http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autosh...mentid=6576304
The Kia Koupe: Honda should ask for a royalty for each one of these sold.
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http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autosh...mentid=6576304
The Kia Koupe: Honda should ask for a royalty for each one of these sold.
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Daily - '03 Infiniti G35c Sport
Power - '03 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
Beater - '97 GMC Jimmy
wow, it looks like they morphed the civic front with the EvoX. what a rip off.
yep. it's pretty much a complete rip-off. unfortunately you see this all the time with automakers though. hopefully it won't make it to production.
na, hyundai owns kia. that doesn't mean they do their designing for them.Originally Posted by phatboislim
i think it looks good... too bad its a kia
kia/hyundai do this all the time.
i've seem them imitate lexus, honda, nissan, and i think a couple others as well.
big deal. manufacturers do it all the time. I suppose they could all be like the subaru wrx/mistu lancer designers and make something so f*cking ugly, nobody would claim it was ripped off of anything.Originally Posted by osiriskidd
i could go on all damn day...
no matter how much sh!t you do to a kia its still a kia, and thats not good
Yeah it's a Kia, but how many compacts can claim(stock) 290hp and 238lb/ft from a 2.0 turbo? But it is still a Kia. Hypothetically, what if you ran one and got your azz handed to you and then he posted the vid on the kills forum, how would that make you feel?
I'm allergic to pistons.
this is still in the concept stage correct?
When have they ever presented a high-interest concept without some sort of experimental (usually forced induction) engine?
I suspect that if this car were to ever see the street, the vast majority of them would come equipped with the same 2.0 liter under-powered lump that moves today's Kia Spectra.
Daily - '03 Infiniti G35c Sport
Power - '03 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
Beater - '97 GMC Jimmy
there are so many immitators just to build their reputation but i would still go with the established one, its the quality that we're looking for.
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Auto Parts with Belts
LOL at Prelude and Ford 500
I dunno, I'm sure it would be a nice car but they straight up ganked Honda's **** on that one. Now I really do hate Kia.
you think it looks like the USDM civic... wait til you compare the front of the JDM civic type R sedanOriginally Posted by R32Dragon
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Land Rover LR3 HSE
copycats........lol
"Damn, Its Tyler"RaceReadyDevelopments
IMO, the Kia actually looks BETTER than the honda...look a lot like a civic? sure, but the subtle differences are nicer to me.
You would be the current generation who said the same thing about Toyota and Honda back in the day. Hyundai has come a long way since their first line-up in the states. I used to look down on Hyundai, but not anymore. I think the new Tiburon and Genesis models will really help bring them to new light in a lot of degrading people's perspectives.Originally Posted by psycho_freke
I can't recall anyone talking badly about Honda or Toyota "Back in the day". In fact I remember my parents talking about how reliable they were. Honda > Hyundai no matter how far Hyundai may have come. I still remember when Hyundai was crap back in the 80s and how unreliable they were. When you can show me a Hyundai that has been taken care of, has good power and handling, and has over 300,000 miles on the odometer, then I may be able to admit that Hyundai has come as far as Honda and Toyota (granted Toyota isn't so hot in the power dept). I have looked at their new models in person, and they do look nice. Interior comfort and exterior styling only go so far though. I have to see stable handling, good suspension, and reliability before I'd consider owning one.Originally Posted by Ran
Saturn ^^^^
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you people do realize that's the entire point of chinese and korean cars right?
They copy Japanese cars and claim them as their own.
The death of car enthusiasts i say.
Originally Posted by EJ25RUN
oooh ooh...don't forget the Chinese 'Cherry' marquee. Knock off chevies.
I like how they say this has 0 resemblance to a BMW x5Originally Posted by KPowerEP3
*Googles Chinese x5*
B.T.W. Bmw did sue over this.
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kia's an hyundai's have always ripped off other brand's
the kia deff looks better
Kia = POS and even Kia knows this, thats why they offer 10 year warranties....
It's scary too see the low cost vehicles arriving from other countries into ours. (I'm talking Hyundai, Chery, and the like... not the auto manufacturers who are already well established). I have to admit that in a time where our economy is not going so well, the price of these vehicles could be a kind of a relief for people going to buy new cars on a budget, but in the long term, this could hurt our economy worse than ever with Chery basic models that could retail as low as $6995 in the US, which would be some three thousand dollars less than the next lowest priced car, the Chevy Aveo from GM’s Daewoo unit.
Ref: http://ezinearticles.com/?Chery-Auto...gins&id=100732
If you're going to make a cheap car; take away the options, not the build quality. I'd rather take a DX model Civic over a well-equipped Kia any day.
I have a subscription to consumer reports and looked up the 2008 Kia Optima for giggles. It is CR Recommended.
Base MSRP price range: $16,355 - $20,500
Highs
Ride, rear seat, secure on-limit handling, controls, long warranty.
Lows
Suspension noise, lack of driver's seat lumbar support.
Predicted Reliability: Very Good Accident Avoidance: Very Good
Fuel Economy: Good Acceleration: Very Good
Ride: Very Good Front Seat Comfort: Very Good
Owner Costs: Very Good
The Optima ranks among the better family sedans. It is pleasant and a good value, with a roomy back seat. Both the 2.4- and 2.7-liter EX models we tested had a comfortable ride, but suspension noise was pronounced. Handling is not particularly agile but is ultimately secure. The four-cylinder returned 23 mpg overall, while the more powerful V6 got 21 mpg overall. Our tested models had the smooth, five-speed automatic. The interior is fitted with high-quality materials, but the driver's seat lacks lumbar support. Curtain air bags are standard, but the optional ABS and electronic stability control are difficult to find on the LX trimline.
Road Test
Tested model: 2007 EX sedan, 2.4-liter Four, 5-speed automatic
Tested tires: Michelin Energy MXV4 S8, size P205/60R16 91H
The redesigned Optima is a nice sedan that is available at a low price. Both its four- and six-cylinder engines deliver competitive fuel economy and performance. Controls are easy to use, the interior is nicely detailed, and the rear seat is among the most comfortable in its class. Although it has a supple ride and secure handling, the Optima isn't particularly agile and suffers from notable suspension noise. We had difficulty finding a car with optional ABS without having to get many additional options. THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Optima's ride is supple, and the suspension isolates the cabin area from bumps and ruts. However, intrusive noise from the suspension made the ride seem worse than it actually was. Wind and road noise are muted. The four-cylinder engine is relatively refined, and the V6 is smooth and quiet. The Optima's handling is competent but not sporty. Body lean is restrained, and the steering is responsive and reasonably weighted but short on feedback. At its limits the Optima is secure and forgiving. It is kept in control by the well-calibrated optional stability control. The 162-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine got 23 mpg overall. The smoother, quieter 185-hp, 2.7-liter V6 got 21 mpg overall. Both use a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic. Braking performance was relatively good. Both cars had weak low beams, but the high beams reached a good distance. INSIDE THE CABIN
The Optima has an impressive interior, with high-quality, well-fitting materials and commendable attention to detail. Most drivers found a comfortable seating position behind the tilt-and-telescoping steering column, but the sunroof takes away some head room. The Optima has optional, power-adjustable gas and brake pedals to help the driver find a comfortable position. Outward visibility is very good, but the high rear deck lid limits the view when backing up. The EX version had comfortable leather seats but there is no lumbar support adjustment. Some drivers wished for more thigh support, too. The rear seats are comfortable and offer occupants good thigh support and posture. Access to the front and rear seats is easy. Most of the Optima's controls and gauges are clear and very easy to use. Interior storage is moderate, with a useful bag hook on the passenger side of the center console. The trunk is nicely trimmed, and folding the easy-to-lower 60/40-split seats expands cargo room. SAFETY NOTES
Seatback-mounted side-impact air bags and curtain head-protection air bags, extending to protect outboard occupants in both rows, are standard in the Optima. They supplement required front air bags and three-point seatbelts for all seats. The front belts have adjustable upper anchors for providing a comfortable and safe fit and are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to reduce belt slack and forces in the event of a crash. Front belt usage, the driver's seat position and the front passenger's seat position and weight all influence the appropriate level of front air bag deployment. The occupant classification system in the front passenger seat will disable the front air bag if it detects that a small occupant such as a child is seated there. Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are optinal and can not only help provide a comfortable driving position but can help shorter drivers maintain a good reach to the pedals as well as a safe distance from the steering wheel. There are adjustable, locking head restraints for all seats; the front and rear outboard versions are tall enough even when lowered to reduce rearward head travel and whiplash injury. Front head restraints are active -- they move forward and upward during a rear impact to further reduce head travel. The center restraints must be raised to provide sufficient protection for taller passengers. Driving with kids: Some rear-facing infant and convertible seats may be difficult to secure using the seatbelts in the rear seats of the Optima. They may tilt easily in the center rear seating position. Belts anchored forward of the seatback in the outboard rear seats can prevent a tight fit and seats can also tilt . There are LATCH anchors in the outboard rear seats; they should provide a more secure fit and are easy to access. Front-facing seats should prove secure. There are three top-tether anchors on the rear parcel shelf. RELIABILITY
We expect reliability to be better than average, according to our latest subscriber survey.
The 2004 and 2006 models (the only others with reviews) got about the same review. Apparently Hyundai/Kia is getting their **** together.
Last edited by psycho_freke; 04-18-2008 at 10:24 AM.
And the CR Recommended 2008 Hyundai Elantra:
Base MSRP price range: $13,625 - $17,325
Highs
Controls, relatively comfortable and quiet ride, fuel economy, reliability.
Lows
Agility
Predicted Reliability: Excellent Fuel Economy: Very Good
Owner Satisfaction: Good Acceleration: Good
Ride: Very Good Accident Avoidance: Good
Front Seat Comfort: Very Good Owner Costs: Excellent
The Elantra is a pleasant small sedan. We found the ride comfortable and road noise low, but the Elantra still isn't as agile as a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. The engine booms at high revs but returns good fuel economy. Cabin access is fairly easy, and the roomy interior is put together nicely. It also has more standard safety equipment than some competitors, including ABS and curtain air bags, and electronic stability control on the SE trim. IIHS offset-crash results are good for the redesigned Elantra. First-year reliability has been much better than average.
Road Test
Tested model: 2007 GLS sedan, 2.0-liter Four, 4-speed automatic
Tested tires: Hankook Optimo H426, size P195/65R15 89T
The redesigned Elantra is a considerable improvement over the model it replaces. While it doesn't outscore the top-ranked small cars such as the previously tested Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Mazda3, the Elantra did edge out the aging Toyota Corolla -- which appears to have been a benchmark for Hyundai. Like other recent offerings from Hyundai, the Elantra mimics many Toyota qualities: It has user-friendly and clear controls; very good fit and finish; a comfortable, quiet ride; and handling that's safe if not agile. The Elantra also offers good fuel economy for its class.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
With a compliant ride, the Elantra rides comfortably. Bumps are muted and road isolation is good. But handling is not sporty, due to pronounced body lean in corners and light steering that lacks feel. On the highway, the Elantra was quiet and composed with only subdued wind and road noise. While predictable and secure on the track, the Hyundai understeered early in corners and tire grip was only fair. It managed only a modest speed in our avoidance maneuver but was ultimately secure. For 2008, electronic stability control will be offered. The 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides ample performance. Matched with a smooth and responsive four-speed automatic transmission, it returned 27 mpg in mixed driving using regular fuel. Braking was very good. The headlights had good intensity, excellent distance, and a soft cutoff. INSIDE THE CABIN
The Elantra's spacious interior is well finished, with good panel fits and nicely grained plastics in contrasting textures. The dashboard top is padded, but most other plastics are hard and some flash was evident. With good head, foot, and leg room for all but the tallest drivers, the Elantra has a high seating position -- something especially appreciated by our shorter drivers. The wide rear roof pillars and high rear deck reduce rear visibility. At least the dash is low. The steering wheel tilts in our GLS model but does not telescope, and some drivers found it to be too far away. The SE version has a telescoping function. The front seats are roomy, well padded but flat, and need more lateral support. There is no lumbar adjustment. The cushion is too short for tall drivers. Support gives way over time. The rear seat is firmly padded. Rear-seat leg room is sufficient for taller passengers but the seat cushion is too narrow to sit three across. An assist grip over all four doors helps with cabin access, as do the large door openings in the front. Most of the Elantra's controls are clear and simple to use, but displays lack sufficient contrast in the daytime. The radio and climate controls are large and easy to use. There is only moderate cabin storage. Trunk space is good, and the 60/40-split backseat can be lowered to create more cargo room. But the trunk lid has no grab handle and is not lined. Its hinges can crush luggage. SAFETY NOTES
Curtain head-protection air bags, extending to protect outboard occupants in both rows, and seatback-mounted side-impact air bags are both standard in the Elantra. They supplement required front air bags and three-point seatbelts in all seats. The seatbelts have adjustable upper anchors for getting a comfortable and correct fit and are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to reduce belt slack and forces in a crash. A driver's seat position sensor, occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, and front belt usage sensors for the front belts influence the most appropriate level of front air-bag deployment. The occupant classification system is designed to automatically disable the front air bag if it detects that a small child is seated on the front passenger seat. Also, if the seat is unoccupied, neither the front- or side-air bag will deploy. There are adjustable and locking head restraints in all seats. Even when lowered. the front versions are tall enough to limit rearward head travel and whiplash injury for most; they also move forward and rearward for a better fit. Front restraints are active: they move further forward and upward in a rear impact to provide additional protection. Driving with kids: The flat rear seats are conducive to getting a good fit for both front- and rear-facing seats using either seatbelt or LATCH installation. The lower LATCH anchors in the rear outboard seats are slightly recessed but easy to access; there are also three top-tether anchors in the rear parcel shelf.
Reliability
We expect reliability to be much better than average, according to our latest subscriber survey.
So it's obviously not as good as it's competition, but for the price diff, if all you want is a dd it looks like a pretty good deal. I personally don't see them coming into the sport compact car realm anytime soon, though.
My apologies for the long posts, but if you don't have a subscription to consumer reports, this is the only way I can show you this info.
Last edited by psycho_freke; 04-18-2008 at 10:27 AM.
The new RWD Tiburon is supposed to be a Mustang GT competitor for about 2/3 the price. If they can do that and keep the reliability that they're producing with these other models, it will be awesome.Originally Posted by psycho_freke
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Good posts though. Thanks for the info.Originally Posted by psycho_freke
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People who have never owned one of the newer Hyundais are, of course, going go say "hyundai sucks" or "hyundai = ****". Until you've owned one personally and experienced how nice and reliable the newer cars are, keep your mouth shut.. because your misinformed "Hyundai sucks" remarks are about as meaningless as Boston fans saying "yankees suck".
Ask a Boston fan why they say it, and here's the answer you'll get: "ummm.... i dunno... they just do."
2008 Tiburon PreviewOriginally Posted by Ran
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Hy...-preview/2073/
I don't see how it's going to be able to compete with a mustang GT as far as stock performance goes, but they're definitely taking a step in the right direction.
You've failed to realize that Hyundai's new RWD coupe is NOT the Tiburon. It's the 2009 Genesis Coupe. Do a little more research buddy.Originally Posted by psycho_freke
Two completely different cars.
I've been doing a buttload of research. Have you not been reading my posts? This car hasn't even made production yet. Anyway that is nice looking car, but it'll be interesting to see how it actually runs on the track. I want to see the reviews once Car & Driver or Road & Track have gotten a hold of it and test drove it. If it lives up to everything that's being said about it, then I may finally be impressed by something Hyundai has put out. I didn't take the time to do much research on it, because the car has not actually reached production as of yet. I was trying to research cars that have been on the market for a while and had plenty of reviews. The first year of most vehicle models isn't always the best anyhow, simply because they still have to work the bugs out that they find after the cars have been on the road for a while. They've taken about a decade or two to advance as far as they have on their current models, but I'm sure with all they've learned that this car, even with any bugs it may come with, will still be much better than the turds they put out 15-20 years ago. Also, just because they say it will come out in '09 doesn't mean it will. Does anyone else remember that Cheverolet's original plan was to come out with their new Camaro in '08? I haven't seen it on the road... have you? It's still too soon to say anything regarding how this vehicle reflects on Hyundai other than to say that they are making progress and taking steps in the right direction with the new concepts they're producing.Originally Posted by GKtib®
Last edited by psycho_freke; 04-19-2008 at 12:03 PM.
dang. i never really realized how similair some cars are.
but when it all comes down to it, the motor is what it is. so be it a kia or honda. honda will still run forever![]()
lol @ the ignorance in this thread.