TTIUWP
Posted on 03/19/2011 2:32:39 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
It seems improbable to some that Hyundai, the company that once sold a car so inexpensive you could charge it on a credit card, would unleash a car that costs $58,000 and competes with the finest luxury cars in the world.
Those who sniff with disdain may do well to remember that some esteemed luxury automakers had humble origins. Consider, for example, Jaguar, which started as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars.
Given that every automaker has access to the same auto- industry suppliers, and thus the same technology, it comes down to this: Which brand do you like, and how much are you willing to pay?
Hyundai is gambling you'll want to pay less. Given its track record, that seems like a good bet.
After all, the 2011 Equus has the luxury features you'd expect in this class: a 608-watt, 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, electronically controlled air suspension, electronic stability control, automatic cruise control, rear-view camera, leather seating surfaces, Alcantara suede headliner, lane departure warning system, driver seat massage, heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Pop for the Equus Ultimate and you'll get even more hedonistic pleasure from its forward-view camera, reclining climate-controlled rear seats with massage, rear-seat refrigerator, rear illuminated vanity mirrors and a rear-seat entertainment system.
What the Equus doesn't have is a luxury name on the hood. And while the quality of the materials is impressive, although in places, it's still a step down from the best in class. That seems less of an issue once you take the wheel.
A 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission delivers 385 horsepower to the rear wheels with a quiet, creamy smoothness. This velvet fog is enhanced by the ride, which is generally soft, although the air suspension helps keep things mostly in check. The ride quality isn't quite as serene as its competition, but only car connoisseurs will notice.
This is not a driver's car; it is a car to be driven in. For those who prefer comfort, this is the ride. Some pundits have taken Hyundai to task for this. My guess is that because the steering and suspension communicate some information back to the driver, they're expecting this rig to handle with the precision of a German sports sedan. But that's not its mission, despite the conservative styling that looks as if it was created in the fatherland.
Interestingly, both the Equus and the smaller Genesis, with which the Equus shares a platform, have a handsome, conservative look that's very different from the curvaceous flowing style that's the hallmark of its newer products such as the Sonata and Elantra.
That the Equus delivers 95 percent of the experience of its competition is without question. But is that extra 5 percent the Equus lacks worth the extra $13,000 to $33,000 in cost its competitors charge?
For those who value the driving experience of a premium sedan with exemplary manners and the aura of a premium brand, the answer is yes.
For those who find labels to be an excuse to charge more, the answer is no.
TTIUWP
In 2008 I was set to buy a Sonata but when I got done I updated to the acero & I am very happy.
I would say that it is the best car for the money out there.
Renting a 2011 Sonata now. Have had it for 10 days on a trip to upstate New York. I must say, as an owner of a 2011 Camry LE, this Sonata is an impressive vehicle. Likes to wander a little on the highway. Strong 4-cylinder engine, very quiet, smooth, great bluetooth interface. Seats are not as comfortable on long stretches as I would like. If reliability ratings hold up to Toyota, this could be the next “Honda” for North America.
I think I read that ALL the seats have massagers...
“What year is your Elantra?”
2002
why own a knock-off?
The Korean version of the Volkswagen Phaeton. Sold in the USA from 2004 to 2006 and then withdrawn. Nobody wanted a $ 80,000 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Nobody will want this car either.
I’ve driven an Equus briefly. Suspension’s a bit soft but a really nice car.
Cheers,
Jim
Damn. That's like 475 hp at the crank!
(I know, I know. Poorly written.)
Wasn’t the Phaeton hand-made, like a Bentley, Rolls-Royce or Italian sportscar?
Barf!
I have a 2005 Elantra and I have had zero issues with it (72K miles). I have changed the battery in mine without a problem.
Did you get a special model or something?
Someone stopped in front of me to make a left turn and I stopped behind him. A third car, an Olds Toronado, which was traveling in the far right lane swerved into my lane which was the second from the right not being aware of the traffic stopped in front of him.
He tried to avoid me by swerving back to the right but wound up hitting my right rear bumper. I was driven into the oncoming traffic where I hit a full size Olds station wagon which was traveling south.
I struck the oncoming vehicle on it's left rear tire. One witness who saw the accident stated that the car I hit spun around like a top, it's rear bumper was knocked off and it landed about a half block away.
A split second earlier, I would have hit him head on and a split second later would have missed him but hit the following car head on.
To make for a short story, both of the other cars were towed away and I drove away in my sub-compact Excell. My car was in the shop over three months while they tried to straighten it out from it's slightly trapezoidal shape.
I only suffered a Minor thumb sprain which I got reaching down for the floor shift lever. My passenger was totally uninjured.
From what I understood both of the other drivers were taken to the hospital with injuries.
So as far as I am concerned Hundai stands in good stead with me.
Why can't we buy these here?
Alfa has reportedly been planning to re-enter the US market for several years now. They withdrew due to poor sales back in the, what, early nineties? Their product line was dated then. It’s clearly not now. Goodlooking cars. Hope they’ve put some time and effort into reliability and maintenance requirements. Americans are far more “autopilot” prone and do not like having to put their cars in the shop.
Prostitution is illegal?
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