REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Hopeful Contender

Hyundai has a new flagship sedan in the Canada The new XG350 is the largest, most luxurious and most expensive vehicle available from Hyundai Motor America. The XG350 is a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan intended to compete in the upper-middle/near-luxury sedan segment. Its size and price place it in direct competition with the Camry and Accord.

Larger than Hyundai’s midsize Sonata model, the XG350 comes in two trim levels, base and L. Base models have a generous complement of standard luxury features, things like four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, projector beam headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels with Michelin V-rated tires, trip computer, side air bags and leather seats. Upscale L versions get heated seats, premium audio and a power moonroof.

A state-of-the-art, all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 engine powers the front-wheel-drive sedan. It is a double overhead cam design that produces 195 hp. The XG350 features Hyundai’s 5-speed dual-gate Shiftronic automatic transmission with manual override. The transmission is fully adaptive, adjusting to the driver’s style.The fit and finish are considerably better than what we have come to expect from Hyundai, but not quite up to the standards set by much of the competition. The instrument panel features a wide pod that houses large gauges and a well-styled, wood-trimmed center module for the audio and vent controls. All plastic surfaces have a pleasant-to-touch matte finish. The leather seats have large cushions for good thigh support. The interior feels larger than a Camry, and it actually is, especially in the rear seat area where passengers enjoy almost 2 inches more leg room. Although the 3.5-liter engine is a modern design, it doesn’t have the power of some of its competitors and it shows on the highway. Acceleration is leisurely and the engine gets noisy when pushed hard to perform. The 5-speed transmission performs smoothly and quietly in the background for pleasant cruising around town. Hyundai didn’t cut corners on brakes or tires, and our braking test produced better than average results. Ride and handling are nicely balanced, if not biased a bit on the soft side. Fast turns produce enough body roll to notice, but not be concerned about. Our brief introduction to the new XG350 left the impression that this car is good first try in a segment that is obviously foreign to Hyundai. Judging from how much Hyundai products have improved recently, it will certainly get better.

PROS
Roomy interior
Many features
Low price

CONS
Heavy
Tasteless roadholding
Reliability unknown

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Misunderstood

While many people, including Hyundai dealers, are wondering about the future of the Sonata, the Korean firm’s engineers have been working relentlessly to develop an all-new sedan of international calibre. The new Sonata, whose allure leaves few indifferent, is the fruit of the concerted labour of designers in Korea and California, and reveals a secret that is still too well guarded.The Sonata is available in two versions, the base GL with a four- cylinder engine and the more elaborate GLX, powered by a V6. The Sonata is recognizable because of its flowing lines, slightly flared fenders and rocker panels that dip at door level.

When you get inside, you see that the passenger compartment is roomy, functional and very attractive with leather upholstery available at extra cost. Access to front seats is easy and this car can easily accommodate "six-footers" while providing them with plenty of head, leg and hip room. The driving position is almost perfect thanks to a tilt steering wheel and a computer- designed adjustable bucket seat that molds and supports very well. On the other hand, if the passenger’s seat is not as comfortable, at least headrests are height adjustable. In the rear, leg room is adequate but headroom is at a premium. Rear doors should be just a bit wider to provide easy access.

The dashboard houses indicators and gauges that are logically grouped together in a cluster, to make them easy to read, and main controls are easy to find and activate without taking your eyes off the road. Since it has no sill, the trunk is easy to load and its volume is very adequate, but it could be a bit deeper. Visibility is virtually panoramic, and the heating system is well able to handle even Siberian winters.The GL is equipped with a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horses. As for 24-valve DOHC 2.7 litre V6 that powers the GLX, it is remarkably smooth and responsive. With its 181 horses, it is very energetic and can reach high rpms. The completely new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, another Hyundai creation, behaved very confidently. Its gear ratio is fully adapted to the V6 and the combination is capable of adjusting to just about any driving style. The GLS has optional traction control that works in tandem with the car’s ABS brakes.

On the tightest corners and steepest hills, the Sonata grips the road and never lets go. The suspension’s efficiency keeps tires in full contact with the asphalt at all times, even over the biggest bumps. In short, the Sonata rides smoothly, calmly and quietly, without the slightest rattling. As for the variable assist rack and pinion steering system, it is responsive and precise, though a bit light.

To summarize: this Sonata is a pleasant surprise.

PROS
Exemplary handling
Quality assembly and finishing
Impressive styling

CONS
Average power
Lumbar support (left-side bucket seat)
Access to rear seats

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: * * * *

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A latecomer enters the fray

Does the world really need another sport utility vehicle? The folks at Hyundai seem to think so, and the automaker has delivered one at last.

And yet Hyundai dealerships were doing quite well without a sport utility. After working hard to banish the make’s bargain-basement image by manufacturing decent cars for several consecutive years, Hyundai is looking forward to some boon times in Canada. Whatever happens, sport utility vehicles are still hot items and are generating substantial profits. Not to have one in the showroom is like someone saying they didn’t participate in the group lottery ticket that won the jackpot.The contours of the Santa Fe, designed by the stylists at Hyundai’s California design centre, differentiate this car from the rest of the pack. At once beefy and organic, it projects an image of raw power with a graceful touch, a cross between a dancer and a boxer, although the contrasting panels seem needlessly aggressive.

The interior is all curved lines, giving the passenger compartment an upscale look that is complemented by a variety of clever and useful storage spaces and nooks. Only the quality of the plastic in some places betrays the vehicle’s roots, more obvious with the beige colour scheme than with the gray.

Overall, the Santa Fe proves to be a remarkably quiet vehicle, and not only compared to other sport utilities. It provides a pleasant, fuss-free driving experience compared with conventional cars. Sometimes it seemed slow to react on the California track where we test-drove it, but the altitude may have had something to do with that; we will report further after doing a complete road test under more normal conditions.Arriving fashionably late for a party can have its advantages, not the least of which is the leeway to see how everyone else is dressed. Hyundai made the most of the situation by studying the hits and misses of each rival. The information they gathered showed that a sport utility vehicle would succeed if it had a V6 engine, was equipped with safety and comfort features, had sufficient space for backseat passengers and conveyed an immediate visual impression and the designers were able to incorporate all of these features into the very first model.

Given the direction the market is heading and Hyundai’s resources, it is no surprise that the Santa Fe took its inspiration from a car more than it did a truck. The well- endowed Sonata, which was revamped in 1999, provided the Santa Fe’s platform, albeit modified to suit this different category. Assets include: MacPherson strut front suspension and independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension, 4 disc brakes, and aluminum 2.7-litre V6 transverse-mounted engine. Add to all that maximum 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm, conveyed by a single four-speed automatic gearbox that can be converted through the Shiftronic system, and you’ve got a dynamo.

Like many of its rivals, the Santa Fe comes with confusing terminology about its drivetrain system, choosing to call it "full-time all-wheel drive" when in fact it is nothing more than an automatic or manually activated function that acts as it would on a front-wheel drive vehicle, other than it automatically transfers 40% of the torque to the rear wheels (via viscous torque converter) as soon as the front wheels start to lose their grip. Whatever. It offers neither a mid- range to low-rpm speed option nor a limited slip differential, which means that the vehicle is not really suited to off-road excursions.

Indeed, Hyundai does not claim otherwise, although it forces us to leave beaten paths to test the limits of this latest model. In fact the vehicle did quite well, even though it belongs to,and even shines on, city streets and highways.

The Santa Fe is available in two well-equipped versions. The GL base model will have standard skid plates, siderails, alloy wheels, rear window wipers, power locks and windows, cruise control and a compact disc player. The more expensive model, the GLS, will boast all of the aforementioned amenities along with air-conditioning (optional installation by the GL dealer), fog lamps, tinted windows, roof rack, remote keyless entry, leather upholstery and ABS.

While the Santa Fe is meant to compete with the "cute utes" (the compact new models), we think it may attract a good number of buyers of mid-size cars because it compares so favourably with them in so many ways, primarily as regards cabin space and comfort. Our first impression is that Hyundai dealers did not wait in vain for this vehicle.

PROS
Attractive price
Detailed equipment
Quiet ride

CONS
Quality of some materials
Not suited to off-road driving
Average driving pleasure

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A fresh start

With the Elantra, Hyundai will silence critics who reproached the manufacturer for turning out cheap cars. This time around, the quality is there: with better materials and more detailed finishing, the Elantra seems to have it all. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the car looks good, especially in the 5-door trim.The two-tone interior, with its curved lines and contemporary styling, is eye-catching and the workmanship is good, which from the outset distinguishes the Elantra from Hyundais we’ve known in the past. Access to the front seats is fine, but the back doors are somewhat narrow. Once seated inside, passengers have good head and legroom, and the front seatbacks are adjustable to provide better support.Stable road handling, good visibility, a lively engine, responsive steering and tight turning circle all contribute to the pleasure of driving an Elantra. The manual transmission could be smoother, however, and the stickshift more accurate. The quieter 2.0-litre engine is a good one for buyers who prefer automatic transmission. The suspension absorbs bumps and ruts with perfect assurance; only pot holes shake its poise. Being less expensive than other imports in its category and fun to drive, the Elantra clearly has enormous appeal.

PROS
Engine performance
Choice of models
Stable road handling

CONS
Rough transmissions
Uncomfortable seats
Rear access

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A fresh start

With the Elantra, Hyundai will silence critics who reproached the manufacturer for turning out cheap cars. This time around, the quality is there: with better materials and more detailed finishing, the Elantra seems to have it all. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the car looks good, especially in the 5-door trim.The two-tone interior, with its curved lines and contemporary styling, is eye-catching and the workmanship is good, which from the outset distinguishes the Elantra from Hyundais we’ve known in the past. Access to the front seats is fine, but the back doors are somewhat narrow. Once seated inside, passengers have good head and legroom, and the front seatbacks are adjustable to provide better support.Stable road handling, good visibility, a lively engine, responsive steering and tight turning circle all contribute to the pleasure of driving an Elantra. The manual transmission could be smoother, however, and the stickshift more accurate. The quieter 2.0-litre engine is a good one for buyers who prefer automatic transmission. The suspension absorbs bumps and ruts with perfect assurance; only pot holes shake its poise. Being less expensive than other imports in its category and fun to drive, the Elantra clearly has enormous appeal.

PROS
Engine performance
Choice of models
Stable road handling

CONS
Rough transmissions
Uncomfortable seats
Rear access

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Price makes a difference

Hyundai executives owe a lot to the Accent, it has put their stylized H logo at the top of Quebec ’ s list of best-selling sub- compact cars. Hyundai is also greatly indebted to the Accent because since the beginning of this year, it represents nearly 70 % of the company ’ s total sales in Canada.

If you have less than $15,000 to spend on a new vehicle, the Hyundai Accent will definitely be on your shopping list. At first glance, the Hyundai package has its attractions (roomier interior, attractive price), but upon closer inspection the truth emerges. Power steering, air-conditioning and automatic transmission are some of the accessories that are not available on the model advertised at $12,395.Before visiting the interior, it ’ s worth noting that the exterior design is less cheerful than that of the previous generation. The variegated grille gives it an older look. Chalk it up to a question of taste, which like the choice of colours, is not to be discussed.

Both the sedan and hatch-back coupe have the same dimensions and the same wheelbase, so that the interior volume of these two vehicles is virtually the same. A surprising fact, the hatchback version does not offer a larger trunk than the sedan, unlike the earlier model. However, the trunk is still equipped with a large opening that makes loading easier, and it is possible to fold back the back bench partially or fully to help transport cumbersome objects.

The interior has been totally and skillfully updated. Bucket seats are broader and allow for a better driving position (a tad firm, some might complain), a happy contrast to certain competitors who insist on neglecting this very important detail. Both the standard driver ’ s seat and the steering column are height regulated. With its sub-compact, the Hyundai executives in Canada silence once again, those who accuse it of building only cheap vehicles.

The Accents plasticized two tone interior (color and texture) is attractive, but what is even more attractive is the price. In short, quality is noteworthy and the finish is meticulous. The main controls and instruments are well within the driver ’ s reach, and storage spaces are numerous and practical.

The standard model lacks certain pratical accessories, which would make life easier, particularly with the coupe, even if they were available for an additional charge. Among these include rear window washer/wipers (only available on the GSi), and remote- controlled trunk (absent from the options list). Even more irritating: Only the driver is entitled to airbag protection. Can one be comforted by the fact that all Accents come equipped with a tachometer?Renovations have not changed the tried and true 1.5-litre 4- cylinder engine. However, Hyundai engineers have inserted a new engine head and block, designed more sophisticated electronic control system, and fitted the vehicle with new hydraulic supports, which according to engineers will reduce interior noise levels by three (3) decibels.

On paper this motor produce 92 hp. Not enough? Think again.

This engine proves to be extremely energetic and boasts decent accelerations and pickup when outfitted with the 5-speed manual transmission. The latter, formerly the Achilles’ heel of the Accent, has significantly improved, despite slightly deficient synchronization. The optional automatic transmission is a bit brutal and has slow reaction time at pickup.

Behind the wheel, the Accent is more impressive than its predecessor. More stable, more rigid, quieter and especially more pleasant to handle, this Hyundai has obviously improved in many aspects. Base models are regrettably still deprived of the assisted controlled steering, and unless if you plan on developing some muscles, it ’ s worth the $400 charged dy dealers.

Good stability (as long as it ’ s not too windy) and good suspension, you ’ ll appreciate its handling. With an astonishinlgy short radius, the Accent is perfect for busy city streets.

Despite rickety tires 155/80R13 the Accent behaves wonderfully, thanks to its independent suspension that enables it to negotiate turns without too much roll. The Accent absorbs road bumps efficiently for its category. If you ’ re looking for more special effects, the GSi with a firmer suspension and higher performance tires (185/60R14) is the car for you. These two ingredients help prevent understeering and make driving more precise and pleasant.

But the Accent isn ’ t perfect. The brakes (discs in front and drums in back) although improved, can no longer rely on the help of ABS brakes, which is unfortunate, because in emergency situations, particularly wet roads, stability suffers. The Accent is agile, pleasant to drive and affordable, but be wary of its enticing bas price because it excludes a number of invaluable accessories.

PROS
Competitive price
Well-executed revisions
Improved quality

CONS
Weak brakes
Poor quality tires
Sensitive to crosswinds

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Price makes a difference

Hyundai executives owe a lot to the Accent, it has put their stylized H logo at the top of Quebec ’ s list of best-selling sub- compact cars. Hyundai is also greatly indebted to the Accent because since the beginning of this year, it represents nearly 70 % of the company ’ s total sales in Canada.

If you have less than $15,000 to spend on a new vehicle, the Hyundai Accent will definitely be on your shopping list. At first glance, the Hyundai package has its attractions (roomier interior, attractive price), but upon closer inspection the truth emerges. Power steering, air-conditioning and automatic transmission are some of the accessories that are not available on the model advertised at $12,395.Before visiting the interior, it ’ s worth noting that the exterior design is less cheerful than that of the previous generation. The variegated grille gives it an older look. Chalk it up to a question of taste, which like the choice of colours, is not to be discussed.

Both the sedan and hatch-back coupe have the same dimensions and the same wheelbase, so that the interior volume of these two vehicles is virtually the same. A surprising fact, the hatchback version does not offer a larger trunk than the sedan, unlike the earlier model. However, the trunk is still equipped with a large opening that makes loading easier, and it is possible to fold back the back bench partially or fully to help transport cumbersome objects.

The interior has been totally and skillfully updated. Bucket seats are broader and allow for a better driving position (a tad firm, some might complain), a happy contrast to certain competitors who insist on neglecting this very important detail. Both the standard driver ’ s seat and the steering column are height regulated. With its sub-compact, the Hyundai executives in Canada silence once again, those who accuse it of building only cheap vehicles.

The Accents plasticized two tone interior (color and texture) is attractive, but what is even more attractive is the price. In short, quality is noteworthy and the finish is meticulous. The main controls and instruments are well within the driver ’ s reach, and storage spaces are numerous and practical.

The standard model lacks certain pratical accessories, which would make life easier, particularly with the coupe, even if they were available for an additional charge. Among these include rear window washer/wipers (only available on the GSi), and remote- controlled trunk (absent from the options list). Even more irritating: Only the driver is entitled to airbag protection. Can one be comforted by the fact that all Accents come equipped with a tachometer?Renovations have not changed the tried and true 1.5-litre 4- cylinder engine. However, Hyundai engineers have inserted a new engine head and block, designed more sophisticated electronic control system, and fitted the vehicle with new hydraulic supports, which according to engineers will reduce interior noise levels by three (3) decibels.

On paper this motor produce 92 hp. Not enough? Think again.

This engine proves to be extremely energetic and boasts decent accelerations and pickup when outfitted with the 5-speed manual transmission. The latter, formerly the Achilles’ heel of the Accent, has significantly improved, despite slightly deficient synchronization. The optional automatic transmission is a bit brutal and has slow reaction time at pickup.

Behind the wheel, the Accent is more impressive than its predecessor. More stable, more rigid, quieter and especially more pleasant to handle, this Hyundai has obviously improved in many aspects. Base models are regrettably still deprived of the assisted controlled steering, and unless if you plan on developing some muscles, it ’ s worth the $400 charged dy dealers.

Good stability (as long as it ’ s not too windy) and good suspension, you ’ ll appreciate its handling. With an astonishinlgy short radius, the Accent is perfect for busy city streets.

Despite rickety tires 155/80R13 the Accent behaves wonderfully, thanks to its independent suspension that enables it to negotiate turns without too much roll. The Accent absorbs road bumps efficiently for its category. If you ’ re looking for more special effects, the GSi with a firmer suspension and higher performance tires (185/60R14) is the car for you. These two ingredients help prevent understeering and make driving more precise and pleasant.

But the Accent isn ’ t perfect. The brakes (discs in front and drums in back) although improved, can no longer rely on the help of ABS brakes, which is unfortunate, because in emergency situations, particularly wet roads, stability suffers. The Accent is agile, pleasant to drive and affordable, but be wary of its enticing bas price because it excludes a number of invaluable accessories.

PROS
Competitive price
Well-executed revisions
Improved quality

CONS
Weak brakes
Poor quality tires
Sensitive to crosswinds