4.In short, it was just a boring 2.4 short of character compared to Jap rivals.

Steering felt ok,but overall experience I just felt that I was sitting in another cheap Korean car.The interior design just dint cut it for me.It felt old and does not feel like a RM 160k++ car.

Korean cars are becoming better and better ,thats a fact,but still no where near the Jap rivals IMHO in terms of quality,interior design & engine technology.

If the whole world has only the Hyundai Sonata and I had spare cash lying around,would I buy the Sonata? Its a definate NO .

This post has been edited by kevin23: Jul 15 2010, 12:02 AM

http://autopacific.com/news-app/story.60/t...esident-s-award


http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/St...r=&year=New&3=h




This post has been edited by Mr7077: Jul 15 2010, 09:22 AM

You are right bout the blandness in driving (on low speeds only) but my opinion is that the interior is great looking... Yes, the steering wheel could be improved (din particularly like the steering) but i don't feel the center dash not solidly put together as you have described... The interior design is great looking... not cluttered and not too many buttons... the glossy black plastics looks really good...

Leather is on the soft side but it is to provide comfort and not bucket seat dude... they reason why you are feeling like they are giving soft sponge is that they are giving more leather hide rather than stretch it... maybe i am on the heavy side so this give me a good support feeling...

Chrome is just what it is man... chrome... i don't see how camry's front grille chrome is much better than those of the sonata's.

Well, one man's poison is another man's food... thanks for the honest opinion...

Well i havent driven the Sonata yet but despite all its good points the question here is will it sell? Hows the sales so far? I just heard that UMW Toyota is gonna start assembling the Camry here in Shah Alam in 2 yrs time. That would mean the new generation Camry i think.

well honestly, here in msia...i don't think it will sell well bcause many ppl still with old mindset.....and ppl still thinks hyundai is a cheapo brand compared with toyota or honda...unlike in US where consumers are more sophisticated and car industry are more competitive...it's selling extremely well...google "hyundai uncensored" u can see some funny ads....i think it will take some time...but i am very confident hyundai is on the right track.

For me, my friend just got one... wouldn't have minded going for it if not for my new Pug coming soon... Seriously thinking about the upcoming optima and the pug 508...

http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2...agination_top_4

2011-hyundai-sonata-gls-vs-2010-honda-accord-vs-2010-mazda-6-i-touring-comparison-test

This post has been edited by phelix: Jul 15 2010, 10:17 AM

Nice review. If they throw in a camry wouold be even better.

i think the sonata is a bit too 'plastic' on the inside, can't feel the solidness. outlook is by far 1 of the best in the class.

Anyone got his/her cars yet ?

Booked mine 2.0 High Spec but duno when only can get the car~ Cant wait to get it! I myself before seeing the new sonata was also having the old mindset but it all changes after i search for reviews from all over the net and went to feel the car on my own. Hyundai really did impress me with this new sonata. I've tested all three cars camry,accord and sonata. Frankly speaking,after testing the sonata, it made the accord look dull and boring especially the features its offering while the 2.0 camry was 2nd placed and sonata was my choice afterall.

yeah thats the way maverick, im all into 508, hope it be nicely price, but i would guess it fall between 150k to 170k presumably it comes with the hybrid4 engine.
Plus talking about the new improved interior which has a crossbreed of a audi a4 and french touch...

Also not to forget the 508 to replace 607 and 407,

and also don't forget the upcoming kia k5 (optima)

May be this explain everything......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INBnV2kZx34

http://www.prlog.org/10808983-jacksonville...car-in-may.html