Most so called high class D segment are already priced at RM180-200k, e.g. mazda 6, mondeo, etc. There was a Japanese D segment car is priced at RM240k - Subaru Legacy which perhaps failed in Malaysia but it's a very nice car to drive and own.

Agreed but knowing Malaysian, most of us will go with the Brand instead of better value. Just spoke to a friend last night on this. 90% of Malaysian will go for a continental brand if it's priced the same as d segment Japanese made. E.g. A200 vs Mazda 6 2.5 FL. 90% of Malaysians would definitely go for A200 because it's a Merc! Regardless that Mazda 6 is a more comfortable, better drive and spacious, Malaysians would always be brand conscious coz they'll get to say... "I'm driving a Benz!" Haha..

Do you plan to test drive Optima GT, Elantra sport and Tucson 1.6T? If you have tried, care to post review here?

Only Optima? Why not try new Elantra? They have turbo version for test drive at few main branches and HQ.

Kesian Elantra, no wonder no people visit showroom. Because you also said like this. What is your comment on Elantra future here? They didn't bring in 1.6L entry level this time. Looks like they are planning to bring in new Accent 1.4 and 1.6L. if they do, under current rules on pricing, 1.4L at rm75k while 1.6L at close to rm90k.

Behold their last hope, new Accent, Elantra as smaller brother. Difference on the grille that adopted new Sonata style, rear lights are Genesis style. Expect public to say 1.4L underpowered while 1.6L fuel thirsty when compared to Japanese rival 1.5L.

Not just pricing, it's the failed and wrong strategies that killed the Korean brand here. 2015 onwards they just kept slumping despite throwing very high discount in overall.

In America, ever since they went off course, they actually lost. Refer 2015~present sales statistics, in these countries they claimed best seller,  their sales are actually behind the few Japanese brand models C and D segments. Before this they park themselves side by side or chasing up near Camry, Accord and Civic, Altis,. Today they are trailing behind challenged by Ford. In China, they are losing to China quality brands. In Australia, Toyota and Mazda haven taken over most of the shares that was once held by Koreans.