Sonata Turbo

[The Critic]

http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/10/hyundai-announces-pricing-on-new-sonata-turbo.html

$24k for Sonata SE 2.0T and $27k for Sonata Limited 2.0T.

I just hope that the suspension has been improved significantly for this sportier version. Everything that I have read about the NA 4's suspension says that it is far from sporty.

 

[Win]

I like the looks of the new Sonata, at least they decided to knock off a car that was reasonably handsome to start with.

At this point, I'm glad I don't have any DI cars. I've had turbo cars before, and so far have declined the opportunities to buy another.

It's like the early 80's all over again with all these turbo fours on the market.

 

[JHZR2]

No need for sporty. High MPG in an economical, utilitarian vehicle that goes along well and keeps speed up the hills is what people need.

All the rest of the stuff adds is higher lifecycle costs.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
No need for sporty. High MPG in an economical, utilitarian vehicle that goes along well and keeps speed up the hills is what people need.

All the rest of the stuff adds is higher lifecycle costs.

Then what's the purpose of a 135i?

 

[97tbird]

Dang - 260 HP and 33/22 MPG? if it weren't so ugly I'd recommend this to my friends...

 

[Quattro Pete]

It's an interesting proposition, but at $27K, I think I'd rather get a GTI and chip it. That should feel more sporty than a Sonata.

 

[97tbird]

True, QP.

Most people would be happy with the SE for $24k though...the $27k Limited doesn't add much in terms of performance...I'd ditch the ugly OEM wheels anyway that are on the SE.

 

[flacoman]

If the local dealers aren't greedy I'd go take a peek at one,but I suspect they'll be trying to mark them over sticker.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
No need for sporty. High MPG in an economical, utilitarian vehicle that goes along well and keeps speed up the hills is what people need.

All the rest of the stuff adds is higher lifecycle costs.

Then what's the purpose of a 135i?

Completely different vehicle, designed for completely different use. Nobody NEEDS a 135i, and you could argue that nobody needs a 118, or whatever the least potent version is... But most everybody needs a reasonable costing, good mileage, long lasting family sedan.

Youre not going to convince me that a compact 2+2 sporty car has anything in common with a pedestrian sedan, just because the sedan has 274hp.

Which, BTW, scares me in a consumer car. We have another thread wondering how the 1.4L turbo in the cruze is going to work out... That engine is barely 100hp/L, the sonata is almost 140hp/L?!?!?

It is one thing if you are pushing those power densities in a car like a WRX or similar, NOT in a consumer sedan. I foresee these things being VERY unreliable in the near future, not at the fault of the car or engine, but because of the densities being pushed and the typical consumer use/maintenance practices.

But again, a sonata in any form isnt going to confuse somebody looking for a true sports or sporty car.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
Dang - 260 HP and 33/22 MPG? if it weren't so ugly I'd recommend this to my friends...
It's true what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I like the design. And, actually it's rated 274 hp. The pricing is definitely a good selling point too. And, all this is accomplished on regular gas, sweet.

Any word on when they hit the showrooms?

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

I think last I heard it was early November, but do not think there was an official announcement yet.

 

[Sayjac]

Thanks U_M. I'll be looking for it.

 

[SLCraig]

I still don't get why they made this vehicle so bloody weird looking.
But the specs on paper are good!

 

[Pesca]

If you don't like the look, you can still have the same feature (engines, chassis,etc..) in the Kia Optima.

At the beginning, I liked the design but I am starting to get a little bit fed up with it now (maybe I see it too often on the road, they are everywhere here), and the Kia is more "normal" looking.

 

[kkreit01]

^ I'm with you here. I really liked them at first, but I see them everywhere now (very good for Hyundai!).

 

[donz26]

The turbo motor is also going into the Kia Sportage, in January.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
The turbo motor is also going into the Kia Sportage, in January.
I saw in Motor Trend where the 2.0T GDI was going into the Sportage, though I didn't know when. Talk about a pocket rocket SUV, it should have some get up and go. Strangely it doesn't appear to be scheduled for the Tuscon. Hyundai seems serious about sharing their engine developement with Kia.

As someone pointed out, don't care for the Sonata, the Turbo is scheduled for the Optima too. Just me, but I don't care for the wheels on the Optima as much as the Sonata.

I see where the 2.0T has now made it to the Hyundai website(build your own).

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Hyundai seems serious about sharing their engine developement with Kia


Tell me you knew that Hyundai and Kia are the same company.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
Tell me you knew that Hyundai and Kia are the same company.
Same company in that Hyundai purchased Kia. Same parent, different brands. But, Hyundai is regarded as the representative of the group.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Quote:
Tell me you knew that Hyundai and Kia are the same company.
Same company in that Hyundai purchased Kia. Same parent, different brands. But, Hyundai is regarded as the representative of the group.


I suppose I agree with what you're saying but you make it sound significant that Hyundai and Kia use the same powerplants when they share the same platforms for vehicles?