Hyundai Accord first drive

Steeroid · 10th April 2005, 00:25

Guys

I'm in Saudi Arabia today, and got a ride in a brand new Hyundai Accord, sorry Hyundai Sonata taxi from the airport.

I didnt realise it was the new Sonata till I got inside and didnt find the familiar interiors of the Accord. Told the chap (Bangla driver) to stop midway so that I could take a look at the outside and sure enough it looked almost exactly like the Accord. They tried a mishmash of the Jag's backside the with Merc's headlamps and a toothy korean grille in the older Sonata, but this is ridiculous - Honda should take them to court.

Other than that, the vehicle seems eerily silent inside. It seems to shut out noise very well when compared to other cars in the segment, but this could be because its showroom condition (still had the polythene covers on the seats). The driver had been on Camry duty till the new car came and he says he feels this is a better car, though "Camry tho Camry hai, saab"

Plastics seems a whole generation ahead of the shiny fake-wood on the older Sonata, and boot is much bigger.

I've got the chaps mobile number and I will call him for the ride back to the airport later this week. Will hopefully have more time then, and I hope to sneak a ride on it too.

Till then....bye. I still feel Honda should sue them, though.

gamerno1 · 10th April 2005, 01:31

god i got scared for a moment.
reading the topic Hyundai Accord. i was like :WTF:
but cool you had a nice time in the 'accorded' sonata.
post some pics when you have a ride in it later.

haryan · 10th April 2005, 10:41

HYUNDAI ACCORD ....... ..
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ...
that was good ...
Well Imitation is the best form of flattery ...
so i do not think Honda will sue them ....

Shan2nu · 10th April 2005, 11:09

No need to sue them. Now, the whole world knows they have no imagination. Like someone once said, "These people make cars like we make white goods".

Shan2nu

nitrous · 10th April 2005, 12:27

i saw the new hyundai sonatas being tested near the factory's roads... honestly, i liked the looks and thats because they resemble the accord.

one hot fact is that i noticed one car having two exhaust tailpipes. not like the VTEC though but like a sports car.

lamborghini · 10th April 2005, 12:30

I was like *** when i read the topic.
Anyway Steeroid, what would yousay is better. This or the HONDA accord?

Steeroid · 10th April 2005, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini

I was like *** when i read the topic.
Anyway Steeroid, what would yousay is better. This or the HONDA accord?

Too short a drive to make any decisions, but it manages to look more 'European' than the Accord and the level of finish is excellent - it even gives you a 'well built' feel of Euro cars, more than the Accord but that could be because its a brand new car.

However - even if it proves to be a better car than the Accord I will have serious reservations about driving a 'look-alike' of any car. For that one reason alone, I wouldnt even consider the new Sonata.

jesal · 10th April 2005, 13:18

the title did put me in. u got pics of it. im really looking forward to the launch of this as it is a good car looking wise hope they price it 2 laks under the accord though orelse they aint selling

X-Machine · 12th April 2005, 02:59

Nice title huh!! lol
Anyways,could you carry a cam and post some pics if you can on you ride back???
Also did you sit on the front seat??? Cos thats where hyundai vibrations are felf the most.Try it out.

X

manson · 12th April 2005, 03:37

i like the title more than anything , lol .

manson .

GTO · 12th April 2005, 13:03

Nice to hear that the Sonata seems to be much more "European" than the generation it replaces.

Butttttttttttttttttt however good this car may be, its an inethical design copy. This is not going to do the cars image any good, and in the D segment - Image counts.

GTO

Dippy · 12th April 2005, 13:55

Good review there steeriod . The car seems to be better than the outgoing model but from what I hear if the pricing would be in the region of 14 lakhs that too I'm sure that by the time it hits Indian roads will be 15 odd on road, its going to be difficult for it. With the 2.4 Accord and new Mondeo in similar territory, things wont be easy for the Korean flagship model. Hyundai seriously need to rethink over its pricing not only for the Sonata but for every other upcoming model as well.

Dippy

Steeroid · 12th April 2005, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dippy

With the 2.4 Accord and new Mondeo in similar territory, things wont be easy for the Korean flagship model. Hyundai seriously need to rethink over its pricing not only for the Sonata but for every other upcoming model as well.
Dippy

Yes Hyundai need to review their pricing for the top end models. However, the Sonata may not be as overpriced as the Tucson since it will not be a CBU import. The Tucson's pricing is probably a result of the high duties for a CBU, which is a mistake as far as Hyundai are concerned. They've lost one customer - me.

The 'new' Mondy.... well, it isnt any different from the 'old' Mondy. Personally feel the older one is smoother, too.

Steeroid · 3rd May 2005, 19:47

Guys

I visited the DXB Hyundai dealer and had a very short test drive in the 3.3 litre V6 which felt extremely eager. The screwup was that there was no manual option - apparantly the manual is only available on the 2.4 and then you have to ORDER for one. This is not surprising since DXB doesnt like manuals - my manual Mondy was the 'unsold' piece with the dealer and hence got a damn good deal.

H-matic is available, and it does give you the semi-manual option but then I've never liked any of those clutchless manuals. Nevertheless it is useful when you want to make a quick entry into a roundabout, faster than your autobox can react.

I've hooked up with the dealer for a much longer test drive this weekend, but my initial impressions are thus:

1. The car feels more european than most of the others in its bracket, Accord, Camry, Mondy, whatever. Its more in the Passat league.

2. Its extremely comfortable, though the seats are not as comfy as the Mondy (well, the E240s seats arent as comfy for me!)

3. Power is phenomenal from the 3.3 litre engine. I havent checked out the 2.4, which was what my Taxi in Saudi Arabia was running when I first sat in the new Sonata. BTW somebody mentioned seeing a Sonata on test in Chennai with two tailpipes - that is the 3.3 litre V6.

4. I rather like the front end a lot, even if the back end is DITTO Accord.

5. The car is extremely roomy - plenty of space inside and this is now in Camry territory as far as space is concerned.

6. Ergonomics are great, par of the course for this class.

I promised some photographs for you, but the ones I had taken with my camera arent worth posting...

I've therefore done some image trawling on Google and here are the pics that I came up with.

I am beginning to like this vehicle despite the Accord backend...it does feel a lot more solid than the Accord, and has a plush ride almost like the Camry (without quite so much 'cushioning').

Mpower · 3rd May 2005, 19:54

Interior is several notches ahead of the old one. Exterior lacks a clear personality...too many influences for other cars. If you ask me, the old Sonata had a strong personality and looked better than the Jag it was inspired by. I'm sure the driving dynamics are much better than the old one too....how does it compare to the Mondy in that regard?

10th April 2005, 00:25	#1
Steeroid Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: N.A Posts: 7,046 Thanked: 2,751 Times	Hyundai Accord first drive Guys I'm in Saudi Arabia today, and got a ride in a brand new Hyundai Accord, sorry Hyundai Sonata taxi from the airport. I didnt realise it was the new Sonata till I got inside and didnt find the familiar interiors of the Accord. Told the chap (Bangla driver) to stop midway so that I could take a look at the outside and sure enough it looked almost exactly like the Accord. They tried a mishmash of the Jag's backside the with Merc's headlamps and a toothy korean grille in the older Sonata, but this is ridiculous - Honda should take them to court. Other than that, the vehicle seems eerily silent inside. It seems to shut out noise very well when compared to other cars in the segment, but this could be because its showroom condition (still had the polythene covers on the seats). The driver had been on Camry duty till the new car came and he says he feels this is a better car, though "Camry tho Camry hai, saab" Plastics seems a whole generation ahead of the shiny fake-wood on the older Sonata, and boot is much bigger. I've got the chaps mobile number and I will call him for the ride back to the airport later this week. Will hopefully have more time then, and I hope to sneak a ride on it too. Till then....bye. I still feel Honda should sue them, though.
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 01:31	#2
gamerno1 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Andheri (w), Mumbai Posts: 408 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	god i got scared for a moment. reading the topic Hyundai Accord. i was like :WTF: but cool you had a nice time in the 'accorded' sonata. post some pics when you have a ride in it later. Last edited by gamerno1 : 10th April 2005 at 01:35.
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 10:41	#3
haryan BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: HYDERABAD INDIA Posts: 345 Thanked: 5 Times	HYUNDAI ACCORD ....... .. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ... that was good ... Well Imitation is the best form of flattery ... so i do not think Honda will sue them ....
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 11:09	#4
Shan2nu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hubli - Karnata Posts: 5,533 Thanked: 125 Times View My Garage	No need to sue them. Now, the whole world knows they have no imagination. Like someone once said, "These people make cars like we make white goods". Shan2nu
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 12:27	#5
nitrous Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: UAE/Lon/Madras Posts: 6,965 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	i saw the new hyundai sonatas being tested near the factory's roads... honestly, i liked the looks and thats because they resemble the accord. one hot fact is that i noticed one car having two exhaust tailpipes. not like the VTEC though but like a sports car.
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 12:30	#6
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,113 Thanked: 5,760 Times View My Garage	I was like *** when i read the topic. Anyway Steeroid, what would yousay is better. This or the HONDA accord?
	() Thanks

10th April 2005, 13:18	#8
jesal BANNED Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	the title did put me in. u got pics of it. im really looking forward to the launch of this as it is a good car looking wise hope they price it 2 laks under the accord though orelse they aint selling
	() Thanks

12th April 2005, 02:59	#9
X-Machine Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mumbai/Tokyo Posts: 1,475 Thanked: 29 Times	Nice title huh!! lol Anyways,could you carry a cam and post some pics if you can on you ride back??? Also did you sit on the front seat??? Cos thats where hyundai vibrations are felf the most.Try it out. X
	() Thanks

12th April 2005, 03:37	#10
manson Team-BHP Support Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 4,169 Times View My Garage	i like the title more than anything , lol . manson .
	() Thanks

12th April 2005, 13:03	#11
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,512 Thanked: 300,696 Times View My Garage	Nice to hear that the Sonata seems to be much more "European" than the generation it replaces. Butttttttttttttttttt however good this car may be, its an inethical design copy. This is not going to do the cars image any good, and in the D segment - Image counts. GTO
	() Thanks

12th April 2005, 13:55	#12
Dippy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 7,558 Thanked: 2,462 Times	Good review there steeriod . The car seems to be better than the outgoing model but from what I hear if the pricing would be in the region of 14 lakhs that too I'm sure that by the time it hits Indian roads will be 15 odd on road, its going to be difficult for it. With the 2.4 Accord and new Mondeo in similar territory, things wont be easy for the Korean flagship model. Hyundai seriously need to rethink over its pricing not only for the Sonata but for every other upcoming model as well. Dippy
	() Thanks

3rd May 2005, 19:47	#14
Steeroid Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: N.A Posts: 7,046 Thanked: 2,751 Times	Guys I visited the DXB Hyundai dealer and had a very short test drive in the 3.3 litre V6 which felt extremely eager. The screwup was that there was no manual option - apparantly the manual is only available on the 2.4 and then you have to ORDER for one. This is not surprising since DXB doesnt like manuals - my manual Mondy was the 'unsold' piece with the dealer and hence got a damn good deal. H-matic is available, and it does give you the semi-manual option but then I've never liked any of those clutchless manuals. Nevertheless it is useful when you want to make a quick entry into a roundabout, faster than your autobox can react. I've hooked up with the dealer for a much longer test drive this weekend, but my initial impressions are thus: 1. The car feels more european than most of the others in its bracket, Accord, Camry, Mondy, whatever. Its more in the Passat league. 2. Its extremely comfortable, though the seats are not as comfy as the Mondy (well, the E240s seats arent as comfy for me!) 3. Power is phenomenal from the 3.3 litre engine. I havent checked out the 2.4, which was what my Taxi in Saudi Arabia was running when I first sat in the new Sonata. BTW somebody mentioned seeing a Sonata on test in Chennai with two tailpipes - that is the 3.3 litre V6. 4. I rather like the front end a lot, even if the back end is DITTO Accord. 5. The car is extremely roomy - plenty of space inside and this is now in Camry territory as far as space is concerned. 6. Ergonomics are great, par of the course for this class. I promised some photographs for you, but the ones I had taken with my camera arent worth posting... I've therefore done some image trawling on Google and here are the pics that I came up with. I am beginning to like this vehicle despite the Accord backend...it does feel a lot more solid than the Accord, and has a plush ride almost like the Camry (without quite so much 'cushioning'). Last edited by Steeroid : 3rd May 2005 at 19:49.
	() Thanks

3rd May 2005, 19:54	#15
Mpower Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,409 Thanked: 1,730 Times View My Garage	Interior is several notches ahead of the old one. Exterior lacks a clear personality...too many influences for other cars. If you ask me, the old Sonata had a strong personality and looked better than the Jag it was inspired by. I'm sure the driving dynamics are much better than the old one too....how does it compare to the Mondy in that regard?
	() Thanks