Hyundai Sonata price revealed – RM135,888 to RM163,888!

Hyundai Sonata price revealed – RM135,888 to RM163,888!

I just got back from the special preview of the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata, where the media and soon to be owners of the YF got to have a closer look at the latest D-segment car to hit our market. At the event, Hyundai-Sime Darby revealed the only figure yet to be announced about the new Sonata – the price.

Much speculation has been made about the price, with some claiming that the range will start at RM148K. No such thing of course, and the 2.0 Standard is priced closer to RM130K than RM150K. Here you go:

2.0 Standard – RM135,888
2.0 High Spec – RM143,888
2.4 High Spec – RM163,888

The Sonata uses the new Theta II family of engines paired with a self-developed 6-speed auto ‘box. The 2.0 pushes out 164 bhp and 197 Nm of torque while the 2.4 has 175 bhp/227 Nm – figures that match (or better) those of its rivals. Combined fuel economy is rated at 13.2 km/l for the 2.0 and 12.5 km/l for the 2.4.

Hyundai Sonata price revealed – RM135,888 to RM163,888!

Spec wise, the High Spec cars get the panoramic roof, ESP with Hill Assist, leather seats and keyless entry with push start. The difference between the 2.4 HS and the 2.0 HS is that the bigger engined car gets a front passenger powered seat (as opposed to driver only), HID headlamps and climate control. Standard equipment across the range include ABS, dual airbags, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, factory stereo with iPod/AUX in and rear air-con vents. Five colours are available, which are white, silver, black, red and blue.

The car will have its official launch on the 2nd of July. But from tomorrow till next Tuesday (25-29 June) everyone is invited to Hyundai’s showroom at Glenmarie to view the car from 2pm to 7pm.

Images from the event after the jump. For those who missed it, click here for our review and gallery of the Sonata in Oman.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=1238]

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Wow, it definately looks good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • azrai on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:13 am

      Yes. The amoi look good.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • pororo on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:44 am

        i like the pink one…. hehee…

        did you guys realise the floor is glossy? if the cameraman takes a picture of the floor around where the model stands at the right angel what do you think you can see in the reflections? hahaha….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • ong chin aun on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:49 am

        Haha, these amoi u said look good ?? puzzle. wah, new Sonata really look good.
        and the prices also very competative. C the spec. and design . Salute.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • paultan fan on Jun 29, 2010 at 8:52 am

        yah the amoy does look good :-)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • pororo on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:54 am

      why one of the picture shows 18″ rims? for 2.4?

      how about the new Hyundai 2.0Turbo engine? will they ever bring it in?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • waterman on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:07 pm

        wow~ if the bring in…
        GOOOD~!
        but i wanna wait for new optima with 2.0 turbo.. hehe

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • abcde12345 on Aug 13, 2010 at 12:47 pm

      this car comes with amoi or not
      if not i dont want to buy

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • vbkcheng on Jun 24, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    RM143K… wonder if they still give trade in margin as what they give for Tucson…

    If yes… with NCB… It will be around RM 137 on the road ler..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • wolfsburg on Jun 24, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Wonder how many booking they got now…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • theanswer on Jun 24, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    wow..good power for 2.0..but 2.4 not much diff from t&H.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • apamau on Jun 24, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    wah, what a “good” price.. better wait for CKD, same as NF, when CBU, was at RM16x as well if not mistaken.. so for CKD, should be good price. i don’t mind to wait lar..1-2 years, or get 2nd hand.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • odi862 on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:11 am

      Agree with you……HSDM should not priced the car too high. Although the Hyundai brand is getting better elsewhere but here the perception still not encouraging. It should be at least RM15k cheaper or the sales figure will never get into top ten of non-national car best seller list. Later we will see the car is more being used as airport taxis (the blue ones like the previous Sonata model) than privately owned. Maybe HSDM is just testing the market whether the car will sells even if the price is too steep. If not, they might cut down the price tag. In my personal opinion, this is a good looking car but I wonder what will the new Camry looks like next year. Even the current one is way better than Accord. Either way, hope all the best for this model.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Rhys Millen on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:03 pm

        CBU from Korea vs CKD and CBU from thailand .. you have to understand its different.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • JDM car on Jul 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm

        Dun understand why u said Camry facelift much better look than new Accord, something wrong wuth ur eyes or u one of the Toyota problematic car fan, recall and recall. Please read profesional report car review Msia and singapore or etc, Accord much2 better car overall compare to camry. Toyota wooden dashboard, bulky shape no curve design..old technology 4 speed…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Vincent on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:01 am

      I have th same opinion as you… just get others car for time been

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Peter on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:44 am

        From wad i know, Hyundai has no intention of CKD this model for now…They only want to CBU this car….

        Don’t think that they will be selling this cheaper by 15k or so. I don’t understand why most people only want much cheaper things? Then when got the cheaper things, say this say that?

        This is a International Car, not a national car. You get what you pay for….Its as simple as that…..

        This model is a 6pd auto transmission. It bears the new engine which hyundai kia as just developed. On top of that, do check out how much new features and electronics has been added to this. Its price justified already.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • OpenMind on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:40 pm

          hi Peter,

          How is the sales on this car? What sort of commission are you getting?

          Either you are born rich or you simply a straightforward guy, it is human nature is wanting value for their money spend. Everyone has got a perceived value on all things. Just let it be.

          I tell you what I also think it is expensive. It is relative in comparing camry/accord and this car. It is about the value that we see if this car is priced lower, it will have a bigger chance in flooding the market with more of this car. Camry and Accord shouldn’t be priced at such as well, it is because no strong competition and people just do take it as is it.

          We are talking about value, If Hyundai thinks they could sell higher, why do you think they are pricing this sonata consistenyly lower than camry and accord in all the the country that they are operating…..it is also that the difference is relatively too small when it comes to Malaysia.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • kambing on Jun 26, 2010 at 8:31 am

            You pay money, you get the car.

            You pay peanut, you get monkeys.

            You pay nothing, monkey also don’t want to come.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Dear OpenMInd

            Well your name contradict your words.

            Simple say it, YOU cannot afford.

            Why Hyundai have to stay 2nd to H&T, this Sonata YF is NUMBER ONE.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • This Theta engine is a collaboration between Kia,Hyundai and Mitsubishi..should be a good one.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • takin on Jun 24, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    perfecto <3

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • looks like a nice car..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • hard-boiled on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:13 pm

      when i look the car in the pic, it looks nicer but when i go to the showroom, not so nice le…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Please la Mr hard-boiled

        Which showroom? NO showroom had receive the car!

        Please give comment genuinely….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Chai Heng on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    First! Price so close to Accord/Camry..hmm

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Peter on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:47 am

      This model is competing against with Camry and Accord. Hyundai has moved up most of its model in its class….Thats the only way for a Auto car company to improve and get better…

      Maybe our national car companies can learn from them. Thats the only way for us to improve. Else we will be stuck down there forever…….Gen 2, Persona, Exora( extended base chassis)…..Not saying that this method won’t improve…..But its kinda slow….We need to go faster now and can’t afford to lagged behind especially in Auto cars…

      Malaysia Boleh, Proton Boleh!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Cynical on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:29 pm

        Our national car makers doesn’t have the economy of scale like Hyundai have, so don’t hold your breath just yet.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:20 pm

        Malaysia can only boleh when our government is not ruled by umno anymore. Proton can only boleh when proton our belove Mr. M leave this world.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
        • wtf.. whats wrong with u man?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 4:45 am

            I have nothing wrong, only something went wrong wth our beloved government. Whether you like it or not, this is the fact.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • semput on Jun 28, 2010 at 11:37 am

          Enough la.. tried already.. semua benda nak dipolitikkan..

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • someone on Jun 29, 2010 at 1:38 am

            whether you like it or not, this is the fact.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • OpenMind on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:50 pm

        As usual….our mentality is still to encourage protected “competition”. In golf, it is lie handicap system, sometimes, people refers it to elevated / freeze competition.

        Increase handship on other, then make ourselve look good….This happens in every single corner in our country. This is as good as forcing C.Ronaldo to only use one leg in a football match, forcing federar to use badminton racket in a tennis match, starting a football match in which Malaysia is immediately credited with 5 goals upon starting….

        CReating all the artificial improvement, achievement, etc…

        This sonata is really a good reflection on what a dedicated car vendor (at the hand of capable people) can do: learn and learn and learn; continuous improvement, taking higher challenge and higher risk in a global environment that your own government can no longer protect you……

        When you see the kia optima launching in Malaysia, it will give all of us another shot in the foot, as this is a smaller and young baby that have grown from beginner to world class car vendor.

        Bravo Sonata….It really great to have you in bolehland, the only regret is perhaps that your pricing is not really a tipping point to achieve a great success here in Malaysia….as Malaysian is more cautious in spending especially on car because we typically are paying at least 2 time the price for a lower spec car. (if compare with some developped countries.)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • shamazlan on Jun 27, 2010 at 4:36 pm

        Malaysia boleh korek duit dari poket kamu utk cukai

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mduan on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:02 pm

    it doesn’t look good for me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Camry lover on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    looks excellent. price also i think quite ok. would give Camry and Accord the run for their money.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • crazyboutcrv on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Good pricing in order to compete with T & H.I was short of my estimation of 5k plus for the 2.4(a front passenger powered seat=20K more)10k for each seat .Heard the people are waiting for new Camry due next year.Red should look good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • dr gallardo on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    em….the interior is kinda boring compare it with accord. but the exterior design, price list and equipment sure will attract some potential accord or camry customer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:23 pm

      well, this is very personal, to me interior for sonata is much better. Seats in sonata is much comfortable and handling is much better.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jackson on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Nice car, shame about the model. At least the one in light pink looks as good as the car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • K K Chen on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:14 pm

      the one in grey also not bad mah… =)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Rambo on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:15 pm

      I saw the car at B.Jelutong Hyundai car storage area. Went up for a closer look and greeted by the friendly staff, wiping the Sonatas before being sent to showrooms. The Sonata looks huge, CLS like car. The interior seems plush and look ‘expensive’. The split moon roof at front and rear is really cool, especially on a white color ones (because of sharp contrast as the moon roof color is dark / black, making the roof color black on the white sonatas). I am confused in choosing this, upcoming Optima or the 3008. Hmmm

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • apamau on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:37 pm

        Upcoming optima will be mid or even end of 2011 liao will not be so soon.. but the 3008 interior is posh, quite good quality, hv not seen the sonata in person, can’t comment yet. but for me, if 3008 and sonata.. of course sonata lar.. especially the 2.0 HS one..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Considering the spec, the price seems reasonable.

    However, the price gaps between this car and T&H really not big.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Dear John,

      Price of car come with accessories spec.

      This Sonata YF price compare H&T is VERY good taking into consideration spec.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Of late Korean automotive industry are really going for styling hope they can get it with this one!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • cybermaster98 on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    Great on the outside but somehow the dashboard area isnt synchronised with the centre console and the sterring wheel. It feels like Hyundai was trying to look too radical. But exterior physical looks are great. Nice flowing lines and cool lights.

    But i think the price should have been 5K less for each spec, then it would have stood a chance against the Camry. But with this price, i have my doubts. Plus many ppl already know that the Camry is due for a replacement next year.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mystvearn on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:26 pm

    Only thing now is for better Service centre’s

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Stupid Rela Killed Tiger on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:06 pm

      Don’t have any experience with Hyundai’s service centre so not sure what is like. But is Sime Darby as bad Naza? Cuz i agree with ‘someone’, Naza sucks big time!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • i have both marque…hyundai glenmarie SC comparable to nxt door Honda SC. Naza, not sure…never had owned any marque under them

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  • 1kereta on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    place your order now, very soon the price will go up… same price range as camry and accord, most people will still choose the jap.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • CiViC_7900 on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    Looks nice.garang…………..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • the korean car are rising now! so,T,H,N&M better watch out!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Stupid Rela Killed Tiger on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:17 pm

      You r ryte in the sense that u pay less to get more of the techie features as compared of getting the japs cars.They can worry about their sales in other countries especially in Kiasuland where Kimchi cars are more affordable (price/feature) than the Sushiland’s cars.

      But in Bolehland, T & H shouldn’t worry about their sales cuz no matter how good the Korean cars are and sold at very attractive prices, M’sians will still prefer the H & T becoz of their very good resale value and good after sales service support.

      If only the Kia’s & Hyundai’s service support are like H & T, I’m sure the rakyat’s mindset will change and go for the korean makes and indirectly their second hand value improve…oh well….make that when?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • DonkeyKong on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:36 am

        Might probably happen if BN falls in the next elections and all the crony companies get audited and cleaned up. Then, we might see a bit of change and improvement.. at first. Eventually, the PKR and DAP buggers will get greedy and we see them roping in their cronies also and then we’re back to square one.

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  • The specs look good with the price… the 2.0 high spec is just few K more expensive than Tucson 2.0 high spec, but it comes with Auto Cruise, Full Leather, power driver seat which Tucson does not have…

    I think the 2.0 standard and high spec are quite good deal and will give some hit to Camry and Accord, but the Sonata 2.4 might be tough to sell…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:27 pm

      I personally will get 2.4 one, the rims are very nice, The color for the seats inside are very nice too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • just found out that the pretty 18 inch rim is not coming with 2.4 spec, we have to pay to get the rim and each of them is RM1000. If in such case, the price for 2.4 is totally not worth it. I’ll go for 2.0 high spec.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • BeemerFreak on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    Man the 2.0 high spec should have came with auto aircon. that would be the ultimate value for money. Now it just look half hearted. A camry 2.0E at rm145000 also has auto air con as standard. Wait till Naza launches the new Optima, it will beat this car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Auto aircon doesn’t mean everything!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Not sure about the Optima but I have to agree that the Auto AC should have been standard for a car this category.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • pororo on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:50 am

        my can has auto aircon but i never use them….. always use manual control….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • OpenMind on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:54 pm

          is not about if you use it or not, but like many said with this price and with this sort of car, it just should be standard.

          Just like how often you use the camera on your phone….

          The same goes with airbag…how often you use it????

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • apamau on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:42 pm

        I also have the same thought as u, I like the new optima, but for those who’s been waiting for this to see it in person… it’s the time for them to commit, as for us who still have car and not so keen to change unless we can find a very Lansi car like new optima, then ok lar.. we will need to wait till 2011, maybe mid or end of year wor.. very long wait already..

        but vietnam going to have as see some forum mentioned it..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Baron on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:46 am

      I think its more to semi auto aircond… auto aircond is included heater.
      in malaysia, semi auto more suitable where fan blower speed is controlled automatically by aircond ECU.no need heater/aircond auto selection.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Rhys Millen on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:01 pm

      You buy car with Auto Air Cond then after that you manually overide them … comes back to square 1.

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  • tamaki on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:51 pm

    wow,i been await this baby for long time tomorrow i’ll head to U1 shah alam to see tis pretty babies in real life anyway, price is close to rival consider tough competitive.

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  • Elvis on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    I was hoping that reverse camera come as standard ;(

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  • 160k for a Hyundai ?
    its like buying a low grade tomato with the price of a pear.

    Hyundai = Kia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Choon on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:38 pm

      As much as I hate the sun roof, I must agree that this car woth 164K. Look at the wheel and the interior. this is a gorgeous car.

      However, I do expect the price to be lower. I would say yes to the salesman only if he agree to do my sunroof tinting, I can’t stand the little cloth to shield the sunlight.

      BTW, it worth to visit Hyundai Glenmarie, the model is pretty!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:39 pm

      your comment might be right at the moment… but let’s see after one year… when they are more feedback coming in… see ur comment justify or not..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:29 pm

      Have you personally go to look at that car itself?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • I hate it when people who cannot afford to buy expensive car say the car is expensive. Understand.!!

      Immagine, you visit a BMW or MBenz (or more posh car) showroom and ask about the fuel consumption.

      That is why you are SUCK to Naza salesperson.

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  • good car spoiled by bad pricing.

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    • Automotive_Crtics on Jun 25, 2010 at 6:54 am

      Not bad la considering its spec. The new 6 speed gbox as well. T and H got 5 only.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Correction, T only got 4…. only high spec 2.4 got 5 speed…

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        • so T already saved about 10k in the process

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          • Stupid Rela Killed Tiger on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:21 pm

            Is that a wrecked Alza on ur display pic? What happened to the 5* rating by Miros crash testing?

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          • makan duit kopi lor

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          • p2killer on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:18 pm

            makan duit kopi lor

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • slumber on Jun 24, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    Great! Finally the YF has reached our land, but sadly, HSDM isn’t doing it’s effort to market this car. Sure, the official launch is on the 2nd July, but there wasn’t a hint on their website about this new car…… They should learn from their competitors, have the website set-up to tease the public that a new car is coming, … even Proton did a great job with their ‘peek-into-box’ campaign… HSDM said to everyone this can has a 6spd gearbox, IMHO it is a strong selling point to the public, but why it isn’t shown on the spec? (see the spec picture). I drive a Hyundai and I love Hyundais, I don’t care if it suck fuel like water, but the marketing campaign so far has been just plain dull boring.

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    • Don’t think the new generation Hyundais “sucks” fuel anymore.

      Check this out:
      http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32860

      One chap managed 1000 miles on ONE tank of fuel with the new 2010 Sonata!

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      • DonkeyKong on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:40 am

        You can’t convert T&H fans like that… it’s just preaching to the choir. T&H fans will only be satisfied and convert if this car costs RM100k and has a resale value of RM98k 10 years later.

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    • Automotive_Crtics on Jun 25, 2010 at 6:57 am

      A good car speaks itself. No need heavy marketing campaign.

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  • heaven on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    Nice car ,however Sime Darby unlike Naza
    is unable to price it a bracket lower than T & H.
    SD – that’s poor mkting stretegy in the sub 150K range
    – with too many cars within this range ie Mazda 5/6 , Stream , Captiva etc.

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    • Automotive_Crtics on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:00 am

      Maybe to cover its loss making energy unit. While Naza is not doing nothing but received many from sky(AP king)

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    • Choon on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:39 pm

      Anyway, 300K KM and 5 years warranty, that’s not bad!

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  • K K Chen on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    potential Mazda 3 buyers would think twice when considering…

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    • Alpha on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:18 am

      nah…mazda 3 is aimed at younger customer la.although same pricing,who would want to look like you’re driving your dad’s car,rite??sonata n mazda3 aimed at different ppl.mazda6 is the right comparison.

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    • ringgit-to-ringgit wise yeah it might just fall on same range better value for money…i dont think mazda3 buyers fall under same roof of this much bigger sonata tho..it’s mammoth vs baby elephant i wouldnt consider sonata if i were to buy mazda3 for its ‘cuteness’…mazda3 vs civic/forte is more like it.

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  • i notice the interior of sonata,about the sound system…a bit old fashion,is it possible change to touch screen dvd lcd sound system,so we can use camera ,watch movie…..and is it possible we can change the sound system touch screen lcd set at outside…it seem like cant change ler…thats i worried !!anyone can tell me please…thanks !

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    • Elvis on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:07 am

      Yupp, you commented exactly what i had in mind…thanks bro

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    • Alpha on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:19 am

      of coz can la.never heard of any car that can’t change sound system or any in-dash entertainment..

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    • apamau on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:43 pm

      Yup.. mee to.. quite old fashion when without the touch LCD

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    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:41 pm

      so, about ur complain of this color screen audio system.. have u tell honda or toyota too?

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  • 1. one of the sport rims mcm the new honda cr-v imo.

    2. specs 2.0 standard and high spec tak byk beza.

    3. it’s hyundai. not much fan of this side.

    tp design die mcm over siket sbb nak nmpkkan the “fierceness”.

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    • wolfsburg on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:34 pm

      2.0high get panaromic glass roof, push start system and smart key, ESP with HAC, power driver seat and full leather seat over the 2.0std… You call this no much difference? Then how big are the difference between the Accord VTo and VTi-L or Camry E and G?

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      • Maybe he want more like the Touch-screen navigator and a supercharged engine.

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      • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:43 pm

        trust me the brother FF would never tell all these complain to HONDA , TOYOTA one…
        he is a taker…

        he think japs girl is always hotter than korean girl ~

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    • Mazda MPS is a stoopid guy on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:33 am

      3. it’s hyundai. not much fan of this side.

      you obviously underestimate the korean…still living in the past eh..

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      • i won’t jeoperdise my money for something i didn’t confident with.

        so, hyundai is still hyundai.

        so be it.

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        • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:45 pm

          Huyndai is the world’s no.4 car maker now.. what do u say?

          below Toyota but ahead of Honda~~

          so, hyundai is still hyundai. its true..

          maybe few years later..u can say like this too..

          so, hyundai is still hyundai. the world’s No.1

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  • libralcl on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    Hmm…the price kinda tough. Btw, why still no 2-DIN player given with GPS and touch screen interface integrated for Malaysia market? Come on! we are not that low tech as you think we are….cost issues nah..Slyphy is offering now, who did that might gain more attentions from buyer to buy one. Looking forward for the incoming KIA K5/Optima I guess the spec should be better and price will be more competitive =)

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    • Ericboy on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:59 am

      Agree… Agree…. How come no LCD???

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    • agree…we are not that low tech!! touch screen dvd lcd player…if u dint come with the car at least let us got chance to change it to more advance lol..if can improve this side,i will buy this car !

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    • agree..gps+touchscreen should come standard on cars in this segment+bluetooth & apply to all carmakes anything less is just a rip-off or makes it less desirable!?

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    • PakAbu on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:30 am

      Hear that HSDM? …. I doubt, though ;-)

      People want more dash for their cash!

      More techs for their cheques!

      …. :mrgreen:

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    • Yes, im dissapointed too. If Sime thinks that by not offering those to keep the price down. your wrong. Take a look at Pug’s 3008. Almost fully loaded even with seat heaters and a price tag of 144k, it steal the show. I will wait for Optima too. Im sure Kia will kill sonata big time.Sime D is in so much problem, would u want to lose out on this again. i can do a better job than those fellows in Sime D. Tak erti malu.

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      • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:37 pm

        fren, you have to understand who is distributing peugeot and who is distributing hyundai. Peugeot sell cheap because of some special relationship they have with someone… No one can have price match with Naza, so please don’t campare this.

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    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:46 pm

      eh…is Toyota also offering something high-tech or even a sun-roof in their model?

      oversea yes..but here..hell no!

      170k for a 2.4 camry. u get 2 air bags …wat a deal?!

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      • DonkeyKong on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:47 am

        That’s the deal of the century, bro!!!! That eliptical “T” logo!!! It’s worth at least RM1 million but you’re getting three of them (front, back and on the steering wheel) for less than RM200k!!

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    • funny FUNNY, both H&T did not have LCD & GPS, why ? Maybe the non-tech savy people buying H&T ??!!

      Shyply GPS comes with a premium, so not surprise la.

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  • Storm on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:46 pm

    I understand that Tucson’s gearbox don’t need ATF change. Claimed to last 300k KM. Is this Sonata also have the same gearbox?

    If so, what happens when clocked 300k KM? Change gearbox? Expensive affair!

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    • MangO on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:15 am

      Seriously do you have a car that has clocked 300,000km?

      I am impressed it lasted that long. Care to share which model and for how many years you have owned this car. Thanks.

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      • Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5.

        Milleage 327,xxx KM since 1990 and still counting…

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        • MangO on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:31 pm

          Nice! Typically most cars won’t be driver for so longer as people change them.

          I believe this gear box assuming can run for 300k km should outlast a lot of car gearboxes. No need to talk about certain local makes.

          Maybe a ATF change will suffice. If anyone knows more do share.

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        • 20 years for 327,XXX km, please la, I also don’t dare comment, and worst still, have to comment “counting…”

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          • Well, no major repairs done on driving train. how about that…

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      • Ahmad on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:37 pm

        My Proton Iswara Aeroback 1.3. Bought Dec 2000 unti now clock 525,700kms. Engine one time top overhaul at 385,000. Transmission box….no problem until now..I think this 145K car can not beat my Iswara. ha hah ha ha

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        • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 4:57 am

          Good to you man, continue driving your iswara.

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        • namzir on Oct 15, 2010 at 4:06 pm

          Hahahaha….my Iswara AB year 1997 (my first car) is still running good. Like Ahmad, I did top overhaul 3 years ago.

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    • Do you think Hyundai are nuts to design a “disposable” gearbox that only lasts 300k km? LOL. On the contrary, what they’re claiming, is an ultra low maintenance GB that lasts 300k km *between ATF changes*, for normal driving. That means you supposedly only need to change ATF after 300k km! That is a phenomenal claim that not even the mighty Japs have come out with (maybe not lucrative I guess lol).

      Another phenomenal claim from the top international Korean car maker, is that their self-developed GB’s internals can be replaced part-by-part, meaning much lower GB repair costs.

      If these claims hold true, then this will be a truly ground-breaking GB technology that will eventually force the Japs to do the same.

      Long live Hyundai! lol

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      • 300K i think is not bad infact, i driving my car for 8 years around 200k done.

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    • cam.shaft on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:58 am

      Your question is valid and I believe that both the Tuscon and the Hyundai have the same gearbox.

      As to your comment on the expensive affair to change the gearbox….300,000KM….thats aloot of mileage. Even hyundai offers 5 years warranty or 100,000 KM. given that rough gauge, how bout we put a ratio of 5 years to 100k KM. That means 300k KM = 15 years….

      I dunno about you but…i believe the average buyers of such cars (i.e. Camry, Accord and Sonata) would prolly start looking for a new car in at most 10 years…

      Furthermore, lets say that the gearbox is MYR80k to change….you do the maths on the cost per KM.

      //cam.shaft

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    • jugaus on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:22 am

      By the time your reached 300km, the car 10 year old oredi, better change car rather than gearbox.

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    • littlefire on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:42 am

      If i not mistaken their ATF is syntetic base fluid, so actually it can last more than 100,000km without any problem if not trash, just like BMW gearbox.. As nowadays gearbox have better cooling system like oil cooler or heater to control the temperature which affect the quality of the oil.

      But for me, i think is better to change it before 100,000km for better maintain of the gearbox.. First is our country weather, second the start-stop condition in the cities are terrible especially traffic jam and it will deteriot the ATF more faster.. So i think 300k KM is a joke in Malaysia here, for sure a lot will have gearbox failure before reaching 150k KM if they having hard drive situation here..

      I believe if it is always on highway driving on top gear, maybe the gearbox can last longer due to better cooling and lower revs at higher speed..

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      • MrRighthand on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:40 pm

        i am afraid you are wrong. i have a proton waja and heavily used clocking 283++k mileage and yet i have changed the ATF only once!!

        why i am telling this, modern engineering and manufacturing is very precise, the measurement became in micron scale already so the transmission can last a lifetime..

        so the very latest hyundai gearbox is about 15 years ahead of a proton waja design, material and manufacturing as well.so i do believe it can last a lifetime.

        and that the reason hyundai have given a lifetime warranty. making the gearbox lighter and has fewer parts shows that the gearbox has stronger and lighter components which can contribute to the reliability and longevity!

        and the claim of our country has harsh weather and traffic is not true as well..

        engineers love country like malaysia if you have to design a specific car for malaysian roads,conditions and etc.. because our average temperature is so stable..20 celcius to 39 celcius which have minimum effect for the engine or transmission.. plus our traffic is not bad because our city is very small about 40km radius only and we travel average about 30 km in the jam..compared to japan,korea, us n etc and we dont have four seasons n etc…so here in malaysia it can last forever!!

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        • Elvis on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:12 pm

          Actually, i agree with both of you littlefire and MrRighthand. But better be safe than sorry, just change the ATF every 100,000 km. No harm at all. If you really want to make a car last, change all the rubber part of the engine every 5 years like belting, radiator hose etc. Beside, this is part of maintanance of car regardless of make…

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    • nighttrain on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:01 am

      dude! by the time you reach 300k, buy a new car…

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    • how many ppl can use till 300k km?

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    • ronaldo on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:19 am

      Hey bro…..frequent traveller dont event clock 100k km in 3 years. Myselff travel pg to KL weekly also cant reach that figure. So 300k km is like more than 10years on the road ok. what to complain?

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      • Im a frequent traveller and YES! i have done it. i have done 40k in a year so that makes 120k in 3 years. So its possbile.

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        • cybermaster98 on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:52 am

          Friends, ive done 10-11K per month which adds up to approx 120K a year. This is very possible. But then again nobody who buys a Sonata would be thrashing a car on such frequent trips.

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          • Japs cars usually suggested (but not required to) to be serviced every 5k. Does that mean your Vios are serviced twice in a month?

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          • Sr Exec/Managers which enjoy such perks will clock high milage on their cars.( accord & camry)as they get a new car every 3 years from the company. So everything is possible.

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          • cybermaster98 on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:01 pm

            No. When i was doing those trips i was using my company car then. Of course i wouldnt use my personal car for these hectic journeys. Anyway, Toyota has long changed the service intervals to 10K (which can stretch to 15K depending on usage). My Vios now has clocked a total of 125K in 7 yrs.

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        • Neonda on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:59 am

          My Accord just Clocking 54k after 2 years hard usage…this because i live in Labuan…hahaha…just a small island…8 min to airport, 10min to town..hahaaa..

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  • Blurking on Jun 24, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    New honda civic and accord also coming. The price seems to be a bit pricy. Same price can get Mazda 6…

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  • Jimmy on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:08 am

    Only 2 airbags, cheating money again, esp the 2.4. Accord 2.4 got 4 airbags and Forte got 6. Everybody here seems to be ignorant about this. The sunroof is covered with cloth only???

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:32 am

      OK .. Please find us a panoramic sunroof which does not use cloth as its shade ..

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      • Panoramic sunroof in continental car, it becomes “WOW”.
        Panoramic sunroof in Hyundai, they have question “will it breaks ?”.
        Then H&T also do not have Panoramic sunroof.

        FUNNY PEOPLE !!??

        Why don’t PaulTan have negative comment on this Panoramic sunroof, because he know his stuff.

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  • The spec vs the price, seems reasonable. I can understand the huge margin of lower spec T&H car

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  • Alpha on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:21 am

    hmm,really nice.being a hyundai is good.but being a hyundai in malaysia is bad.no matter how good it is,i am still worried abt the huge depreciation.and some frens told me the service centres aren’t that good.when i see the looks of ths baby,i’m convinced.but when i think again,nope.i am not convinced anymore.

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  • I saw in South Korea, the korean use this car as a taxi…..hahahah….its look a great taxi.

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    • geekfiredog on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:37 am

      What is your point?

      Lots of Camry / Wish / Teana are used as Taxi in Taiwan, lots of Benz / BMW / VW are used as taxi in Germany, all of the looks great Taxi too!

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  • SavvyTron on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:28 am

    No Paddle shift?

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  • drMpower on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:52 am

    must admit the pricing is really good. tomorrow might go and check around juru. not sure whether got o not juru any hyundai dealer. but yeah might as well go see with my own eyes.

    one chap mentioned about this is pretty much like CLS – my most desired car. for this reason must see myself.

    one chap also say ‘better wait for CKD’ ? what that suppose to mean? this is CBU?

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  • Syarif on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:29 am

    Just booked a Mazda 6 2.5 just now at Mazda Glenmarie. After reading about the Sonata here, I’m happy I chosed the Mazda.

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  • Wa… expensive rite. This H is diff H from Japan wooo

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:36 am

      You mean you didn’t know that H is from Malaysia and T is from Thailand???
      Hope you are not driving any of the car otherwise this will be such a heart break.

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  • ex-Jap fan on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:43 am

    The most scary thing about owning this car is the resale value if you plan to sell before 10 years. (What if?) Current CBU price RM136K / RM144K, then CKD ~RM120K+ and finally when cannot sell, previous year car RM110K (2009 Sonata NF is RM105K). The car value is colder than water. Wow, I dare not imagine… hehe..

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    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:51 pm

      resell value… poor ppl like you will take this into considertation when buying a car…

      u are not buying a house

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      • DonkeyKong on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:56 am

        If people are worried about the resale value of things that they buy, they should only buy antiques or prime property.

        If people are worried about the image and resale value of a vehicle that’s supposed to be a workhorse, they should avoid this trouble altogether and ride a bicycle or a motorbike.

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    • so you expect buy rm140k, sell after 10 years rm250k, dream la.

      Ppl worry about Hyundai resale value, ask those people why buy T.Harrier in 2005 new 2.4L premium L new car RM265k, now 2010 sell at RM160k.

      Explain that ??

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  • JustaBoy on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:50 am

    Some may take it as a premium to pay for a more unique car which will not be as common on the road.

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  • gavin on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:07 am

    Popcorn ready!!

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  • i saw a volvo aircond controller design there

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  • No point to set the price so close even same as Camry & Accord.
    I don’t think the car will sell good in here, many ppl will still go for T&H wif the same budget. Especially Camry will feel more ‘premium’ car on the actual ride.
    Yes, this is a nice car, but very shame with the price tag, really not competitive enough.
    Hopefully will CKD? perhaps…

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  • Aaron Isaac on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:34 am

    eh friends, Hyundai no resale value lah. U go to 3rd party workshop all will claim they have no spare parts for it. At that price, better but a small apartment and Viva.

    I’ve seen many Sonata around S’pore and Brunei, they look really terrible actually.

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    • DonkeyKong on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:58 am

      Never heard of workshops not having any spare parts for Korean cars before. All 3 workshops that I have been to have said that Korean spare parts are cheaper than Japanese ones, and Korean cars are often easier to repair than Japanese ones.

      If your workshop tells you that Korean car parts are hard to find, it’s time to change to another workshop cause that guy probably doesn’t know much and is ripping you off.

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    • my friend 5years old Elantra was quoted gearbox replacement by 3rd party workshop.

      I recommended his for 2nd opinion before agree to repairs.

      KBASB, Hyundai authorised workshop connects a ‘computer’ and say solinoid faulty.

      In time to come, this workshop-under-the-tree are only good for engine oil replacement.

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  • The car got TCS or not? It is not listed on the list

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    • TCS is a standard component of ESP. As such yes there are TCS on the vehicle byut only 2.0 HS and 2.4

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  • creator mind on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:43 am

    hmm… i was expecting a dual tone dashboard, coupled with better display odometer. bit dissapointed here, looks too plain. however, the engine is good for 164bhp on 2.0 and this gets my thumbs-up, also with 6 speed auto. if the 13.2km/l holds true, it is really good on milage. pricing although slightly lower than T & H, it is not positioned strong enuf to lure die-hard fans of T & H, the gap is not sufficient enuf. well, it is up to individual as how they take it. if the sales person throw in some goodies, it will help too but then again, it’s individual choice to take or not. given the specs, it is a good car and looks cool exterior. warranty for 300k, this will be a good deal too… cause korean electronic stuff kaput quite fast… my hyundai tv kaput less than 2 yrs, samsung hp now starting to kaput less than 18 mths. just to let u guys know, my sony tv bought back in 1986 is still working, hah! it may be a dinosaur, but this dino is still alive n kicking

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    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:52 pm

      buy my korean gf ask for more every nites compare to my ex-japs gf~~

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    • squawk on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:20 pm

      My Samsung CRT TV (display unit bought from warehouse sale) from 2001/2 just kaput about 8 mths ago. My 5-6 yr old Samsung hp still running but casing is quite scratched and faded. At least screen and battery are still good. Waiting for it to expire so I can buy a new hp. Damn camera not even 1 megapixel.

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  • normal_user on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:49 am

    The price is very close to H & T. Given our market perception on jap cars, I think Sime Darby could do better with the pricing strategy.

    With the current mentality, people still won’t buy no matter how far the koreans have progressed.

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    • Yes, totally agreed. This is fact, although this is a much more improved generation car, but in here, with that price tag, i must say….no surprise at all, due to lack of actual ride comfort & quality ( refer to others country real car test review), it won’t be sell great here. Probably better than previous version, but should be far behind T & H.
      Sadly, but i must say that Sime Darby seems will be loose in this match with the pricing strategy.

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  • Jumbsuck on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Light years ahead of the stone-age RM102k Perdana for sure! US buyers already ditching Camrys, Accords for Sonatas and Optimas so why Malaysians still flat-minded not to follow suit or worst still buying the stone-age Perdana.

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    • cybermaster98 on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:40 am

      Jumbsuck says:
      25/6/2010 at 8:52 am
      Light years ahead of the stone-age RM102k Perdana for sure! US buyers already ditching Camrys, Accords for Sonatas and Optimas so why Malaysians still flat-minded not to follow suit or worst still buying the stone-age Perdana.

      __________________________________________________________________

      U still dont get it do you? I fail to understand why ppl still compare the motor market in the US to Malaysia. They are UNCOMPARABLE simply because it is 2 different economies. How much do vechicles cost in US? Does a Camry cost USD 174K? What is the difference in price between the Camry and the Sonata in the US? Almost negligible!

      How many times do i need to say this? When u have a car priced at around USD 30K nobody’s bothered about resale value and service standards. If my car breaks down after 5 yrs ill just change it cuz cars are so much cheaper.

      Ppl in US can afford to look at other cars and makes without the slightest consideration for other factors due to the original selling price of the car. I wouldnt give a damn about resale value when im buying a car for US 40K.

      But can we afford to do that in malaysia? We pay out of our noses for the cars we drive. This has nothing to do with the car manufacturers. This is all to do with the Gov policies and the protection of Proton. So just stop slamming the Malaysian public and stop comparing car trends in overseas countries with Malaysia.

      WE ARE NOT ALIKE!

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      • Carss on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:59 am

        er, fren, accord and camry in US usually around 25k USD, and i’m talking about 3liter V6, go to website to check, the car market here is good for honda city and vios only

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        • cybermaster98 on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:11 pm

          I wasnt refering to the Camry when i said USD30K for a car. It was a figure of speech in reference to all cars in that range.

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          • MrRighthand on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:12 pm

            actually comparing car prices from another country is totally a mistake.a big that is!! its a know fact that car prices in malaysia is high and that about it. it has to stop right there!!

            in US they charge 40% income tax. and in malaysia is about average 10% only.

            just assume i earn about US 3000 salary and a year its USD 36000.

            after tax i have USD 21600. which translates to be RM 73440(3.4 exchange rate)

            and i buy a camry in US for USD 30000, which is about rm 102000.i take 5 years loan for that and i pay about a total of Rm 120000 inclusive of interest and etc.

            120000 divide by 5 = RM 24000 a year which i spend for the car a year in terms of installment. but when see the car in US after 5 years it will be only USD 5000 or less because insurance, emission taxes and the various thingy u have to pay and USD 5000= RM 17000.

            and in malaysia if you earn RM 5000 and rm 60000 a year, after tax your income will be rm 54000

            you buy the same camry with interest and etc with monthly payment of rm 3010 and yearly rm 36120 for 5 year

            but when u sell it after 5 years you still get more than half the price of the car which is about rm 90000.

            the point is you loose almost the same amount of money after certain years but here in malaysia our income tax is way much lower!!so please be realistic when comparing!!

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          • cybermaster98 on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:29 pm

            MrRighthand says:
            25/6/2010 at 3:12 pm
            __________________________________________________________

            The issue on the difference of income tax between foreign countries has been discussed many times over the national political blogs. All this talk about being happy just cuz our tax is low is CRAP. How much of your tax money is spent on improving your life? Yes u pay higher taxes in US, UK and Australia but that is money well spent. They all have world class education systems, public transportation networks, high public safety standards and better quality of life.

            Plus the cost of living there is actually LOWER than here in Malaysia. In the UK for instance, you can buy a really good roast beef sandwich at Tesco Extra for 1.20 pound. Can u get such a sandwich in Malaysia for RM 1.20? I have lived and worked in the UK for a few years and i can say that the cost of living there is lower than in Malaysia.

            There was a really good article going around in the email regarding an international cost of living survey done and it was found that the cost of living here is Malaysia is HIGHER than even Singapore.

            If ure proudly proclaiming that you buy that rubbish old school mentality about the income tax story, you must either be pro Gov or uve been living in some kampung without internet access. Use the internet and get the knowledge u need. Wake up and see the truth. Dont just depend on the bullshit u read in our local media.

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          • WastE_bucKet on Jun 26, 2010 at 1:18 am

            mr cybermaster,

            you sometimes forget that you have started the topic of tax, government and etc and invited people to give a comment and when there is sumting said against you..you totally say its bullshit crap and etc…who started government policies and protection crap here??read above comments and you will remember that you started this bullshit craps here and most other comments!!

            you have to cut your crap first before asking rest to do so…i have nothing personal against you but be considerate on other’s view on certain matters. you cannot be right all the time!!

            if you want to argue..we can do it all day long and there will be no clear winner because there is advantage and disadvantages living in Malaysia or UK..if you just take tesco sandwich as an example..its too narrow…you cant take an example that favours you!!!

            you cant say cost of living in UK is good, better or comparable with malaysia..why dont you take property rental example?or price of a proper??House, Apartment and etc??

            come on..so of your internet fact cannot be entirely true as well, you cant blindly support ot trust internet facts!!!be more civilised please

            and forwrded e-mail informations are worst possible thing you can come up with as a factual support for your statement.

            if you have been in UK and you feel its more cheaper to live in, why came back to Malaysia??

            the problem of Malaysian people are very simple, first they always think the grass is greener on the other side but they dont take any effort to make their grass greener!!!

            you, me, and most of the people commenting here are from malaysia and read those comments, you will come to a clear conclusion of typical malaysians!!

            you cant blame the Government,system and etc since you are part of it and you helped shape the system as it is!!! its made in malaysia,for malaysians by malaysians!!!! many here wouldnt have even registered as voters even after the age of 21, and and blindly vote the corrupts and support a rotten sinking government!!then complain about everything and everyone else with the thinking that you are always perfect!!!

            typical malaysian mentality…so typical that you fail to realise its already a culture…

            even in sports, you cheer when they win but jeer when they lose!!! you apply the same principal in everything!! you have to take responsibility!! analyse why the country is not performing, what have you contributed, why are we still lacking??what can we do to improve?have you tought in that way before??

            simple..you have mentioned that US,UK and all enjoying first world facilities and money well spent..or spent wisely..its because people generously contribute money via taxes..do you how many billions of dollar have they spend on useless wars?? how many billions on unsucessful R&Ds??how many billions on military/defence??

            people in the first world dont look at the negative part of the spending but they will look at the positive side of it!!!

            and how many malaysian complain about car taxes??proton?protectism and etc??because we are negative minded..we spend more time thinking on the negative aspect of the nation,development and etc!!

            you say our Government are corrupted, full of miss management and etc..we start all those thing!! how many of us have bribe the police? because we think the saman is a bad thing. but you must know the saman exist for your own safety. you complain about airbag and etc but how many of you know What SRS stands for??

            airbag supplements your restrain system which is your seatbelts but yet we dont use it and complain its useless and easy way to make money for the police!!!

            i am not pro government or whatever you will mention later but prefer not to be a typical malaysian!!

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      • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:48 am

        Funny you should mention based on calculation of 3.6 exchange rate the car is actually USD 40k X 3.6 = RM 144 so its actually the same price.

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        • squawk on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:14 pm

          USD40k is BMW territory.

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        • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 12:16 pm

          Waste Bucket,
          Read my comments carefully before shooting your mouth off. When i said email, i meant it came from a RELIABLE WEBSITE> U havent worked overseas so dont comment. The Tesco comparison was just 1 minor comparison. U want me to go into the details of property? I can easily prove u wrong. But this is a car forum which is why i didnt go into too much detail. So dont talk nonsense when u dont get the whole picture. I came back to UK because my family is here. Family cannot be measured by dollar and cents. So dont shoot your mouth off if u dont know the WHOLE story. If u want a detailed comparison, give me your email and ill gladly provide u with my full analysis. Till then hold your peace and save your comments unless its matured enuf.

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      • vbkcheng on Jun 28, 2010 at 10:52 am

        Cyeber Master.. agreed with your point…

        I have same opinion with you…

        Just like the LCD TV in Malaysia…Samsung able to overtake Sony, because it is items that cheaper and you can afford to try the error…

        I am waiting for Hyundai to so the same to toyota but I am rational to understand that this is 140K items, not 4K… it take time to convience Malaysian that Hyundai can do better than toyota…

        So, price sonata at Civic 2.0 level will attract people for the try…

        Failling doing so, it will failed again on resales value .. and once the resales value low, no one dare to put their hand on it…

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      • Silas Evenstarr on Aug 16, 2010 at 12:01 pm

        yups. Shd not compare based on country of sale cos in US they have the Sonata 2.0T which has higher power output and much better mileage than Accord 3.5 V6. Plus cheaper too.

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  • jflee169 on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:55 am

    I think overall this car is quite worth to buy with the pricing (provided it stays, unlike Tuscon) and specs. Selling point would be 6 speed auto gearbox (low maintenance), (panoramic roof, ESP with Hill Assist, leather seats and keyless entry with push start – 2.0 high spec), 5 year warranty/300,000kms.

    The million dollar question would be how is the after sales service and competency of the local SC.

    For 2nd hand value, some would say it depends on market demand (but, don’t it happens in m’sia market). If the owner going to hold for a car for more than 7 years, 2nd hand value is not an issue.

    If I were to change car, I would short-list this car.

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  • Mr. Brazil on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:57 am

    uurrrgghh..dashboard looks ugly..with price you pay, you should get something premium..i’d rather choose Peugeot 407..with price RM136k you get leather seat, 2.0 engine, premium look and also european car..japan or kerean car will never beat european car in terms of comfort and silent of driving

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    • Yes. European design are better in handling. Nowadays Korean are matching their car specs towards European standard, and that’s something we should be watch out for…

      Korean need to solid-prove their reliability + good FC and plus a few years of good comments and after sales service = viola!

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  • SD Hyundai really made Japanese duo happy with YF i45 pricing. The pricing imply Japan-made car. Having said that I not saying the Korean is inferior BUT merely market perception yet in their side. Even worse in Malaysia context, buying car for most of us (those with income less than USD625000/year) is risky business since massive portion of our income eat up by car-related expenses. Thus, thinking of residual value of our purchase is a natural logic for sub-USD 625000@RM2000000 income buyers. When US paid less than half than what we paid for our rides the issue of pricing even have greater impact before public can convinced with Hyundais. Unless people not complaint and buying Hyundai like Singaporeans in Malaysia then the pricing really not a mistake.

    Hyundai is not HTC when public have high regard even better than other Conti brands .

    Still got time to revise not so smart pricing and many will wait huge discount used units. Realitistic please.

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  • guanerrr on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Peugeot 407 is much cheaper and more accessories but less hp.

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    • worldcup on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:08 am

      my friend bought P407, he said the pick up is no good due to car weight vs power,
      the FC is no good either…he told me he bought it due to European continental interior and good sound proof…

      I read that the interior space for Sonata is better than P407 and Mazda 6
      also i think the Sonata exterior design looks nicer than P407

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  • Neonda on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:17 am

    their 2.4cc produced 175hp….accord 2.4 produced 180hp…weheee thanks god im still the highest..hewhew

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    • Very outdated la u, Its not about the hp these days, it about the Torque. It determine the 0-100km/h. high hp is good for top speed which u will hard do as there are dungu’s going slow on the speed lane.

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      • Neonda on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:13 am

        ala bro..releks la…much of comparison factor we can consider…hp, torq, tech, system, ecu, blablabla if want to compare…so its not a nonsense comparison jugak…some people look for a torq for acceleration..and some look for hp for speeding..if i want to highlight those comparison in here, boleh buat karangan la pulak nanti…so its not bout outdated or updated…if outdated…even HP term will not used in automaker for their spec to show..

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        • We malaysians still love to see High Hp than looking at other figures especially those who are getting a new car. Its all Marketing gimmick.

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          • Neonda on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:04 pm

            not really…we malaysian love to see cheap price with Full Spec and those extravaganza package rather to see those perfomance in 2nd place.

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          • Vincent on Jun 25, 2010 at 5:59 pm

            In actual fact, not only the high HP vs high NM… it is very important that The HP or NM we can get at the RPM of 2500 to 3500..

            High HP and NM at 6000… how offen we push the car to 6000 in city drive?

            This is the main factor to determine fuel consumption …

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    • worldcup on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:44 am

      I thought torque is more important, especially for pickup….
      on paper the torque of Mazda 6 2.0 is lowest among the cars below.
      Sonata has higher torque than Accord and Camry for both 2.0 and 2.4

      Sonata Accord Camry Mazda 6
      2.4 228 222 224 228(2.5)
      2.0 198 189 190 186

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:53 am

      But you are less 1 Gear .. so your pickup might still not be as good as the YF that will pass you on the highway…

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      • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:32 am

        hp and torque are only one small part of the car. If really want to compare, we have to compare handling, comfortableness and all other things.

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    • please learn for all the above GURUs before you leave a comment.

      Sonata is better here, with all the engine spec, it is years ahead compare Jap.

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    • Silas Evenstarr on Aug 16, 2010 at 12:06 pm

      errrmmm accord 2.4 is 180PS not 180HP

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  • Seriously on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:20 am

    pretty underpowered. the 2.4 should be the benchmark.

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  • Carss on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:21 am

    this car price so near to Mazda 6, will u get mazda 6 or Hyundai Sonata? Come on.

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  • Where is the Dual aircond? Big screen for Nav? Obviously those plp in Sime D have not done thier homework. I hope i’m looking at the lower spec 2.0 and not the 2.4. pls enlighten me.

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  • You know what, the price is almost 2 and a half times more expensive than you get in local Korea, and that comes with curtain side airbags as standard across all trim levels… over in Malaysia, you get 2 airbags only even at the highest 2.4 trim??? What kind of bs is this?

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    • Thats absolutly correct. BS

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      • Improvement is for sure for a Korean car. But look at the pricing, I felt that we are conned… either by our national automobile policies, or by the local resellers…

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    • Seriously on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:51 am

      Malaysian BS what else? Although the price is of no suprise to me… but no curtain airbags? Such a pity.

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  • mufasa on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:45 am

    nice car,,,,ermm..but i dont think the price could compete with Accord??
    not a good strategy…

    hope they did right not next avante

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  • Peter on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:51 am

    I saw quite a few in SG…..I can really say this is really sexy and beautiful….Much more “sportier ” than the outdated “uncle camry”……

    Furthermore…Camry/Accord are 4-5spd Auto? This babe is 6 spd Auto, kinda much “smoother”…..Besides, i think among this 3, this Sonata is much more beautiful….

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  • reuben how on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:14 am

    I remember when my wife (who is korean) got very angry at the levels of service from her LG product in Malaysia. She was very shocked, having lived in Seoul for over 10 years that korean company could have such levels of poor service in Malaysia. It doesn’t mean that when 1st world companies set up or sell product in third world countries (PLEASE THIS IS NOT MEANT AS AN INSULT) that customers will benefit from 1st world service.

    My wife’s Lacetti was rear ended by A SUV at a traffic light one morning The insurance claim, car repair and delivery was done by GM DAEWOO and the car was delivered back in time for us to travel back to her home town in the afternoon. (I guess the damage wasn’t too extensive)

    So even if ESP and airbags are standard on overseas models, it is unlikely to find their way here because the rest of the competition doesn’t care anyway.

    I think this car will do well globally. Malaysia is also a bit strange because normally Hyundai outsells Kia (here its NAZA) in all the major markets.

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    • Practically, is the local distributors and resellers fault… nothing to do with the brand itself… I love all the afterservice you can get in Korea…

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    • Yup, would agree that Korean servicing themselves within their country would be much better than locals…

      Need ‘Korean training managers’ to be in 3S centres here… hahaha…

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      • here we always got cheat when repairing cars…

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      • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 7:58 pm

        do our Proton also provide at least Malaysia 1st class service?????

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      • “Korean servicing themselves within their country” LOL. I guess that would be bad for the baby boom, eh?

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    • Motorist on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:43 pm

      We need Korean supervisors that can sort out (the Korean way) the local workforce. Our local workforce just needs some Korean “motivation” (preferably black belt taekwando supervisors).

      Then, fill the reception with (female) Korean guest relation officers ;-)

      I’m sure even the die hard T&H supporters will end up buying a Korean :-)

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  • nighttrain on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:30 am

    They’re hoping that the similar, slightly lower pricing policy will look as if this car is in the same class as Accord & Camry, which it is, actually. But in order to make sales, ecpecially as an eye opener to the mass market, pricing IMHO should be distinctively lower. BUT, other issues are at hand. KIA, which is suppossed to be a lower grade manufacturer to Hyundai will be introducing Optima at an even lower price. Question is, how much lower?
    This is because our beloved Perdana is coming too with a new model and of course the G won’t let any other D car to be sold too close to the estimated RM110k bracket. I’m just guessing here, there will be no D-segment car outside State owned Proton that will be allowed to be sold under RM135k. Whine all you want, but man up and live with it. Same goes to all other segments that Proton is competing in.

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    • vbkcheng on Jun 28, 2010 at 11:02 am

      Proton shall not come out with new perdana… unless they can price it below RM80K…

      RM100K range is red ocean and no one will take Proton…unless they just make new model for G official to replace their olld banana…

      Proton shall put their resource to add turbo on their campro…

      Exora with 1.6 turbo having a better future….after which, same engine can be put on Neo…coupe to tap on low end sport car market… sure got Ah Seng and Ah Beng buy one….

      Perdana – D segment is not your game…don’t waste our tax prayer money lar…

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  • Shaycoat on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:38 am

    I think this is overall excellent no matter what you all talk about. The price is very competitive as you all know that this is CBU from korea. I drive Accord gen 8 2.0 VTi-L. Yes accord is the still the biggest car in this segment. Driving and handling is superb but dont know with this new sonata. But I still wonder why in Malaysia, they still not prefer to install navi system? Is it very costly or is it need yearly premium payment for the map? I could not understand!

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 1:01 am

      You pay for it one way or another and malaysians prefer to buy the portable 500 ringitt version which they can take from car to car … This is unlike the Japanese who can afford only 1 car as they have only 1 car park space … so everyone buys car with gps. transfer of GPS not required.

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  • coolguru on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:46 am

    Agreed with many comments – outside looks worth the price, inside looks ordinary even Civic looks better of which it’s supposed to be of a different class.

    Agreed with the missing LCD screen, navigations… it’s the cutting-edge ppl are willing to pay these days.

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  • Jimmy on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Reminder again: half-hearted cheating-money product — TWO airbags only and no automatic dual zone aircon!!! Cut-cost sunroof???
    If I were to set price at this level so close to T/H/Mazda, I will put SIX or SEVEN airbags, automatic dual zone aircon with filters, paddle shift and turbo, instead of those cheap sunroofs covered by cloth only. True?
    By the way, if you like sunroof, you can always choose the much more beautiful & sporty Mazda 6 2.5L at similar price. More prestigeous, to me.

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    • 6 or 7 airbags?i’d ask T and H to do the same…

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 26, 2010 at 1:02 am

      Again find us a Panaromic sunroof which does not use cloth sunroof visors … even mercedes uses the cloth sunroof covers on their E class…

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    • put a Panoromic sunroof on the H&T it become “wow” , but a lot of comment when Hyundai can provide it at price cheaper than H&T. please la die hard H&T, wakeup

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  • Jimmy on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Oh, Mazda 6 2.5L got only 2 airbagsKAH my dear Hyundai-SD?

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  • Car Ionizer on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:17 am

    I love it. when i can have this :)

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  • alpha999 on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:19 am

    wow, just dont understand some joker here….want super cbu specs at super ckd price….got such thing ?

    seems like all the unbeatable list equipment and accessories, warranty period at a lower price offered still arent good enuff………

    just accept the fact…lah…..u need to pay more for good stuff…

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    • OpenMind on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:09 am

      as far as joker is concern, you should the king of joker.

      136-168k is a lot of money, and people deserve to have their expectation. please go travel around the world and see for your own eyes. I wrote in earlier post that we are paying at least 2-3 times the price and getting much lower spec product. Be a wise consumer, it is because of mentality like this that our country is always paying hgih price for relatively low value product.

      Do you know why until today, people think CBU (especially from japan and korea or europe) is better than CKD???? It is all about the mentality of our beloved malaysia, too relax in work, no concentration, lack of conviction, lower skill, that produce a low quality CKD even using the same design and can also make so much mistake and error in putting all these parts together.

      Spend more for good stuff is fair, but how much more….go ahead y all means

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      • vbkcheng on Jun 28, 2010 at 11:09 am

        No no no.. reagrding the poor quality CKD, it is alibaba business punya issue..those abang adik company that cannot even produce a good power window system…

        Look at Honda Civic.. after take over and CKD by the old ghost from P1… they are facing same issue like wat we have baack in 1990an..

        Not really malasian worker punya pasal lar..

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  • Personally I think this car is OK, but not that spectacular. I still find Mazda6 more appealing than any other rivals in its class.

    It’s priced kinda expensive for a Korean. While 2.0 produces more outputs that their Jap contemporaries, I find the 2.4 engine a letdown – only 11hp difference.

    Plus this car does not have auto climate control and should have a LED dispaly. Just my 2 cents.

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  • no paddle shift ka? i tot 2.4 got with paddle shift same like UK spec.

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  • Thomas on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    anyone notice only two airbags even on 2.4? at 160k+ should have 6 airbags even forte 2.0 has 6 airbags! My Mazda 6 2.5 do have spec 2 yr ago…
    or i’m the only person care about these?

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    • u better go buy forte!!

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    • ProTip on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:09 pm

      It has been mentioned somewhere before that a study done on the Malaysian market indicates that people prefer ABS over Airbags, or something like that.

      Personally, I like airbags, and proper child-seat restraint anchor points (ISOFIX would be great). I think you know which car has those.

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    • Thomas on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:28 pm

      personally, i will trade HAC for 4 more airbags.
      HAC is a excellent feature, if i can only choose either one, i will pick more airbags because it might save precious life….

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      • vbkcheng on Jun 28, 2010 at 11:13 am

        What if they give you Porsche break sysstem that can bring you to 0 at speed of 100 in less than 3 second?

        With good break system, you might not even have the accident.. air bag an then no longer relevant mar…

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        • ProTip on Jun 28, 2010 at 5:05 pm

          Yeah, then you’d better pray the person BEHIND you has that “Porsche break sysstem” as well.

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          • Vincent on Jun 29, 2010 at 1:10 pm

            Ok, new transport minister… semua kereta dekat Malaysia must add ABS, EBD by 2015…

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    • Thomas on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:33 pm

      additional…dual airbags meant it is not the same sonata which scored 5 stars crash test result oversea. The 5 stars scored isn’t applicable on this malaysia’s version.

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  • Motorist on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    Hyundai Sime Darby Marketing Dept – if this was an exam, you would have failed.

    Learn from Naza Kia. Price point plus additional features is the way to gain in roads in a market that is dominated by entrenched competition.

    By pricing so close to the market leader, the majority will still buy the market leader (even if the product has less features than your’s).

    I know your parent company is in a financial scandal but what little extra profit you gain from your small division would not help reduce the crisis.

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    • to Hyundai Sime Darby Marketing Dept, please ignore this comment, “Motorist” do not know what he is talking about.

      This Sonata YF is price too low already, if the T&H have to do the same, their price will be above Rm200k.

      Also, why expect Hyundai to price below H&T ??? This is a first-class product, why expect it being price 3rd class.

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:12 am

      Please go see the car yourself and test it out then only you give comment here, if not you’ll regret. Although the price is a little bit higher than my expectation, but after seeing and tested out the car, I’m damn sure that it is the right price and its really worth that much.

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  • nighttrain on Jun 25, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    I do think the 2011 Optima is an excellent design study..

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  • nabill on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    purely on design terms,i get the feeling its dificult to like,its not ugly,bt somehow its not easy on the eyes…pricewise id go for the mazda 6…and im sure u wont see many on the road either….

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  • NasRule on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    timing chain..nice….
    but single belt for a/c compressor, alternator, p/s pump etc?
    or nowadays engine is like that?

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  • leekowchai on Jun 25, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Styling is a bit over. The front, is too roundish to my liking. Price is very close to market leader. I have a typical malaysian mentality. I would still go for T or H. Korean brand is always second class compare to Japs.

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    • minnow on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:06 pm

      2nd class only in malaysia…cauz the people are all with 3rd world mentality….stil under coconut shell

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:46 am

      Please refer to the market in Europe as well as US. hyundai is not second class anymore.

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  • Vincent on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    How long we have to wait for the Kiat Iptima.. Aka K5 from Naza?

    I believe that will be more promising vs SDM…

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  • kenshin chan on Jun 25, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    hyundai got enough spare part in malaysia or not????

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    • Dear kenshin chan,

      in 1900s, businessman came to Malaya by boat.

      this is 2010, businessman FLY in AIRPLANE.

      UNDERSTAND …..?

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  • Maserati on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    Not bad la the car, but come on la, wud you spend 167k on a hyundai?

    I wont even buy a accord, cuz on paper its 170 hp but whn drive feel so underpower. So far the nicest i hv driven is camry 2.4 and mazda6 2.5. Camry on paper lower hp but damn nice to drive. M6 the same.

    For hyundai, they hv to sell this sonata 2.4 at rm140k thn ppl might consider. At the current price, i can just see a failure in the making..

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  • Consumer thinking:

    1) Toyota Camry 2.0 buy at RM154K, 3 years later sell at RM 120K
    2) Honda Accord 2.0 buy at RM149K, 3 Years later sell at RM100K
    3) Hyundai Sonata 2.0 buy at RM143K, 3 year later sell at RM???

    and…which one is easier to take by used car dealer.

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    • iLOVEkimchi on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:03 pm

      If you take away the badge :

      you pay for 10k less but get better specs than a camry, so if camry gotta give the same specs.. maybe around 174k..

      so u save 20k up front d….

      if using the above thinking… “you pay less for more” apply to SimeDarby is not that suitable..their pricing quite high actually..

      but if put into NAZA’s brand KIA & PUG…

      “you pay less for more”

      its really can see the big different~ and you will think its very worth to get the PUG308THP…

      at the end of the day, we are not buying a house what~~ u get a new car, the most valuables moment to enjoy ur car is the frist 2-3 years rite???

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      • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:49 am

        If you are rich and don’t mind paying more during maintenance to those who is not doing their job, then go for Naza.

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    • The answer: 3 room condo buy at 160k, 3 years later sell at 180k

      people buy cars for enjoyment and not investment.

      buy a house if you want an investment.

      go get a life…

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    • raybrig on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:51 pm

      most of the cnsumer will thinking about the 2nd value…but me…i would go for hyundai..because for me why u want to be afraid of..just dare to try something different..

      in my case,so far i dont have any problem with all my car in my garage…all of them dont have a 2nd hand value in malaysia..but the most important thing…enjoy your ride to the fullest dude…if you really like this car just go for it…i like alfa,murano and audi, thats why i dare to bought those thing rather than typical bimmer,merc,honda and toyota…so…just dare to try something new dude…but if ure the person like to change the car every 5 to 6 yrs..sure u gonna think about the 2nd value…for me, i rather enjoy what i really want rather than sacrifice what i want because of the stupid 2nd hand value matter..kalau centu sampai bile pon ko dok cube typical brand…

      plus ive driven a lot of hyundai as well when i went to australia for work…because i rented those car and it is not so bad…but i don’t know for the long run and maintenance…i guess for everyday use it is not bad at all…cheers..

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      • raybrig on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:54 pm

        another brand im gonna choose instead of this hyundai is mazda 6..it is not bad…

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    • STUDY this,

      RM50,000 no market value
      RM80,000 good market value.

      Well, RM50,000 means Hyundai Tucson 2.0 year 2005.
      And RM80,000 is H.Cxx year 2005.

      The numbers that is always hidden from YOU, the purchase price of new car at 2005.

      Hyundai Tucson at year 2005 is RM112,000. what is H.Cxx ??

      Hyundai Tucson loan is lower, ie lower interest paid. Insurance is cheaper that the more expensive H.Cxx.

      I will go for Hyundai Sonata YF.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 4:11 pm

        Why dont u provide actual figures and do a proper calculation instead of all this xxx and assumptions?

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  • E Bear on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Other than fighting with price…..it is better to fight on reliabiliy, after sales service, good service centres and fuel economy.

    This is a huge car and it could not possibly be selling much cheaper.

    The Koreans not bad as this is a new model and not like those 10 years ago.

    If got the 2.2 litre turbo diesel, that would give it a quicker acceleration off the mark and better mileage.

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    • MangO on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:00 pm

      HAHA! Maybe you can request from T & H? Give you old tech price is high tech. Yes you don’t complain. Give you better specced car now want a turbo 2.2.

      I am sure if they came up with a turbo and even if it was priced reasonable you would not get it cause you are happy with old tech T & H. Why improve? Why progress when nothing is broken so don’t fix it.

      I think objectively it would be more on the distributor side, service & spare parts. Thats the deciding factor.

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  • kcchiok on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Exterior is excellent, but as what we can see from Tucson, this Sonata interior accessories are killing it… of course the price is quite attractive… bottomline, i think people will be hunting for Honda Accord 2.0L, with better 2nd value.

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  • squawk on Jun 25, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Starting at RM120k for the base spec would’ve been more appropriate. That’s if they were interested in selling cars in volume.

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  • mandoo on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    hey guys, I just came back from the preview at Glenmarie Shah Alam, they decorated the upstair with very secretive passage to go into the big hall room with many Sonata inside. They even served food and drinks in the nicely decorated show room. There are white, black and silver Sonata.

    Outdie the car park, saw all the test drive units in silver color, some guys already tested driving. I did not manage to test drive yet. May be next visit.

    First time seeing the Sonata, it looks classy and sporty sedan to me, especially the white color one with panoramic roof which makes white body and black top. The side profile is very attractive, looks like Benz CLS. Honestly I feel that this Sonata makes Camry much chaper look and 10 older look.

    Went into the cabin, the black interior looks great to me, I feel the dashboard looks just nice and simple, though hearing some critics here, I feel that the dashboard matches the inteior nicely. I like the meter when it is turned on.

    The interior space is bigger than previous Sonata, the leg space and head space is bigger than P407 and Mazda 6. I feel that the leg space is about the same with Accord. I am 181cm, the roof of the rear is fine for me.

    The dashboard is majority soft touch material, the door also has soft leather.
    The interior definitely is higher class than the Tucson’s one.
    Also tested the panoramic roof on Sonata which is automatic one, where the one for Tucson is a manual one.

    Obviously Sonata 2.0 high spec has more things to give than Tuscon 2.0 high spec, but the price difference is only about RM 3k.
    If people buying Tucson 2.0 high spec and consider it is worth, why not Sonata 2.0 high spec ?

    After seeing the real car, it does give a feeling to me that this car would only cost 120K, taking away the Hyundai brand, I think the price near to 140K for 2.0 high spec is still worth.

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  • M5POWER on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    Damn it looks like a copy of BMW + Audi rear, Mercedes’s front and Audi + BMW line side. Interior meanwhile, more like a copy of Cadillac CTS. Come on Hyundai, this is not how you design your car. With that price, I would rather delay the purchase of my car and get an Audi/BMW/Mercedes instead…

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    • Motorist on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:49 pm

      Quote “get an Audi/BMW/Mercedes instead”

      5 year old Second hand BMW right?

      Of course, not everyone wants a second hand 5 year old car that is a manja workshop queen. Some of us have better things to do than to spend hours at the workshop.

      Besides my ego doesnt demand a BMW to say to Kuala Kiasu town that I have made it already.

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      • M5POWER on Jun 25, 2010 at 6:17 pm

        Why do I have to look for a 5 years old second hand BMW if I can get a 2007 E60 525i complete with M-Sport package for RM240k(OTR)? I would delay my purchase and collect more money and buy what I like. What I don’t like about Hyundai nowadays is that it copies a lot from other premium european cars. Hyundai will never give me something that BMW gave me which is Sheer Driving Pleasure. Plus, I might have hard times to sell the car. Owh, we have yet to know the reliability of this car…

        It might sound I’m a BMW/ European cars fanboy but I think Hyundai has made a good progress, but in a wrong way. I bet you know how Hyundai is right? It will takes a lot of time before people get used to Hyundai like how BMW was 52 years ago.

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        • raybrig on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:04 pm

          so..your bmw 525i m-sport tu beli bila tu??tahun 2007 ke??brand new??if not..still 2nd hand bro..most of the ppl is afraid to take the 2nd hand bimmer…

          i think u should compare your bimmer to those audi..that will be well said then..its not fair to compare hyundai to your lovely bimmer…plus it is healthy competition…there is no originality in design these days…if that so, i could say some of the element bimmer copied alfa romeo, audi and even merc…

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          • M5POWER on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:36 pm

            Yes mine is brand new bought earlier this year after selling my E46, CBU 2007 UK Spec… I’m not talking about getting 2nd hand car but new car la up there. True that, a lot of people are afraid of taking 2nd hand Bimmer because of the reliability and the maintainence. Well I have to agree on that bro but this car is in the league of, not sure maybe a 3-Series. Depending on the size, it’s more to the like of 5-Series etc.

            Anyway, ini yang tak syok ni. Sekarang semua nak copy sana copy sini. If you look at the Genesis coupe, ade sikit BMW, Audi, Mercedes then yang ni lagi la. I’m very dissapointed. I even heard somebody said that new cars, no matter what brand or model will look alike to each other someday, and it’s already happening.

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        • MangO on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:14 pm

          Save on buddy. Maybe in 5 yrs time European makes will start copying Koreans. Haha!

          Everyone copies everyone else. If you paid more attention and not just pin pointed on the Koreans you would notice European marques are copying each other. Don’t forget Korean cars are designed by Westerners so its logical designs such as these will come up and boy have they done a good job coming up with their own identity. I am sure you yourself have copied or plagarised something in your life.

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          • M5POWER on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:46 pm

            Who starts the game? Korean and Japanese. You know the BMW Hoffmeister Kink? Now it’s already everywhere in an Accord, City and even on some Lexus!

            Actually I do realize that Audi is copying BMW, BMW copying Audi, Mercedes copying BMW and vice versa… It doesn’t matter whether Westerners design the car or not but it’s like, owkey this can happen if the designers were hired from BMW or Mercedes where their last skills and design cues were taken with (in the case of Mr. Antoine Habib moving from BMW to Mercedes but he managed to keep BMW element away from being taken to BMW) but in this case, they’re not. They are indipendent, have brain, skills to produce their own ideas and not curi-curi. If someone hire me as a designer, I will try my best to use my own creation like what Chris Bangle did. Aaaand of course I did copied and plagarised something in my life =P

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          • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:29 am

            Indeed Kia and Hyundai have a lot of Europen cues.

            I am guilty of of copying & plagarising but we have to improve. Instead do paraphrasing :D. Thats ok for essay writing.

            Shame the car is not going to do well. Good car, wrong country, wrong price but secretly wishing it will together with Forte change Msian perception.

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          • Supertram on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:34 am

            But but .. even BMW oso tiru the “Hoffmeister Kink”, it been used before BMW use it as styling ques .

            check out “Kaiser Deluxe” :P

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          • Rhys Millen on Jun 27, 2010 at 2:37 am

            It’s funny how people’s perception of things are … when German co. hires a designer to design their cars .. you say they are original … when Korean co. hires the same designer to design their cars and the styling ques are sort of similar … you say Korean co. copies german .. but in reality it is just the same desinger..

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        • pls go ahead and buy, when service time, you wished you drove the Hyundai…

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          • M5POWER on Jun 26, 2010 at 1:11 am

            ”when service time, you wished you drove the Hyundai…”

            Well I wish I drove a Proton instead! *idea*

            Well BMW certainly is not that very good in reliability(although my E46 did pretty well), but I already said up there BMW gave me Sheer Driving Pleasure that Hyundai doesn’t have.I know BMW is very well known as Banyak Masuk Workshop la etc. but I am ready to blow as many cash as I can but nothing can beat BMW’s driving dynamics. I’m not bashing(apart from the wrong design) this car owkey, the Sonata is a good car but its down to people opinion in the end.

            Thank you.

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          • M5POWER on Jun 27, 2010 at 2:01 pm

            Rhys Millen:

            Rhys Millen, a stunt man, drifter and a race car driver… Listen, I don’t mind Korean cars hire a designer from German or France or UK or aywhere else but each and every brand must have their own identity and they have their OWN skills so why copying others? As like I said to you guys why Mr. Antoine Habib didn’t take all the BMW’s design cues to Mercedes? Why Korean must copy? He designed the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes CLS and I find hardly any BMW design cues on the CLS. To Korean cars, it may not be 100% copy but some of it has the usual design of European giants.

            So IF Mr. Habib move to Hyundai for example, and were asked to design the new Sonata. He was from BMW and he didn’t take any single bit of BMW’s design cues just like what he did to Mercedes. So why can’t any other designers do this? No matter where the designers are from, they have their own mind!

            To be successful in designing, one car company NEEDS to have 1 common thing in their cars. For example, BMW has the Hoffmeister Kink and Kidney grille. Maybe Korea can do something like, their own grille etc. After all it’s not hard releasing your own idea… Even Ford has their own which is the small front grille and a really nice front bumper similar to their other cars!

            Korea, nothing wrong you want to be European, but do not copy! I have no problem with Forte because it has soo much European design style but DID NOT COPY BMW or Merc or even Audi!

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        • how can you buy a NEW E60 525 for RM240???? if it is a 2007 model and you bought it earlier this year (2010) it is not a new car,it’s a recond.

          Some people like to buy prestige brands(secondhand/recond) and it is their prerogative. But some people prefer to buy brand new cars with warranty,new car smell,peace of mind etc and their choice should be respected too.

          Of course you cannot compare the handling/quality of this car (or japs like camry/accord) with a BMW,it’s a different price range completely for brand new cars

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          • M5POWER on Jun 26, 2010 at 1:59 pm

            Lorr.. It is a brand new car! The car was brand new and yet to be sold from UK(there are some from Japan selling for cheaper price but you know the radio frequency will be diff etc.). When I heard the price tag is RM24Ok then I just get it la. Seriously the smell of leather is still there you know. Now how should I know why they want to sell for RM240k? Take note that I’m not buying from BMW Authorized Dealer. The car also has an extended warranty. The price tag is there, and I even checked the VIN Code(BMW UK) to make sure it’s not a kereta curi, engine serial number etc…

            Owkey honstly I don’t like bashing people you know so I’m not bashing someone here. I respect if this guy wants to buy a Hyundai as it’s their money right? But in this case here it’s my own money so I just choose what I want to buy. My only problem here started from the first post, they are copying design from prestige Euro cars. And I just said I rather buy a BMW for it + I get better driving dynamics. That’s all…

            IF you want a BMW with the same price tag, then 2nd hand or old model stock E90 3 Series would be suitable or a 120i brand new. But the 5 Series like mine is faar of the price tag of the Sonata. Even used BMW 5 also costs less than that(E39).

            Thank you.

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        • Motorist on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:48 pm

          Actually I was comparing dollar to dollar within the same D segment, thus circa RM140K Korean vs RM140K BMW. It would be unfair to compare the new BMW F10 RM500K vs Korean RM140K, on a dollar to dollar basis, isnt it?

          By comparing a 3 yr old 525i RM240K vs RM140K Korean would not be a fair dollar to dollar comparison also. It’s like a rich taukay comparing his car with his junior manager staff car. Any which way you look at it, the rich taukay wins hands down.

          However, I do admit that the driving dynamics of BMW is hard to beat, even by it’s own German rivals. Ultimate Driving Machine slogan seems more apt than the newer Sheer Driving Pleasure.

          Again, there is no way the Jap or Korean or Proton family sedans can match the driving dynamics of BMW but from a price point comparison, a brand new D segment Korean / Jap would be comparable to maybe a 5-8 year old BMW D segment car.

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          • M5POWER on Jun 26, 2010 at 2:14 pm

            Owh sorry my mistake, then my E60 is not comparable with the Sonata… Yes yes surely you’re right in this one.

            As I stated up there, for the price of RM160k, it’ll be in the same price of used or old stock before LCI E90 3 Series and a 120i. But for the same segment, even the used E60 523i 2006 below costs more than RM160k and the used E39 price dropped badly to below RM100k but maybe the higher spec 530i costs somewhere around RM150k but that car is already 7 years old la…

            To Supertram:

            It was invented by Mr. Wilhelm Hofmeister, the German designer who first design the concept for the BMW 2002 CS and his designs such as the kink were influenced by BMW. So BMW and him work together to develope the BMW 2002 but he later retired in 1977. He also designed the 1951 Kaiser which is not a BMW, but it was his creation to just only one car that present the kink. He was a successful car designer and until today, his tradition(named to Hoffmeister Kink) is still present in BMW cars. Yet being copied by Honda City, Accord and most Lexus…

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  • Elvis on Jun 25, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    I agree to most comments here. It looks like Camry and Mazda 6 is better than Hyundai Sonata in terms of pricing and specs. It could have been a non issue if touch screen lcd is part of the package and perhaps a well installed sound proofing. These are two area that most mid range make lacks. I once tried sitting in a Kancil complete with LCD touch screen and double layer sound proof. Crazy as it seems, it feels very cosy and quiet…..surprise2, like inside a Beemer..yupp just plain crazy…

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  • I think i will get the 2.0 Hi spec, but need to drive it…..reason being, want to break the monotony in my town where Camrys and Accords are a common sight :D

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  • someone on Jun 25, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    It is so sad that our beloved country has this 150% tax for cars. If not this price for this car will only in the range of RM60k to RM70k. Thanks to our beloved Mr. M to protect his “P”. Its really “Happy” for us to live here to help built our beloved Mr. M wealth.

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    • gonggok on Jun 26, 2010 at 6:58 pm

      150% tax for cars? ha..ha..Don’t be ignorant. The price of cars high not because of tax only but because insane distributor margins that Toyota and Honda charges. Ever wonder why the CBU JAPAN 1.6 litre suzuki SX4 cost about the same as a local assembled VIOS. Why the CBU JAPAN Suzuki 2.0 Grand Vitara cost so much less that the local CRV or X-trail?

      Ask UMW toyota staff how much bonus they got last year ;)

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      • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:05 am

        What you say is true but the tax still count ok. without the tax, it’ll still be a lot cheaper. Also to let you know that i don’t mind paying more to those who actually do their job and trying their best to provide quality things, but I really mind paying to those who doesn’t do their job and yet is charging like crazy. which is our beloved someone. Well, this is only my personal feeling, maybe some people don’t mind paying those who are not doing their job.

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  • At first, when I look at the features list and design, I feel like regretting buying my Mazda 3 Hatchback… which about the same price
    But after reading so many comments above, I think I didn’t make a wrong decision…
    Sonata is a great car for those who’re looking for a head-turner but quite cheap car in D-class… but beside that.. enjoyment of driving and reliability is yet to be known..
    happy buying…
    ~Love the car but not for me..

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    • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:31 am

      Hey bro! Give it a test drive and comment on your experience. I am sure there are people out there that are looking at a Mazda 3 VS Sonata. Ok ok I know different types of cars but price wise and exclusivity are common for both cars.

      Your exprience driving a Mazda 3 can give us good feedback comparison on Sonata.

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      • I don’t know about the Sonata, but I just got the keys to my Tucson ix35 last week. To say the least, everything the reviews said about the ix35 is true. It is indeed a fantastic car to drive and I’m so pleased with the purchase. I cannot say more. I am very happy. The ride is firm & controlled, yet comfortable. Already hit 150km/h and only clocked 100km brand new :) Gearing is great, smooth & precise. Manual shifting (Tip-tronic) is smooth & obviously a greater feel than left in “D”. Very stable at 150km/h but engine is still not run in yet. Sound system decent enough – no complaints here. Overall I’m very pleased, obviously far better than my faithful PV6 which served me a decade.

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        • A330

          ….seems like u enjoying yr ride. If this is yr first hyundai? Yeap, its actually a good & reliable car….had my trajet since 2005, trouble free and good sc at glenmarie. Will definitely buy another hyundai in the future for replacement( maybe the diesel 7 seater santa fe…..i need 7 seats)

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          • Yes, it’s my first Hyundai (or Korean for that matter), meant as a replacement for my trusty Perdana which served me 10 years. A worthy replacement, in my case :) Yup, enjoying the ride. She’s very stable so far pushed it to 150km/h but engine not properly run in yet. My friend’s Mazda6 he said before 5000km his Mazda6 engine “rough” after 5k service, it “comes alive” and more power. Can’t wait for the 2nd service. I’ll be sending the ix35 back to Glenmarie for service since it’s nearer to my area.

            7 seats you can consider the gonna be launched KIA Sorento… (that will be in Oct/Nov). But unsure if they’re gonna bring in the diesel variant.

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      • MangO,
        Will test drive the sonata someday..
        my instinct says that sonata can’t beat the Mazda handling (hehehe.. I’m a fast driver and love to push my car hard at corner ) but it could beat the Mazda3 features, hands down…

        I think for those who already above 35 (maybe 40) or with big size (6’+), and would like to have more executive looks – Sonata is the choice. But for those who love the sporty looks or young at heart.. Mazda3 is really a great choice.

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    • diff class although price range is similar bro…

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  • hangmedan on Jun 25, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    I prefer this one rather than this new Sonata…
    http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_vellfire.htm

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  • Steven on Jun 25, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    New Hyundai Sonata’s front grille copied Honda City’s one even right down to the grey colour. Come on, Hyundai. Why can’t you produce original design cars? Why must you copied a bit here and there from Japanese cars especialy Honda? Be original! No wonder some people say Korean cars are copycat ones! HSD priced the new Sonata too close to Camry and Accord. I am pretty sure sales will not be good. Come to think of it, all Hyundai cars like Accent, i10, i30, Avante, Sonata, Tucson don’t sell well, only sold in very very small numbers. Korean cars cannot beat the domination of Japanese cars especially Honda and Toyota in Malaysia. This is a fact. Japanese cars are the most reliable cars in the world.

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    • typical malaysian mindset, people like you are the cause of country will never improve….

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      • Thomas on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:18 pm

        that’s why malaysia still a third world country…

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        • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:33 am

          If you look at other countries besides the well you know as Malaysia you will suddenly realise… T & H aren’t so great afterall.

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    • tohtiengchiah on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:56 am

      not true anymore. in latest survey in US of most reliable cars, toyota is not even in the list

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    • wolfsburg on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:22 am

      Malaysia is such a small market. Hyundai and Kia do beat all Japanese car in Europe, China and Russia.

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    • Agree that Japanese car is great but Malaysian should change the way the think…
      Read more and you’ll find many reviews on other make like Mazda and Hyundai which can beat you bloody expensive %$^# T & H…

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    • David on Jul 15, 2010 at 8:34 pm

      I’d have to shoot you down at that ‘reliable’ point. In the recent JD Power UK Satisfaction Index for 2010, the Kia c’eed (which is the hatchback version of the Forte) is the most reliable small family car in it’s category. It’s also the first time the c’eed was put into this survey. And where’s the Corolla? It ended up 10th, out of 20 cars. So based on this info, and more to come later, your ‘fact’ stating that Japanese cars are the most reliable cars in the world is nothing but being chipped off bit by bit.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jul 16, 2010 at 9:22 am

        Go check out the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. The Korean makes are far below the Jap brands there. Dont just compare 1 car. Compare the entire brand.

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        • David on Jul 21, 2010 at 8:29 am

          Yes, they haven’t topped the Japanese brands, but you missed something:- they are closing in. I did mention ‘more to come’ right? Obviously that’s where a lot of people close an eye on those three words and come attacking me for praising Korean cars, where all would tell me ‘Japanese are better’. That was the past, but this is 2010, and the awards for the Korean’s reliability is slowly piling up.

          For instance, these few awards were ground-breaking for both Hyundai-Kia
          -The Hyundai i30 was voted the most satisfying car to own in the UK in a survey done by Autoexpress, a weekly UK magazine.
          -The Hyundai Genesis was named as Consumer Reports ‘Top-Rated Upscale Sedan’
          -The Hyundai Genesis was rated the highest ranked midsize premium car by JD Power APEAL study (beating out the BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF)
          – JD Power’s Vehicle Launch Index (VLI),[47] Automotive, Performance, Execution award for the Hyundai Genesis
          -The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was voted the highest ranking car for overall reliability and satisfaction in the AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards research in the USA, knocking out the usual Camry and Accord.

          There is far more awards and accolades that are too many to mention. So, ask some other people who own both Japanese and Korean cars. I own an Accord and a Innova, and although the Innova is reliable, it’s not the car i’d like to live with everyday. For starters, it’s hard for me to find a decent driving position. Secondly, it’s noisy at high speeds, and stability at 100km/h is suspect.

          Overall, you buy a Japanese car for it’s reliability and good after-sales service. But for the other aspects, the Koreans have it beaten sound and solid. Would i want to buy a Vios for 75k that’s overpriced, under-specced, and below-par is everything, save for reliability and after-sales when i can buy a different car for less? The Accent i’m driving right now feels more planted on the road including high speeds, direct steering, smooth ride while feeling sporty enough, more space than a Vios, and, oh, did i mention that the ambience in the Accent is a much bettter place to be in? The only thing i’m having issues with is the fuel consumpton and the hard to close boot.

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          • cybermaster98 on Jul 21, 2010 at 9:48 am

            The Korean brands will do well in other countries for the simple reason of price. For the price they are selling for in the US for instance, who would care about resale value or build quality. I would just change my car after the 5 yr warranty is over if it gives trouble.

            We cannot compare with the scenario here in Malaysia. We pay thru our noses for the cars we drive. Thus as any logic minded Malaysian would think, why would we wanna take a risk with a bran thats well known for poor service standards and average build quality?

            The only way the Korean makes will do well in Malaysia is if the after sales service improves or the cars get cheaper. Right now, the Sonata is so poorly priced that nobody will have 2nd thoughts about choosing a Accord or a Camry over the Sonata. If they had wanted to challenge the Japs they would have priced the Sonata at least 20-25K cheaper like what Kia did with the Forte. The Koreans can win whatever award they want but in Malaysia it still boils down to after sales service and resale value.

            But in saying this i do agree with you about the inferior spec models that Toyota has been churning out. But there are news reports that the new Camry to be released next year will have many improvements. Im sure the replacement Vios will be much improved as well.

            For now Toyota rules and if the Koreans want to match then drastic measures are needed not just in adding better specs into the cars.

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    • David on Jul 29, 2010 at 9:48 am

      People buy Korean cars just because of price and a long warranty? That’s the past, now it’s different. People buy Korean cars because they are more practical in the long run, possess enough space for the single person or the family man, come loaded with more features for less money compared to the under-specced overpriced Jap competitors, and most importantly, drives much better then the Jap compedition. Just like what i did when i bought my first Korean car, an Accent.

      2nd thing-Toyota rules? Much improved cars from them? Not exactly. Toyota rules only in it’s domestic market, much of the ASEAN countries (save for Singapore), and not much. Did you even notice how the Europeans warm up to the ever improving Koreans, especially when the German Autobild magazine readers voted Hyundai as the most reliable make in Germany? Another prime example is that the three bread-and-butter Hyundais, the i10, the i20, and the i30 were not just scrappage winners in the UK, but skyrocketed sales of Hyundais in UK by a considerable percentage. These cars aren’t just cheap, they’re more spacious than the Jap competition, come loaded with more kit (you could buy an i20 that comes with ESP, iPod connectivity, and 6 airbags for at least thousands less then an equivalent Yaris which costs a bomb to buy there)

      Yes, the Koreans after-sales service may not match the excellence if the Japs, but, boy, these days, my car is actually cheaper to maintain than a Vios, and the costs includes lubricant oil (a 4L bottle). Not to forget being more reliable. If a lot of people were saying the Koreans are no good, then it’s either they used to have a bad experience with it, or, people who just blindly support a brand and demonise the other makes.

      Next, a Sonata is poorly priced? Yeah right. It’s nothing but a joke. A Camry is considered pricey next to one, yet comes with less standard kit, a shorter warranty, as well as being saddled with ancient technology. Plus, i’ve tested one before. Feels like driving a barge, handles like one too, and the cockpit doesn’t justify the RM154k price. For 10k less, you can get a Sonata that looks much better, comes with extras you can’t find in a typically-price mid-sizer, and the driving experience, well, is much better than it looks. Good handling, sharp steering, decent ride. Need i say more?

      The same thing goes with the B-segment sedans where Vios goes against City, Latio, and the Accent. The Vios was nothing short of overpriced, and the quality of the car, was, the least to say, nasty. And, the Vios is not much of a good driving tool either, besides looking pig-ugly. It may sell well in droves, but to those who bought a different car, deep down in our minds, acknowledge the Vios as a terrible car from many angles where it is bought because of the badge and the after-sales.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jul 29, 2010 at 10:39 am

        I agree with many of your comments except the story about the Vios quality. Have u owned and maintained a Vios? I have. Ive had my Vios for 7 years and have had ZERO problems except for that front passenger seat belt which started last year. Most of my parts are still the original parts except for the brake pads and few other non essential items. The car has done almost 133K on the road. Not a single squeak in the car. Gives me excellent fuel economy and a smooth engine.

        So u might wanna rethink your statement on the Vios. I agree that its overpriced for the specs it has but in no way is the quality at a low standard.

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        • David on Jul 29, 2010 at 1:54 pm

          Well, my neighbour owns the previous generation Vios like you, and that car may have some nasty bits inside, drives like an appliance, and pricey, but she did mention it was reliable and fuel efficient. However, isn’t the Vios much lighter than its competitors? The new one is not only light, it’s no way comparable to the old one. it’s just full of nasty bits, especially the door handles, the limp audio buttons, even the air-cond controls feels like it’s come straight out of a toy factory. And the ride, especially on the J-spec model i tried from a friend was uncomfortable!!

          So, in conclusion, the verdict on the Vios, based on my opinion:-
          Pros-Fuel-efficient, Excellent after-sales service.
          Cons-Pretty much everything.

          Verdict: This car is more of an appliance than all-rounder, but buy one for fuel-efficiency and Toyota’s impeccable after-sales service. Rivals are catching up, however. Still Malaysia’s No.1 non-national model.

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  • RAZIBAR on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Hi guys

    the new hyundai sonata is clearly a looker when it was first introduced here in Saudi a few months back. There are quite a few on the road here .However, for some reasons, after a while, you get bored with it. I’m not sure why.

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    • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:34 am

      Indeed to me looks are subjective but it all boils down to enjoying the ride on a daily basis and giving hassle free performance. Is that the case in Saudi? Are they reliable and cheap to maintain?

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    • the looks is like spiky hair, trendy today, gone tomorrow.

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  • sexythang on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    mindset aside…..it is not wrong. but it cannot compete with the pinacle of the class. headed by accord euro and mazda 6. the other car closest to touching the top two is the suzuki kizashi. but the hyundai does look good even if copied from the merc.

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    • wolfsburg on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:20 am

      Suzuki Kizashi is a joke… They can’t sell more than 1k in US.

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  • Tommy on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    Its just me or actually the behind has the resemblance of the Jag?

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  • Vios User on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:42 pm

    April Car sales

    Camry 1240

    Accord 589

    I predict Sonata sales would be……. less than 50 for the first 6 months. Less than 20 fpr the following 6 months

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    • Lol, where you get this thinking? Toyota guy teach you?

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      • Vios User on Jun 26, 2010 at 4:39 pm

        Cool man it’s just a pediction. it’s just like I predicted New Zealand would draw all 3 matches and I won “3 cup of teh tarik” from my brother.

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    • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:36 am

      I am afraid your predictions might be close. Maybe 100 for first 6 then 40 onwards. Give chance man! :P

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      • that’s double di, but i think u are closer

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      • Vios User on Jun 26, 2010 at 4:48 pm

        I wish i can bet with you ! I say 50 and you say 100. But not possible because:

        1. We will never know the results sinve we can only get the data for the top 10 car models ranking each month from MAA. Hyundai will be AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST !

        2. Betting is illegal.

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:05 am

      Camry 1240

      Accord 589

      This shows that malaysia is becoming an old folks country.

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  • Maserati on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:22 am

    Just saw two Hyundai Matrix break down beside the road with asap coming out from engine bay just 3 weeks ago.

    Just reinforce my believe that Korean cars are nice to see when new,but not reliable in long run.Ppl wan reliable and efficient cars,thats all.No need all those fancy sunroof,6 speeders and all.In the end,no reliable oso no use.

    So goodluck in the sales,i doubt it will do well though.

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    • wolfsburg on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:18 am

      Please be fair to Hyundai.. Matrix was released 9 years ago and most of their technologies at tat time were provided by Mitsubishi… I think you are not updated by the newer Korean car or maybe you didn’t realise how fast they are improving. Or you are just the same as those Malaysian who always remember the SPectra and Matrix. Today is 2010 and Sonata was launched a year ago. And don’t tell me that Japanese never break down. New Vios also can be seen at the road shoulder.

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      • wolf, I second your opinion. Korean vehicles aren’t what they used to be. To be fair to all, we wouldn’t have bought T&H 20 years ago. Now we literally emptied our pockets to own a T&H and that brand has stuck in our heads through past generations & when we were growing up, but I recalled my older uncles swore never to buy a Japanese car back then!

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        • i also saw many vios breaking down….and even more tailgating others and always accident in federal highway causing massive jam.

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          • cybermaster98 on Jul 01, 2010 at 9:24 am

            king says:
            27/6/2010 at 2:42 pm
            i also saw many vios breaking down….and even more tailgating others and always accident in federal highway causing massive jam.
            __________________________________________________________
            What has the accident rate gotta do with the car itself? Tailgating and getting into accidents has nothing to do with the BRAND of the car. It can and has happened to other makes as well. Try to provide valid comments la. Dont bring up silly points and make immature comparisons.

            U saw many Vios breaking down? HAHA. Very nice subjective statement. Give facts la bro. Dont just resort to blind bashing and talking nonsense. If i were to dare u to snap a photo of each breakdown u come across for the next 12 months u will LOSE for sure and u know it. try not to lie on the forum ok? I drive alot more than you and yet in my last 7 yrs ive seen about 3 breakdowns involving Vios. Ive seen quite a few accidents too but then again when u have more cars of the same make on the road the chances of accidents involving them increases.

            Cheers!

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          • cybermaster98 on Jul 02, 2010 at 10:50 am

            king says:
            1/7/2010 at 9:00 pm
            mr. cyber,

            don’t tell me you haven’t seen even 1 vios breaking down before? you must really come from kampung man. i really doubt you travel around alot.
            ___________________________________________________________
            cybermaster98 says:
            1/7/2010 at 9:24 am
            I drive alot more than you and yet in my last 7 yrs ive seen about 3 breakdowns involving Vios
            __________________________________________________________

            U cant understand English or u cant read? Isnt it embarassing to say something which is not true? HAHA

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        • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 4:09 pm

          A330 says:
          26/6/2010 at 1:38 pm
          wolf, I second your opinion. Korean vehicles aren’t what they used to be
          _____________________________________________________________
          First of all, congratulations on your Tuscon. Secondly, how would you know that Korean vehicles arent what they used to be? U are comparing your current ride to your 10 yr old Perdana which is considered by many to be among the crappiest of all the Proton models (the worst being the Juara of course). So if u wanna compare your Tuscon with your Perdana im sure it will feel like a Porsche. I always say that when comparing cars u always need to know your benchmarks. A Waja will feel like a BMW if u compare it with a kancil for instance.

          All cars feel great the first couple fo years but problems usually crop up after the 3rd yr onwards. Have u tried driving a Camry, Accord, Civic, Altis, CRV? Im sure u will encounter an equal or better experience. But the beauty in the Japs is the after sales service and customer service standards. This u will only experience once your warranty is over. Till then i hope u have a great many years of comfort and enjoyment in your current ride.

          Again, as ive said many times, the Koreans have improved alot in the past 2 yrs. But its the local dealerships and service centres whcich are killing off the Korean competition.

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          • Cyber
            I am not going to start a debate here. You have your valid points and I do not disagree with ALL your comments.
            However, let me point out, I have nothing against my PerdanaV6, a car which served me well for 10 years. In fact, EVERYTHING was functioning till it’s 10th year when I no longer had the keys to it. Even the power windows & lights worked as it should. Gear box = problem free for 10 years. I am very happy for what I paid RM101k back in 2000.
            Fast forward to 2010. Assume inflation = 4% PA. after 10 years RM101k would be MORE than RM136k.
            So it’s quite a “fair” comparison.
            And mind you I’ve test drove Camry, Mazda 6, Civic, Altis and CRV. I think the Tucson holds very well compared to CRV and it has better handling compared to CRV. Please do not compare Tucson to Camry because it is entirely different market.

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          • Cyber
            Actually I was fortunate because the PerdanaV6 that I bought back in 2000 had mostly Japanese parts and I’d like to say that NOTHING ever broke down even after 10 years. The power windows and everything else worked as it should after 10 years. I had a good Perdana, and please do not say that the Perdana I had was a “crappy” Proton. It was one GREAT Proton which NEVER broke down on me; not ONE time, EVER.
            I think it’s a fair comparison IMHO; as I am comparing the cars that I owned. I am not saying the ix35 is “perfect”; no car ever is. Yes, it could be “cheaper” but then again, we are at the mercy of our G and distributor when it comes to the final pricing…

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          • mr. cyber,

            don’t tell me you haven’t seen even 1 vios breaking down before? you must really come from kampung man. i really doubt you travel around alot.

            wat for i want to lie? i can easily snap many shots of broken down dugongs within 1 year. but then you will say all sorts of rubbish like , prove the car really broke down, state the problem etc…

            but wat for …if i feel like doing it i will do…..you do not pay me salary and i do not need to listen to your command.

            you are a real clown man, you mean to say anything that people comment here need to back up wif photos? please lar…this is a forum and not a police station la…lol

            also this is a hyundai sonata topic but people like you always like to twist and corrupt it into a toyota topic just like you always do with many other topics….go back to the proper thread la…. the thing is u know nobody reads about the boring dugong topic anymore then you come here and make a big hoo haa and become a real nuisance.

            use your brains and think if someone come here to check out info on the new sonata but all they read about is rubbish comments from ppl like you praising toyota dugongs how would they feel? is it relevant?

            if you wanted to read about new toyota camry launch but when u enter the topic everyone talking about how good is mercedes after sales service ….would you like that?

            cheers

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          • not too long ago there was a sickening feller by the name of julianlee or something like that ( do you need photos to prove that? ) came into almost every topic and comment only ” BMW better! ”

            you really are just a long winded version of that person except that talk alot more rubbish praising toyota and wasting ppl’s time reading.

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    • Another Korean car basher.

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    • this reminded me of the T advert years ago,

      Two guys saw a beautiful lady beside a T car in smoke from engine, the driver drive on without stopping to help, passenger man ask why did not stop, driver reply “it is a scam, have you seen a T car breakdown.

      WELL, THIS ADVERT BACKFIRE THE T BRAND WITH EXISTING OWNERS.

      he he ha ha

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:10 am

      Well, have you tested out the car yourself besides seeing 2 matrix breakdown. I’ve seen lots of matrix on the road still running well. Have heard of recent news about T & H recalling back their cars globally?

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  • The pricing is out finally, long waited & dissapointed. Getting camry instead. Personally think that the price is on the high side….

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    • David on Jun 26, 2010 at 2:10 am

      my friend, if you think the price of this car is on the high side, why not compare every single bit, spec to spec, to see the vast difference? Honestly, i’ve tested a Camry and wasn’t impressed with the current one. Drives like a barge, handles like a cow, and, worst of all, it’s not even worth the 144-174k people pay for it. On the other hand, look at the Sonata. More stuff, great to drive, good price advantage, and even more, it feels special as it doesn’t look like any ordinary family sedan. So, before you decide to just go for the plainly over-rated Camry, try both of them back to back.

      I know what i’m talking about, because i drive a Hyundai Accent, and it’s actually way better than it’s competitors. Servicing is quite cheap too, and the aftersales experience, although not really of a match to Toyota, is definitely improving bit by bit.

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      • Aftersales.. what about resales. bet you’ll have a hard time dumping this girlfriend ^^

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        • someone on Jul 02, 2010 at 5:04 am

          you should buy a house instead of car.

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          • David on Jul 03, 2010 at 3:03 pm

            someone,
            Yeap, agree with you. If people are so worried about resales, they should buy a house, not a car. Resale value is the last thing on my mind ’cause i’ll be keeping my Accent for a long time. In short, those who keep on telling me that the resales value of Japanese cars are better than others should really shut their mouths up, for a very simple reason. They don’t know much shi* about cars, and just immediately praise Toyota and Honda whenever a new model comes out.

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          • Who says resale value does not matters? Do you want to fork out money when you sell / trade your car just because the resale value is much lower than your remaining loan amount?

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  • Yong Tofu on Jun 26, 2010 at 2:29 am

    >100k for a melted-H ??

    they must be bonkers!

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  • toyotaguy on Jun 26, 2010 at 3:27 am

    lolx now hyundai oso want copy proton.. after proton wat r3 100k+++

    now a hyundai cost 100k++?

    ppl wt this budget is executive better buy smtg with profesinal look name like camry or bmw

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:16 am

      Have you personally go to look at the car? Have you test drive the car? Please don’t compare Proton with Hyundai. Proton 25 years of making car, no improvement. Hyundai, less than 20 years, huge improvement. FYI, please do some research on Europe and US market about Hyundai before making any comment here. I don’t see proton selling great in Europe and US, so,please don’t say both of them the same and also please don’t say hyundai copy proton, there is no such thing of hyundai copy proton.
      Please be more open minded, go to have a look at the car first then only you say something about it.

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  • Mazda 6 sexiest and head turner.

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    • Agree Madza 6 is the bomb!. sadly their SS sucks. u know how berjaya works.. very chincai one!

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  • I think the Japs are in serious problem….it’s not a question of if, but when.

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  • Front looks like Merc & grille like Honda City

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  • coffeeman on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Kia Forte 2.0 = RM 94,000 (much better spec)
    honda civic 2.0 = RM131000 (high spec)

    94000/131000=0.71755

    So sonata price for 2.0 high spec should be :
    0.71755 x 155000 (camy & accord high spec) = RM111221

    And Sime Darby is selling at RM143888 (oh my god!!!!!)

    Sime Darby, you are totally insane to ask for that price. You think the consumer are stupid.
    May be one day we hope Naza will start to sell the new Kia K5 (sister car of Sonata) at RM111221.

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    • yup, agree with coffeeman, Hyundai should lower the car price by 6%-8% to attract potential buyers…

      2.0 Standard – RM135,888 – less 6%
      2.0 High Spec – RM143,888 – less 7%
      2.4 High Spec – RM163,888 – less 8%

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    • vbkcheng on Jun 27, 2010 at 2:36 pm

      Ha.. I agreed with this formula… Naza do a better job than SDM…

      Price it 70% of what Honda strong at… the stronger model of Segment C.

      That why we feel taht with Great spec, Sonata shall price max at RM128K…

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  • New Hyundai Fan on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Usually Sedan model is selling cheaper than SUV model (e.g: Honda Accord 2.0 is selling at 10K cheaper than Honda CRV). Wonder why this new Sonata 2.0 is selling more expensive than Tucson which has the same cc of engine. I was expecting the price of Sonata 2.0 to be 120-125K but it turned out to be more expensive. Very disappointed with Hyundai Sime Darby for not considering thoroughly the resale value of Hyundai cars & its competiveness with T&H. If Hyundai really wants to sell more, the prices of new Sonata should be 20K cheaper than Accord & Camry so that even the potential C segment car buyers will consider buying it as it will be only a few thousands more expensive than Civc 1.8, Altis & Sylphy & don’t mind paying a bit more to get a D segment car. If the prices were set as what I expected, I believe the new Sonata will be selling like a hot cake like the City & Vios. Hyundai Sime Darby has to understand the business strategy: profit less but can sell more. When can sell more, the brand name will be elevated & so does the resale value. Then, the next generation model can sell at about the same prices as Camry & Accord. I owned a City before & is currently owing Sylphy. Was looking forward to buy this new Sonata 2.0 but the price has scared me away. Better wait for the new Avante 2010 which looks better than Sonata(more fluidic/curvy) though is smaller as the price will meet my expectation even if it is priced the same as Civic.

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    • squawk on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:43 pm

      Reminds me of another GLC’s pricing strategy – Putra LRT. When they first started, fares were so expensive (apparently to cover high investment cost) that I can actually take 2-3 seat places and lounge all the way to and from Central Market (further stations not completed yet). Not surprising when they announced later they had huge operating losses, if you saw how deserted the stations and trains were.

      Then when they cut the fares significantly, the trains became sardine cans every day. And now they have to add 4-car trains. They may be making less per passenger now but they have more than enough passengers to cover running costs.

      But this is also when I stopped taking the LRT and started driving cuz they didn’t prepare enough parking spaces or improved the feeder bus service to cater for the crowd.

      If HSDM wants to sustain this business, they might want to reconsider their pricing strategy, especially at the >RM100k where people have a sensitive threshold. Remember, we’re not talking about a RM1k handphone here. People don’t need 5, 7 or 9 year loans to buy a handphone.

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  • BlackJKX on Jun 26, 2010 at 11:39 am

    Hyundai, why not make frameless door and add air scope at hood?
    Yes, sime darby want to cover their lately lossssst

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    • Wah!!! I see you guys over here some are pros and some teaser.

      If you guys know how to convert the topic to mpg/co2 then is much better. Save our Earth please. Use hybrid car at least! One full fuel tank in town alone can travel up to at least 1,500 KM!

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  • Nabill on Jun 26, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Da brand stil sells on price rather than anyying else….. I tink its too early for thm to sell their cars close to established brands…

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  • Malaysian car protection policy (NAP) is sucks big time!

    Due to this, foreign car importers have to increase the default global price of their car models to compensate the tax and duty hike set by the government. This explains the absurd price of the CBU.

    But it doesn’t stop there, once these desperate car importers wanted to increase theirs sales by lowering their car price, they’ll have no choice but to go for CKD. Apart being screwed by our very own local car middleman, consumers will have to deal with poor quality in the local parts assembler. Their rebadge name are also nonsense, something that you’ll get from “pertandingan bagi nama burung peringkat sekolah rendah”.

    By the end of the day, either its CBU or CKD, the car actual market price of the car has been hiked up from 40% to 200%. Making it as the second (if not first) most expensive investment Malaysians ever made.

    All of these nonsensical cost will be passed down to the rakyat (consumer) directly! Car maker happy (make more money than they should), middleman (much more happier as they don’t actually have to build a car, just rebadge the name) and government way happier!

    The ones left in shacky position are the rakyat themselves. Told to “ubah gaya hidup naik besikal” and been told that Malaysia will go bankrupt in 2019. Yeah right my foot!

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    • Sonyman on Jun 26, 2010 at 3:07 pm

      hi SYOH,

      We all have been discussing about this a long long time. So whats the solution to this kind of situation., we all must agree as a normal malaysian we cant do much but bla bla here and there about it, we cannot deny our car prices are never attractive, we also cannot deny Tan chong, UMW , honda, and so on and so forth are sucking every hard earn sweat money from us. All these are facts and it is happening. You cannot say it is a dream, wake up tomorrow and it will change. It will never change. it will be like this as far as we all will be around. If you are one of those business man, you will think differently. You will try your best to think how much more you can squeeze from Malaysians pocket money. In fact most business organization prefer, zero cost maximum profit, but thats how they be who they are today.

      So whats the solution for this kind of situation, not getting the things you want?
      1) be a very rich man,. Rob, steal, swindle, anything, but be rich… This will solve many of your current problems
      2)learn the art to make money. then you will never be bothered about cars like these. Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan… these are the mass market car. when you are rich you think of., Merc for normal daily drive. Then Porsche for weekend day drive, Lamborghini for Night time saturday clubbing drive, RR Phantom, when you visit your parents during balik kampung.

      Of course, those are crap talk, but there are people like these in malaysia, we just dont see them around, When you are rich, you will see many people like these, because your level is like this,

      Ultimately reality is
      not bothered about car prices, oil prices, We buy car because we like and love it. Always listen to your heart. Always ask your feeling. if you test drive that car, tears come out, you feel happy, and urge to get it, yes thats the car for you.
      Why do you care about your neighbour and friends and family say, why you buy hyundai… mistake lah.. each person has different requirements, you know what i mean.

      So lets all buy the car we love and like. …

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      • totally agree with you..
        that’s why I buy Mazda3 when all the people around me say ..why don’t buy Civic, Forte, Altis, resale value, bla..bla..bla..

        you make your choice.. it’s your money!

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  • SDH marketing go back to Marketing 101 class before deciding the awkward that so close to the market leaders. It’s not unusual for less dominance brand to offer more goodies than the market leader(s).

    If SDH really serious they just priced it little above Civic 1.8 at maximum for entry level 2.0i RM119,999.99. The price not implying the Korean is lesser than the Japanese but the VALUE customer going to benefit. After all, the price should be lower than the SUV Tucson/iX35 for at least RM10,000 margin OR SDH will have fewer buyers for their cars.

    Perhaps, “overwhelming” response for Tucson made SDH confused and myopic? Seemingly, little hard to rule it out.

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 27, 2010 at 2:50 am

      obviously comparing the wrong segment to the wrong segment… wonder who should go back to class….

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      • Da ya aware that it’s Malaysia? Are saying that A-segment Mercedes-Benz should be compared to Picanto/Myvi? We based on the country of origin effect on pricing. You should attend the marketing 101 with SDH executives. Is it Forte C segment compared to Vios or Altis pricing? Though Forte C-segment but you can’t fathom its price to the likes of Civic/Sylphy/ALtis since different country of origin effect otherwise BMW should price C-segment 3-series around Civic.

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        • someone on Jul 02, 2010 at 5:14 am

          we compare same class and same segment. Don’t use premium car as an example please. for example, you compare lancer with civic and also elantra, because they are in the same class and same segment. So, basically, you can’t compare civic with sonata, because its different segment and different class. some more you are comparing a1.8 civic with 2.0 sonata, its totally different. If you really want to compare, please compare sonata with accord and camry, they are in the same class and same segment.
          If u really still want to argue bout this, can, please go look at the car and test drive the car before you put any comment here.

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  • Dreamgate on Jun 26, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    Hi guys, for those who had seen the actual car, what color do you think look best for the exterior? Thanks..

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    • tamaki on Jun 26, 2010 at 4:54 pm

      white=overwhelming / black=sporty / silver=elegance

      white is the best for me

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    • MangO on Jun 26, 2010 at 9:41 pm

      White is really gorgeous. Besides that I felt Silver was second best. Car is curvy so silver seemed to make it look curvier :).

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  • Sime darby hyundai better go sleep on Jun 26, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Just been to Glenmarie showroom & they denied entry for all customers until 2pm. Whereby customers had been entering the launching room since yesterday & the day before

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    • Rhys Millen on Jun 27, 2010 at 2:52 am

      If the time says 2pm – 7pm … why you complain when you are there early and they have not opened their doors yet …

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  • Guys,

    I was there during the media launch bcos I placed my booking as early as Feb 2010:-

    My comments after test driving the car:-

    1) Engine not responsive ( I tested the 2.0 ). can’t feel the 164hp.
    2) Engine sound was loud
    3) Interior looks very plastic
    4) Sun/Moon roof curtain looks too cheap. Only one thin layer.
    5) car pulling to one side ( maybe alignment not done )

    Overall, I did not get a good feeling about the car. Thinking of getting a refund and the price is also not cheap. Just want to know if anyone else had the same experience.

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:31 am

      well, what car are you currently driving? I tested out the car, I feel good about it, power not as expected, but enough for the car, handling is the best. Engine sound ok for me. I never feel the car pulling to one side…

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    • beemerlover on Jun 27, 2010 at 7:37 am

      Mohd.: Maybe the car engine belum run in…as its a new car from Korea.
      interior looks plasticky? 135k-163k with lots of goodies they might sacrifice upholstery lor

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    • MangO on Jun 27, 2010 at 1:27 pm

      Correct. What car are you driving?

      Also what car are you comparing against? Camry 2.0, Accord 2.0, Mazda 6 2.0? Others? Interior plasticky compared to which car?

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  • Jumbsuck on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    Hyundai Sime Darby also can use Naza Kia trick, rebadge it as Inokom Sonata with the only CKD part is the Inokom badge but the rest is CBU unit so the starting price is lowered to RM125k. But still higher than RM102k Perdana hmmm. Maybe bare bone Sonata with single airbag, no Abs, drum rear brakes, unpainted bumpers just like Proton then it is RM102k Inokom Sonata Bolehland Special Edition.

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  • Mazda 3 MPS on Jun 26, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    pay another rm 20k and u can get a alfa romeo 159

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    • interesting…ppl here whacking sd as it is for putting the price way too close to hoda/toyoda…still want to suggest them spill out +20K??? lol. we need another forum to whack alfa distributor for selling it too expensive, ppl like me cant afford it..sighhh.

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  • no such luck…. Alfa romeo GT cost 195,888 not 159,888

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  • I have just came back from Sonata, Tucson and Pug 3008 (the showroon of peugeot just one block away from Hyundai only in Glenmaris) test drive today.

    My overall comment is Sonata and Tucson is not as solid as Pug3008.

    Sonata exterior and interior look greater than Pug 3008, but the test drive experience on the same road condition and corner in Glenmarie, I feel Pug3008 is more stable and comfortanle as compare to Sonata which is a bit hard and feel bumby.

    Due to this, i have decided not to commit my booking to Sonata and now I have to do more study and research.

    My humber advice to SimeDarby – 1. The Test Drive car should come with rear aircond for test drive, coz this really give us a nagative perception before the entire testdrive journey. 2. The price should be lower down another 8~10% to make it feel more worth it (as we still have the perception of this is only Hyundai) and capture more market segment 3. Should include auto aircond and 6 airbags as standard accessories

    Overall, this is a very good Testdrive envent hosted by Hyunda.

    Last word to Peugeot (Nazim Car) – your sales rep seriously have a problem, they are not hunger for sales, most of them sitting there chit chating and starring at customer instead of proactively approaching the customer. Another problem is we can view one of the car interior because the person who is holding the key is already went off (what? went off?? at 6.15pm+??)

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    • someone on Jun 27, 2010 at 6:35 am

      I have the same experience with the sucks sale rep. in Nasim Glenmaris. It is like they are a bunch of millionaire doesn’t really care about selling more cars to get more commission. When you see staffs like that, you know that you can’t buy this car from them, once you buy, you’ll regret for life.

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      • squawk on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:11 pm

        Don’t know about you but for me I think it’s their confidence level. 90% of their sales reps I met cannot speak English. Only 1 of their reps walked up to me with a flyer although he was only good in conversing in BM but at least he walked over.

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    • Cikuta on Jun 27, 2010 at 7:17 pm

      This is the biggest problem of Naza. The after sale service is suck!!! And that’s why so many people still buying the ‘Dugong’ and H even many people said they’re overpriced. T and H have excellent after sale service.

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  • Proton is still sleeping! Hyundai come out so many up todate models, our Proton still facelift their models. I do not know how many times they like to facelift the car. If I am not mistaken even M.D of Honda Japan admited that Hyundai improve very fast.
    Hyundai Sonata selling price is around RM70k to RM85k in Korea. How much we pay for the tax and AP. Pity Malaysian! paying high price but unable to have higher grade hyundai sonata yf. nowsday car should have at least 6 to 10 airbags. I hope Malaysian should be more concerned about car safety features not always talk about the second hand value.
    Thirdly, I would like to say most of Malaysian still very conservative in their mind still T & H. actually T & H also facing a lot of quality problems. the features given by their cars also very low spec! If you compare with Mazda 6 CBU price almost same as CKD Honda Accord and CBU toyota Camry Thailand. Why? Because T & H MAH!

    Kindly refer to Peugeot 407, 308 & 3008 they are offering very good safety features.
    If we do not have “protected animal” not panda but proton we will enjoy a very good quality cars with very low price. Because of proton and stupid government policy make malaysian suffer!
    I still remember that was a time came out from newspaper during the time VW want to jv with proton. Proton annual production quantity only= to VW a week production.

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    • haha.. asal aku gelak2 baca komen ni pun aku tak tau.. so hillllarious!!

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  • blowwaterguy on Jun 27, 2010 at 1:58 am

    http://carmaxspeed.blogspot.com/2010/06/hyundai-sonata-yf-auto.html

    4th : 110.00Kmh / 68.32Mph @ 3500 RPM
    5th : 110.00Kmh / 68.32Mph @ 2520 RPM
    6th : 110.00Kmh / 68.32Mph @ 1940 RPM

    best with 6-speed auto….110km/h is under 2000RPM !!

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    • do u have the numbers for other car-makes for this? interested to know if sonata outperforms the rests in this area. think it would be a good indication of how far hyundai vs others performance wise.

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  • jeffcws on Jun 27, 2010 at 5:52 am

    i am in Australia, and they too lauching this car..its called i 45 here…..wanna know the price? u be suprised… google it out if u wanna know

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    • sime darby just as good as their australia counterpart. able to bring the car in to malaysia just as fast as in other country. kudos to sime darby fo the hard work!

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  • I hate current government on Jun 27, 2010 at 10:28 am

    Totally agree with you. 1000%. No doubt.

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  • kruzer on Jun 27, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    looks nice

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  • kruzer on Jun 27, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    looks nice, at least the design is fresh and bold

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  • Toyocar on Jun 27, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    i have seen some people commented Sonata should be priced lower than Tucson ix35, i initially thought so that Sonata should be same price with Tucson since the engine and gearbox are the same, but after checking out the Sonata in the showroom and the specs, found out that Sonata uses better materials than Tucson like soft touch dashboard, full leather, automatic panoramic roof, etc…

    you guys could go to the show room to check out Sonata and Tucson and compare the details…

    I am interested in the Sonata 2.0 high spec, the price difference is about 3K higher than Tucson only…

    I feel that the Sonata 2.4 could be on high price but the 2.0 is still worth to buy, comparing it to Camry 2.0… the nice dark interior of Sonata is also easier to take care than the uncle look beige interior Camry…

    Must really go and check out Sonata and Camry…

    Also the look wise I feel that Sonata is way more special and youth look than the Camry, feel that Camry is for Ah Pek after checking out Sonata…

    Really love the white Sonata with black top (panoramic roof), it looks very classy in the D segment cars among Camry, Accord, Mazda 6, etc…

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    • JustaBoy on Jun 28, 2010 at 4:26 pm

      Yes, I agree that the material used is higher grade. It really surprised me when I first held the steering wheel of the Sonata, leather wrapped similar to Accord 2.4. Truly amazing and luxurious to the feel of hands. Seats are full leather compared to semi leather on Tucson. However, do also note that the Sonata 2.4’s seats are made of high quality leather, different from the 2.0 ones. It is like those you find on luxury sofa set, definitely better than any of the Jap offerings.

      Interior wise, the buttons are generally of good quality and feel. I noticed that the buttons have several types. Those on the steering wheel and most of those on the centre console are very good and matches those on Accord. But, some, eg, the hazard light button are a little dissapointing (comparatively). Nonetheless, the buttons, I personally feel are better than those in Camry. However, the buttons for the power window are of another story. I feel, both Jap brands are better than Sonata.

      Disclaimer: The above are personal views/feelings/perceptions and not necessarily reflect the actual car itself. Please visit respective showrooms to experience the cars on your own.

      Thank you, and have a nice day.

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  • …because it’s Hyundai.

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  • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 9:46 am

    New Hyundai Fan says:
    26/6/2010 at 10:42 am

    I was expecting the price of Sonata 2.0 to be 120-125K. If the prices were set as what I expected, I believe the new Sonata will be selling like a hot cake like the City & Vios.
    ___________________________________________________________________
    Even if the price was at that range, it will not sell like the Vios & City. it will surely mean better sales but it will never sell anywhere close to the units sold for the Vios & City. Look at the Forte 2.0 for instance. Its selling at less that 94K. But how many do u see on the road? The fact is thats even with lower prices and better specs what Malaysians really want is better after sale service and better resale values. As long as the local distributers of the Korean makes continue to provide shoddy service, the Korean makes will NEVER be able to challenge the Japanese.

    Its actually a sad situation since the Korean cars in the past 2 yrs have really improved with much better specs and ride comfort.

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    • Errm, actually there are a lot of 1.6 Fortes running around. IINM the 2.0 isn’t really here yet so no deliveries have been done.

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    • Vincent on Jun 29, 2010 at 10:47 am

      Just give Forte another 1 year. I am very sure the number will close to Vios…

      Naza shall consider to add waranty to 3 years, 100K KM.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 3:11 pm

        Vincent says:
        29/6/2010 at 10:47 am
        Just give Forte another 1 year. I am very sure the number will close to Vios…
        _________________________________________________________________
        Please do give me your contact details. Ill give u a call in June 2011 and see if what u say has come true. HAHA

        Common man, Forte sells about 500+ units a month while the Vios sells 3000+ a month. Do u actually think in 12 mths time the Forte will be selling that many units? This is the same thing ppl said in the Forte forum last year. Wait and see bla bla bla…and yet now we’re at the mid way point of 2010 and the Forte overall sales for 2010 are only 18% of the Vios.

        Again, im not doubting that the Forte is a better car in comparison with the Vios (specs and looks wise) but its the brand image, after sales service and resale values which are killing it.

        So nobody in the right frame of mind will ever say that the Forte will match the Vios sales in 12 months time.

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        • Vincent on Jul 01, 2010 at 12:52 pm

          Bro… the only thing that never change is changing…

          THe reason I say 1 year is, After 1 year, if Forte do not have much issue… people will start to believe it is realible.

          And, B segment is for those younger, Uni leaver… they will prefer the sporty look of Forte …especially with bodykit on it.

          3000 unit a month is a big qty that no one can bit in 2010. By 2011, there will be more model coming…Moe people will share the cake…

          By that time, Vios is old model and I guest they can sell only 50%, 1500 unit a month.

          While for forte, they shall then reach 1500 from 500.

          This is my analysis…let see and we bookmark this topics till next year…heheh

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          • cybermaster98 on Jul 01, 2010 at 1:52 pm

            Vincent,

            You have your opinions and i will respect that. But here is mine.

            Most cars will NOT have any problems within the first year or two. So gauging reliability in the first 2 yrs is practically illogical. Most cars sell well in the first year as everybody wants to have the latest car and if they’re good then the sales continue. Malaysians are not the type who will wait if they feel the car is good enough. So if the Forte sales have not picked up after the initial 7 months, i doubt it will ever pick up unless discounts are given or the car facelifted.

            The Vios has always been selling well since it was launched in 2003. Their monthly sales have generally been in the region of 2.0-3.3K and its not gonna drop in the near future unless something drastic happens. Dont forget, the Vios is expected to launch its new model around 2012.

            U wont need to wait for 12 months to check the sales of the Forte. You can see it for June – Aug 2010 when the Sonata sales come in. Then when new models e.g Avante & Optima are launched later, that will eat into the Forte’s sales more than it will for the Jap brands. Physical looks wise they are much better and sportier. Plus its a general assumption that Hyundai cars are better than Kia in terms of quality and durability.

            So if the Avante & Optima is competitively priced against the Forte (which i expect they will) then Forte will be in trouble. The Sonata is dead man’s land already i think with that crap pricing. There will be the initial hype for about 2-3 weeks and then it will cool off.

            Cheers!

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  • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 10:13 am

    Ive shared alot about the difference between the standard of the after sale service of Toyota and other Korean makes in other threads. Let me share my latest experience with you. It my personal experience and im sure many of you may have faced different standards.

    My wife’s Kia shock absorbers were giving trouble. We took it to the Kia service centre and where they jacked up the car and checked here and there for 2 hours before realising the shock absorbers needed replacement. We were not prepared to spend RM 550 on each shock absorber since we’re planning to get rid of the car soon. But Kia still charged us about RM45 for labour charges. This is despite me knowing the outlet manager on a personal level. He even said that my wife is lucky that the shock absorbers lasted till 100K mileage. He said most Kia’s of her model will last only till about 80-90K. (my Vios has run approx 140K and yet the absorbers are in firm & good condition).

    Last Sat i my 7 yr Vios started having a slight scratching sound from the front disk brakes. So i called Toyota and they told me to bring in the car immediately. They said my brake pads were non original Toyota (which i had changed about a year ago at an outside workshop) and thus it creates a slight scratching sound as it gets worn. (i admit i never had this problem on Toyota original pads in the past) Anyway, they cleaned the pads and disk brakes and even gave my car a free wash and vacum. All this within 2 hours and with a nice cup of Milo and biscuits with Astro. When it came to collecting the car, i was surprised when they said NO CHARGE. I mean im not some Datuk driving a Camry or something. I went there dressed in my buruk short pants and my 7 yr old Vios. Yet their service standards were exemplery ( as usual). This is just 1 of many good experiences ive had with Toyota over the years at many service centres around west Malaysia not just at 1.

    This is something that cannot be measured by dollar & cents. This is the kind of service that keeps Toyota as the No 1 best seller worldwide. Even though their specs are inferior (and must improve) its the after sales service which keeps their loyal customers coming back for more.

    So u can have the Hyundai / Kia with superior specs and competitive pricing, but their sales will still be far lower than the Japs unless they improve on their after sales service maintenence and quality. The local distributers are killing the Korean makes and things will not change despite the better specs and lower prices.

    Just my 2 cents worth. Cheers!

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    • Vincent Choong on Jun 28, 2010 at 10:42 am

      Cybermaster: Sorry to say this but I think you don’t have much idea about cars. Do you know changing brake pads and changing absorbers involved different amount of work? Your absorbers lasted 100k km that means you are actually extending the use of your absorbers already, means you use it till it broke. Most absorbers lasted around 60-80k km if we want to have a tip top driving experience. Please don’t compare with Vios as the car only weighted 1050kg, Kia is heavier than a tin can Vios, of course they are more costly and heavier, thus resulted the absorbers have to work harded when you go through bumpy roads. You can always buy your absorbers at spare part shops that will cost much cheaper. My german absorbers cost far less than RM550. By the way, RM45 fo 2 hrs labor is consider cheap.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 3:49 pm

        Vincent Choong says:
        28/6/2010 at 10:42 am

        Please don’t compare with Vios as the car only weighted 1050kg, Kia is heavier than a tin can Vios, of course they are more costly and heavier, thus resulted the absorbers have to work harded when you go through bumpy roads
        ________________________________________________________________
        So ure trying to tell me that ALL Kia’s are heavier than a Vios? Even a Kia Picanto? Next time think before u talk. I know alot more about cars then you think i do. I wouldnt be comparing shock absorbers of a lorry with my Vios unless i was an idiot. The reason why i brought this up was because it was a PICANTO which i would expect the absorbers to last well beyond 100K with careful driving as well.

        While we’re at it, which other Toyota car do u personally know which has got its shock absorbers changed around 100K mileage? I know for a fact that shock absorbers are NOT one of the frequenly changed items at Toyota. In fact, this part isnt even kept in their stock. If u have to change them, it needs to be ordered well in advance.

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        • someone on Jun 29, 2010 at 1:56 am

          I think both of you is a little bit out topic. At first Cybermaster was trying to say that the after sales service is very important and talking about absorbers is just an example. I admit that kia service center which most of it run by naza sucks. Some of the authorized service center is better, but still because of naza, the price for the parts is really way way over. And thats why i said earlier, naza sucks big time. I don’t understand why those people know nothing about cars can get AP and provide such stupid and irresponsible service.
          Anyway, I believe after sime darby takes over hyundai, it’ll be better compare to last time, also I heard lots of positive news about their service center. I don’t know much about it, but I think I’ll give it a try for hyundai, hope that they don’t disappoint me like what naza did.

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        • Vincent Choong on Jun 29, 2010 at 11:48 am

          Kid, Sorry to tell you that you have to do more research first, yes, even a puny Kia Picanto weighed heavier than a Vios, Picanto 1350kg, did I surprised you? Heheheh
          You know more cars about me? Come on bro, I have tested more cars than you in my entire life, even cars like Hummer, Corvette, Mercedes E, C class, Lexus IS, GX, ES, GS, Acura RL, Saab, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, BMW 3, 5 series, Audi/VW, Mazda, Honda, Subaru STI etc… I think not less than 50 units.
          My family has owned Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Proton before, the absorbers is a wear and tear part and depends on how you use it, if your car carry more stuff and passengers most of the time, the lifespan shortened. How do you define when the absorbers kong? Wait till it leaks out the oil? Please do some research on manufacturers that make absorbers, such as Monroe, Bilstein, those are a good start for you to know more abt cars.. oh… did you put your new tires at the front as ‘told’ by mechanics? Please also check the facts.

          Why absorbers need to order in advance? I tot getting a Toyota never have to worry about spare parts? :)

          ————————————————————————————————————-
          So ure trying to tell me that ALL Kia’s are heavier than a Vios? Even a Kia Picanto? Next time think before u talk. I know alot more about cars then you think i do. I wouldnt be comparing shock absorbers of a lorry with my Vios unless i was an idiot. The reason why i brought this up was because it was a PICANTO which i would expect the absorbers to last well beyond 100K with careful driving as well.

          While we’re at it, which other Toyota car do u personally know which has got its shock absorbers changed around 100K mileage? I know for a fact that shock absorbers are NOT one of the frequenly changed items at Toyota. In fact, this part isnt even kept in their stock. If u have to change them, it needs to be ordered well in advance.

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          • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 4:23 pm

            Vincent Choong says:
            29/6/2010 at 11:48 am

            How do you define when the absorbers kong? Wait till it leaks out the oil? Please do some research on manufacturers that make absorbers, such as Monroe, Bilstein, those are a good start for you to know more abt cars
            ___________________________________________________________
            I know alot more about cars then u think i do. I wouldnt be commenting on cars if i didnt have knowledge in the first place. I say my absorbers are good because of these factors:

            1) Over bumps/deep dips in the road the car only bounces once (minimal bounce not excessive)
            2) In emergency braking the car doesnt rock back & forth after coming to a full stop
            3) During hard braking, the car doesnt sway from left to right. It remains straight and has an alligned stop.
            4) The car does not nose dive under emergency braking
            5) The car is stable at high speeds (120-130kmph) on the highway even on sharp bends

            All this happens even with a full load of 3 adults sitting at the back. But im sure you didnt know this which is why ure asking me in a indirect way. HAHA

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    • Vincent on Jun 28, 2010 at 1:23 pm

      Bro..RM45 for 2 hour labour cost, fair mar..

      As for toyota, they got the volume, so afford to do it FOC for you…

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 28, 2010 at 3:40 pm

        Do u think Proton will do it for you FOC as well? They have volume as well rite?

        I have also had the Toyota Service centre at Jalan 222 stay open till 11.30pm on 1 occasion just to enable me to collect my 7 yr old Vios for an urgent meeting the next day. Is this also due to volume?

        Just compare the sales agents at Nasim & Naza with Toyota & Honda and then tell me if their laziness and tidak apa attitude is also due to volume.

        Common man. This has nothing to do with volume. This is purely CUSTOMER SERVICE which Kia & Hyundai lacks.

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        • Vincent on Jun 29, 2010 at 10:36 am

          In any business… gov pro company cannot be as benchmark…

          Proton got the protection from the G.. they will not and no need to do that…

          But to be fair to Proton, I do have excelent cust service from Eon.

          Last time, when I own Waja, the service adviser send me to work and drive my car to service, then return it to me during lunch time…

          As appreciation, I always tapau Nasi Kandar for him when I service my car…

          At that time, you can even get this kind of service from Toyota or Honda…

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    • Bro cybermaster98,

      Maybe bcoz Kia is under Naza which are known for its lousy SC (pug owner was complaining too), …since i had both marque and from my experience wt both SC…Hyundai Sime’s service centre overall are comparable to Honda.

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      • Vincent on Jun 29, 2010 at 10:40 am

        Oh.. Peugeot is improving..

        In my last 2 service experience… I rate them 4 over 5…

        And the Cust service deprtment do call me after the service to check the statisfaction…

        And may be.. It was due to they got no business… only service less than 10 car a day…heeh

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    • Truth is Truth on Jun 28, 2010 at 5:06 pm

      I remember my experience sending my father’s Toyota Camry for servicing to the Service Centre near Jaya, PJ. I think I can explain the Milo and Astro. It is because no one cared about your existence there. Somehow, you miraculously appear in front of their eyes only when your number is called. Otherwise, “Sir, your number will be called shortly. Please kindly wait at our lounge and enjoy our Milo and Astro. Thank you.” and you could swear you overheard a whisper of “Bugger!”.

      About the FOC servicing, I am sure it is because their SOP did not have the clause for service charge without consuming any spare parts. Otherwise, “May we have your kidney please, sir?”

      Also, I was told that Toyota does not give out warranty on the spare parts they they changed (after vehicle warranty period). Hecks! A Taiwanese spare part gives warranty 50kkm or 1 year at a price 60% of Original Part.

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 9:35 am

        Truth is Truth says:
        28/6/2010 at 5:06 pm

        Also, I was told that Toyota does not give out warranty on the spare parts they they changed (after vehicle warranty period).
        ________________________________________________________________
        Obviously u have not owned a Toyota which explains your lack of knowledge. ALL Toyota parts which are replaced at authorised SC are under WARRANTY. I dont know about the warranty period since i have not changed a single major part on my 7 yr old Vios.

        I dont even believe that you even sent the Camry for service as anybody going to the SC in PJ will know that they DO NOT CALL NUMBERS. They call u by NAME and the advisor personally comes to the lounge to call you and take u to your car. Even upon completion of the service they escort you to your car (unless there’s really too many customers at that time). So if u prefer to lie to ‘prove’ a point then kindly do so with some logic.

        So i suggest you get your facts right before u comment. If u have real comments or complaints then feel free to raise it. But comments like ‘whisper of bugger’ does reflect on your maturity. U must be a salesman for a Korean make.

        Cheers!

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        • Truth is Truth on Jun 29, 2010 at 1:27 pm

          Yes, I do not own a Toyota, remember? I said my father’s Toyota. Now, can one trust the words of someone who suffers short term memory lost? Hmm..

          And, I did say that I heard that Toyota does not give out warranty for their spare parts. If someone knows for sure that they do give, then just correct it for everyone’s benefit, instead of “Fire in the hole!!”. Well, as quoted by yourself, reflects you maturity.

          I don’t understand why you are saying that I lied. I am merely telling my experience. Last time, my family was not too well off. We were driving local cars. Toyota was our big buy then. I was arguing with my father that more expensive car brands give better services. My father proved me wrong by sending me for routine inspection then. I was treated like mass market. They even took about 45mins to check my car in even though there were only about 5 people then.

          My facts are from my experience. The whisper I mentioned was a figure of speech to lighten the conversation. If you do not have the maturity to differentiate a joke, then please, don’t read my post. Maybe my posts are too advanced for you.

          If you should choose to call me a liar, I think I deserve to call you a liar too. Are you a salesman for Japanese automakers? Oops sorry.. You MUST be a salesman for Japanese automakers. LoL..

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          • Vincent Choong on Jun 29, 2010 at 5:09 pm

            Hahah.. I think the best car that cybermaster owned is a Toyota Vios, the best car in this world, ‘best selling’ for sure good!!. I used to think that Honda and Toyota are the great too, after I lived in oversea for close to 8 yrs, I get a chance to drive more cars. Not that Toyatas and Hondas are lousy cars, just that they are trying to rip off the local already-poor Malaysians by feeding them low spec cars. I pity ppl like cybermaster have to fork out 7 yrs for a cheapo Vios.. hahaha. Do you know there are people that actually went to the press and complained about the inferior Vios and Altis which they have purchased??

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    • Was this a Kia story of a Hyundai story ……

      Why write about Kia in a Hyundai new launch car, unless you do not know Kia/Naza is NOT Hyundai/Inokom.

      Well, some may say Hyundai owns Kia, but that is in Korea, NOT Malaysia !!!

      Please get your FACTS right.

      Thank you

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  • coffeeman on Jun 28, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Sime darby should review the selling price of the Sonata. By a mere diffenrence of RM8000-11000, people will still buy Camy or Accord which have a much better 2nd hand value.
    They have to follow Naza Forte which is fully equipped and priced so much lower on the same C-segment.
    Otherwise, it will just become like Alfa romeo, range rover and Ford selling only handful of cars each year.
    Hyundai, you should consider to set up a local company to market your cars instead of giving the distributorship to SD. As you know, Malaysia is the largest passenger car market. in Asean.

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    • Vincent on Jun 29, 2010 at 10:43 am

      I think Hyundai Korean wish to do so, but it is just a dream in bolehland…

      G won’t allow them to come direct…AP will be the issue..

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  • JDM car on Jun 28, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    They should learn from Japan Honda/Toyota, how to create good dashboard. Korean car cockpit look ugly. Exterior look ok.

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    • someone on Jun 29, 2010 at 2:01 am

      this is very personal. and if you are just looking at the photo, I think you better go look at the real car urself before you putting any comment here. Photo is different, you can’t feel it.

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  • coffeeman on Jun 28, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    But I think the interior cockpit quality and design is much better than Accord hard plastic
    and camy beige colour design

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  • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Top 10 Vehicle Sales in Malaysia for May 2010 (overall sales for 2010 in brackets)

    Toyota Vios – 3356 (13,285)
    Honda City – 1714 (8440)
    Toyota Hilux – 1480 (7154)
    Nissan Livina – 1173 (5973)
    Toyota Camry – 1006 (5277)
    Honda Civic – 661 (3642)
    Honda Accord – 621 (3072)
    Toyota Avanza – 591 (2674)
    Kia Forte – 546 (2241)
    Honda CRV – 534 (1774)

    So despite all the hype about the Kia Forte when it was launched it has clearly proven otherwise. Many said this car would be the challenger for the Japanese but sadly its sales are far from that. Its a good car with good specs.

    The same fate awaits the Sonata. Because it is not the SPECS or the PHYSICAL LOOKS which sell here. It is the after sales service and resale value. This is what Malaysians want first and foremost. So u can have the best specs and looks but if your after sales service sucks then you still lose out big to the Japs.

    The Sonata wont even be able to challenge the current Camry what more when the new model is launched next year.

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    • Sonatafan on Jun 29, 2010 at 10:56 am

      This guy really can not forget the war with other forumers in the Paul Tan forte review, until now still want to bash the Forte.
      And now he is doing the same things again by starting to bash Sonata another Korea car.
      Let sit down and see him perform again.
      Enjoy….

      Old cybermaster had a fun, yiyayiya O, bash here, bash there, bash everywhere, Old cybermaster had a fun, yiyayiya O, bash forte, bash sonata, bash everywhere……………

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      • just ignore him….he like to bash everything and ask everyone to buy toyota only.

        remember that the world is changing all the time..the so called “mighty toyota” will fall one day just like how GM suffered.

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        • cybermaster98 on Jun 30, 2010 at 10:20 am

          Nope. I didnt ask everybody to buy Toyota. try not to misquote me.

          Im saying i WANT competition for Toyota so that they can bring down their prices & provide us with better cars and specs. Competition is always good and Toyota need a challenger. But they surely arent gonna get it from Korean makes in Malaysia unless the local dealerships change.

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    • Vincent Choong on Jun 29, 2010 at 11:51 am

      BN won the election for the past 50 yrs, does it mean they are good, cuz there are so many ‘supporters’ out there? :)

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 30, 2010 at 10:18 am

        Did ppl pay 100K to join BN or buy BN products? They voted at no monetary cost to them. If u wanna compare use logical comparisons please.

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    • New Hyundai Fan on Jun 29, 2010 at 1:04 pm

      I agree with your comment. Even Ford Mondeo which is popular in Europe also cannot sell well here..

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    • john doe on Jun 29, 2010 at 2:01 pm

      the only country with these kind of sales….cauz the only country wher ppl live under a n ut….and know nuts about world car market….Honda already lost out in world car sales to the Koreans and Toyota already lost their place in customer survey, next to go is their sales…but no effect on Malaysia since the ppl wil nevr start using their brains….Check out the car sales here in Singapore and you will know how developed country ppl uses their brain n money….

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      • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 3:00 pm

        Why bother comparing with Singapore alone? Lets compare with the rest of the world!

        World Sales According To Manufacturer 2009:

        1) Toyota – 6.45 mil
        2) Volkswagen – 6.29 mil
        3) GM – 6.2 mil
        4) Ford – 4.81 mil
        5) Nissan – 3.23mil
        6) PSA – 3.19 mil
        7) Hyundai – 3.05mil

        Toyota recorded a drop of 28% in sales for 2009 due to the quality issues in America. But so far in 2010, Toyota is poised for a return to their normal historical sale figures based on current sales for the 1st half of the year.

        Hyundai on the other hand only recorded an increase of 10% since 2008. Hyundai is not even 50% of Toyota’s sales. Kia is not even on the Top 10 list. So u mean to say 6.45mil ppl are wrong about Toyota? HAHA

        But then again, sale figues are not the only measure of a vehicle. Ill stand by what ive said before that the recent Korean makes are quite good in terms of specs and looks. But the local dealerships are killing them.

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        • Vincent Choong on Jun 29, 2010 at 5:11 pm

          GM used to be at the top, does it mean they are good? Hahahah, step out from the coconut shell PLEEEZE

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  • After test drove the Sonata, I was very much into buying this car. Technical evaluation being cleared, I am going into a commercial evaluation to obtain final approval from my home finance minister.

    People may hate comparison with Singapore. However, I find that this is a transparent market that everybody stands at Par for fair comparison in terms of taxation etc as all cars in SIN are CBUs.

    In SIN:
    i45 (Sonata): S$ 96,999 (2.0)
    Camry: S$ 125,888 (2.0)
    DIFF: S$ 28,889-
    * 2.0 are basically a low spec in SIN

    In MAS:
    Sonata 2.0 Standard: RM 135,888-
    Camry E: RM 144,990-
    DIFF: RM9,102- (=S$ 4,000)

    Meaning that I am buying a very expensive Sonata in Malaysia….My home minister will not approve….!!!

    Is the difference mainly contributed by CBU/CKD taxation diff? Is our Camry CBU from Tomyum? or CKD in Malaysia?

    I think Sime Darby is doing a good job promoting the cars…wonderful set up in Glemarie Show Room, nice service centre, friendly staffs and even MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby was there monitoring the preview etc and I was lucky to have a short talk with the very knowledgeable gentlemen.

    I am very much into the SONATA, can anybody help providing some tots on how to justify this situation? or no way to justify as TAX rules the game??

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    • Vincent Choong on Jun 29, 2010 at 11:50 am

      Have you compare what SG dealer is offering to the Singaporeans?

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      • Did not really go into it but comparison over lower spec category which does not have much difference comparing what we have in MAS and SIN.

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    • correct me if i am wrong, but i think camry is CBU from thailand which is taxed lesser than a CBU car from Korea…..a non asean country by about 30%.

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      • Yah…Tax rules the game i think..meaning we will need to pay extra money for a Sonata in Malaysia…But overall still cheaper than Camry ya..!!

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  • John Labu on Jun 29, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Now driving this car LPG version. This car handling not so good. Cannot make good cornering during 160km/h compare to when I drove the Samsung SM5 (Nissan Tenna).
    Maximum speed 180km/h at Korea Highway. No so bad for LPG. Others, interior very nice for me. Will continue using this car for a month.
    By the no high demand ordering at Korea now compare with Kia K5 which styling more better than Sonata Y20.

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  • cybermaster98 on Jun 29, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    john doe says:
    29/6/2010 at 2:01 pm

    Check out the car sales here in Singapore and you will know how developed country ppl uses their brain n money….
    _________________________________________________________________

    Why keep comparing with Singapore? Cant u understand the difference? Who runs the dealerships for the Korean makes in Singapore? Is it Naza?

    The local dealerships in Singapore are mostly run by the car manufacturers themselves who care about the product and customer service standards just as much as the Japanese care about theirs.

    If i was in Singapore, i wouldnt mind choosing a Korean make if its cheaper because i know i would still get the same examplary service standards as the Japs.

    How many times do you need to be told that the reason why Malaysians are staying away from the other makes are because of the LOCAL DEALERSHIPS???

    Get that thru yer head first before u attack the rest of Malaysia. If someone gives me another brand which is as good as the Japs but cheaper, gives me good after sales service, has low maintenance and reasonably good resale value, I would surely buy that! But thats not the case in Malaysia is it?

    So stop comparing with Singapore or any other country for that matter. Malaysia is a totally different scenario.

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    • sourgrapes on Aug 01, 2010 at 11:54 pm

      The way I see it, with nothing left to say about the specs and worldwide acceptance anymore, the T&H die-hards have 2 last strongholds in their defence against the Korean marques:-
      1. bad after sales service at and because of the local dealers, and
      2. poor resale value.

      1. When you say “…why Malaysians are staying away from the other makes are because of the LOCAL DEALERSHIPS???”. Did you base your general Malaysian impression on the RM45 labour charge on the Picanto? Errrr… I think that’s a Kia/Naza you’re referring to. Last I read, this was a forum on the Hyundai/Inokom brand and more specifically the Sonata.

      You are fully entitled to opine that you had a very good experience with Toyota SCs and will continue to support them, but this does not mean that local SCs for the Korean brands across the board are not giving good service. I have heard of testimonies of warranty claims done without charge and efficiently without any complain from the SC.

      2. Poor resale value is a consequence of demand and supply, and also to a large extent reliability and servicing costs. Once demand increases, reliability is improved and servicing costs are made known from the onset, general impressions will improve resulting in increasing resale values.

      As for reliability, do you know that Hyundai won Germany’s Autobild quality award 2010 in Germany? This was the result :-
      1. Hyundai 2.3
      2. Honda 2.4
      3. Audi 2.6
      =4. Mazda 2.6
      =4. Toyota 2.6
      6. Mitsubishi 2.6
      7. Suzuki 2.7
      8. BMW 2.7
      9. Mercedes-Benz 2.7
      10. Nissan 3.0

      As for customer satisfaction, AutoPacific surveyed 975 drivers of the all-new Sonata and had them rate their cars in 48 separate categories ranging from the basics of comfort and convenience, to performance and environmental friendliness. The Sonata’s top score surpasses anything AutoPacific has ever recorded in any product category, making its recognition necessary through the President’s Award.

      A 5-year warranty to my mind beats most other makes and gives a buyer and in some cases the second buyer peace of mind. Only time will tell whether the warranty of this nature is good enough to change mindsets and open minds to a rapidly changing world …

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  • Despite of the negative, i am willing to change my Camry for a Sonata to use for the next 5 years….

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    • Wow…I also like to have this strong commitment…!! Still struggling…!

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  • Vincent on Jun 30, 2010 at 9:43 am

    A lot of toyota owner just believe that Toyota is good, is the best, without putting their hand on others car.

    After test drive, even they feel others is better, they will then say: Emr, but then, in term of realibility, after sales service and resales value, toyota still better….

    UMW Malaysia ready done a very good job in brain wash Malaysian. They are ready good in selling car. Next one, think is Honda Boon Siew.

    Back in 2002, when Hyundai on Kah Bintang hand, Sonata, Elanta suddently become a hot car…too bad when it go to the time where the cake share by berjaya, the sales drop …

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  • I have not even laid eyes on this new Sonata….still not available in the north yet…hopefully i can see it on Fri

    already planned to renovate my front porch to accommodate this new beaut…:D

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    • Vincent on Jul 01, 2010 at 12:54 pm

      War keng, have you put down the RM1K refundable deposit to be 1st in north to havae the korea beuty? hahahah..

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  • I have put RM3K deposit for Tucson last month….to be transfered to sonata tomorrow….
    hehehe…

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    • Vincent on Jul 01, 2010 at 4:11 pm

      What clor ? 2.0 high spec ah?

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      • Just visited the showroom at 5pm…the car arrived there at 3pm

        Only silver and white was available for viewing….will test only on Saturday (long queue)….

        White is great, but after some considerations, i took Blue…2.0 Hi specs….

        The SA kept insisting that i take the 2.0 Hi specs instead of the 2.4 (at least 3 months’ wait)
        I think he is worried of losing more customers…he lost 5 Tucson customers due to late delivery….

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        • vbkcheng on Jul 01, 2010 at 11:49 pm

          Just now pasy by Jalan Burma and saw the white high spec Sonata in the show room…hopetomorrow can have time to test drive.

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  • Which Colour? on Jul 01, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I hereby humbly would like to seek opinion of all good Sirs and Madams here of which colour looks the best on this beauty, White or Silver?

    Thank you.

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    • Personally think white is the best……

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      • Which Colour? on Jul 01, 2010 at 5:46 pm

        Thank you very much.

        I personally think White looks better; more sporty and youthful. But every other member of my family prefers silver.

        I think it would be a good idea if we could have a poll to find out which is the favourite colour.

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  • silver is sooooo common and boring. white is better but need to wash regularly

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    • Yes Silver may be boring, but easiest to maintain. I didn’t wash my ix35 Tucson for almost 2 weeks and it looked pretty clean, much cleaner than my friend’s Mazda 8 whom he has to wash daily being White…. :)

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  • Vincent on Jul 02, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Managed to visit the show room. But no time to wait for test drive.

    Fall in love with the car.

    However, it is RM10K overprice as per my expectation.

    A lot of people in the showroom has the same feel back. No much people placing order yet…

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    • Vincent Choong on Jul 02, 2010 at 3:51 pm

      How you justify it is overpriced for 10k? If you want quality and nice interior, for sure you will have to pay the price. How about a 150k+ Toyota Camry 2.0G with a dinosaur gb? 150k+ worth every single penny? :)

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      • vbkcheng on Jul 03, 2010 at 10:15 am

        Oh, I say Rm10K over than my expected price..

        And for Camry, it is much much overpriced long long time ago… but then, they have “diehard” kind of supportor…

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  • Toyocar on Jul 03, 2010 at 12:28 am

    the white sonata with black top is so sporty looking….

    how come red is not popular in Malaysia ? saw the Sonata red in the advertisement, looks very beutiful…

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    • white is indeed sporty….trendy at this moment…but i choose blue
      look nice on brochure but had not seen one on display, had anyone seen?

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  • Which Colour? on Jul 04, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Red looks good in photos lar.. But in real life, judging from youtube videos, I don’t think it is as good looking lo.. Same goes with silver too.. looks good on the promo video, real life still ok, but scare over time, it will look very common. By the way, Silver is the safest choice lor…
    So far, I don’t think I have seen one in blue yet.
    Black, I feel, cannot bring out the car’s character.
    White looks sporty and younger. But not sure if it will maintain its ‘glow’ after 3years..
    I feel Hyundai should bring in “Hyper Metallic” or “Dark Gray”. I feel both these colours should look better than the current silver.

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  • I think the future trend looks like Hyper metallic which unfortunately does not feature on Hyundai new models….

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  • David on Jul 06, 2010 at 8:39 pm

    Finally got the chance to test the Sonata just now while waiting for my Hyundai dealer to give me the insurance certificate for my Accent. First impressions were definitely convincing, where the car still looks good despite looking even better in the brochures. However, i doubt that big chromed grille might appeal to everyone. Still, it’s by personal tastes.

    The same goes for the interior too, where it is stylish yet usable, the centre console i mean. However, i do like to mention that the plastic surrounding the gear shifter is rather cheap, and the centre arm rest that falls down flat on the seat feels cheap as well, and the Sonata’s human which is used to set the mode of ventilation in the car is not what you’d call exactly user friendly. Still, it’s one of the best interiors among all family saloons, making them feel dated.

    On the road, the ride is generally comfortable yet sporty enough when you need it, but i doubt that would be much of a big issue for most people. Steering is direct too, brakes are crisp, and it sounds like a library at 60km/h. I couldn’t get to higher speeds because i could only drive on roads round the Taman Sea area.

    Short test drive done, i truly feel that the Sonata is good enough the cannabalize the sales of the Accord as well as it’s main rival, the Camry in terms of driving dynamics, specifications, technology, as well as price. But they do have to improve their standards of their authorised service centres, such as the one in Jalan 222, PJ where they were not well organised and misplace my air filler cap and foot rest cover.

    Just my two cents. Cheers.

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  • last sunday i saw 1 test drive unit on the road…its very nice indeed…it looks a bit like merc cls…hehehe

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  • Which Colour? on Jul 06, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    Cool, i just found out that there are options available for this car.
    Nappa leather = RM3500
    2.4L Black Colour Nappa to Cream Colour Nappa = RM800
    18″ Chrome Rims = RM3000
    Really love the feel of Nappa. Hope more makers will introduce options to tailor our bland stock cars.

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  • cybermaster98 on Jul 07, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Eh i just found out the total amount i spent for all services (minor & major) and parts replacement for my 7 yr old Vios (132K mileage) is RM 7021. Is that good or otherwise? Just asking for your opinions. Cheers!

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    • Very expensive indeed….The service for my Camry past 6 yrs had never exceeded RM2K

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      • cybermaster98 on Jul 08, 2010 at 2:15 pm

        Huh? Never exceeded 2K?? Whats your current mileage?

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      • BlurBear on Jul 08, 2010 at 6:21 pm

        RM2K is a very small amount. Unless you mileage is less than 50K km, I find it quite hard to believe. I summarise it as below:-
        Engine Oil Change + Filter = RM150
        GearBox Oil Change = about RM150?
        Air Filter = about RM100?
        Car Battery = RM200
        Tyres = RM300+/pc (6 years is very much due)
        ———-above 50Kkm risks below (this is where things get interesting.. =p)———-
        Absorber Damper + Workmanship = about RM1500 (4sets)
        Suspension System (Arms + Bushings) = RM80 – RM200? /wheel
        Timing Belt + Workmanship = about RM500
        Brake Pads = RM100? /wheel
        Brake Oil = RM100?
        Spark Plug = RM150?
        Metallic Paint (Optional) = RM2000
        Other random misc stuff broken = RM???
        (Please forgive any omission)

        I find cybermaster98’s figures more realistic TBH.. Cheers.. =)

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        • BlurBear on Jul 08, 2010 at 6:25 pm

          My figures above are some very rough estimations only. Please don’t ask where to get them done at that price (DIY?) or cry “overpriced”.

          Have a nice day.. =)

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        • cybermaster98 on Jul 12, 2010 at 9:32 am

          Chan,

          Your car is 6yrs old and only 50,000km? That means its really underutilised. My car is 132,000 and its 7 yrs old now. If your car is 50000km that means you have only serviced it about 4 times (if u follow the mileage rather than duration). So if each service costs about RM400 (normal service for a Camry without any major part replacement) then your overall costs would be about RM2000. But once u include major service e.g ATF flushing, air con servicing, etc your costs would be considerably higher.

          Ive serviced mine about 17 times in the last 7 yrs. No major part change. Plus i use fully synthetic oil. I have done all the required major servicing. But havent replaced any shock absorbers or timing chain (not belt).

          So maybe you would like to provide more details about your servicing cuz something doesnt add up.

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  • why durinr the prelaunch on the 28th june mentioned yhat rear aircon for every car but now only available on 2.4l model??

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    • BlurBear on Jul 08, 2010 at 8:08 pm

      I have the brochure with me now and it says on the last page that air con rear duct is standard on every variant. Another is auto cruise is also standard across all variants, which I initially thought was only on 2.0L High Spec and 2.4L only.
      And by the way, any one here already booked this car? Which spec is the most worth ar?

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      • i think 2.0 Hi specs is worth it…but i cant justify paying extra RM20K for 2.4L with only a few extra gadgets throw-in

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  • i went to see the car in taiping branch 2 days ago, on the paper and infact mentioned by the paul tan’s text above that rear aircon vent is a standard for every car, but the car i saw here 2.0l do not have the rear vent and the dealer there told me it only availabe only on 2.4. does anyone notice this?

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    • Toyocar on Jul 09, 2010 at 9:44 am

      abu, when i saw the 2.0 std spec in Glenmarie, the SA told me the showroom does not have the rear air vent, but the actual one coming in will have it, they knew about it thus i saw them explained to other customers too about the rear air con vent…
      all the specs have it…

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      • thanks toyocar , really appreciate it . this is because i already book the car 2.0 high spec and white in colour and dont really care what other people said about the car, after all its about how do i feel about the car , really like it , thanks again

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        • the SA or dealer or every branch should o have enough knowledge about the car , until now they have not call me yet about the rear airvent though thay said they r going to find out about this matter.

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        • White Sonata on Jul 09, 2010 at 8:35 pm

          Wow, congrats!!!

          But I hate you!!!!

          Because you ordered the same combination as I did… humph!!

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  • Vezeroth on Jul 08, 2010 at 11:07 pm

    Test drove it, steering is light, car is comfortable.. drive is smooth and quiet but what i dont like is that they dont have the flappy paddle shifters… how could they forget to throw that in…. bloody sime should not sell cars…!

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    • BlurBear on Jul 09, 2010 at 1:03 am

      Totally agree. Paddle shifters would make it perfect.. =)

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    • Toyocar on Jul 09, 2010 at 9:46 am

      do the US specs have the padle shift ?

      i think maybe Hyundai SD thinks this car is still very family usage with comfort drive as priority, so the paddle shift becomes something just a bonus…

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  • Maniam on Aug 04, 2010 at 12:11 am

    Hey Paul, when will people in M’sia learn that its not worth paying 163,888 for the 2.4L, when the same thing is going for USD22,000 in the US. That only computes to RM72,600. The difference is RM91,288. Thats more than the value of the car in the US. WTF !!!

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  • yes… even my Iraqi friend laugh at our car price.

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  • Has anybody got their Sonata yet? I have booked one but looks like even the sales man doesn’t know when it will be delivered…sigh..

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    • Hai..today checked with Salesman again….what response I got is the same: Once I obtained info from HQ, I will inform you….Sime Darby, what is happening??

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  • MazdaAstina on Aug 18, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    Hi Paul & readers,

    After reading all and i mean ALL THE COMMENTS over a few days during my breaks, i notice no one knows what does the 5 years or 300K km warranty covers. Anyone got any idea what it covers?

    I called the customer service line at the back of the catalogue, the macha on the line blur sotong. He pass to his manager, he said he dun have any documentation on the warranty. His manager informed that warranty (300K KM or 5 years) ONLY available on on gearbox & engine. Not the whole car.

    From wat i got from the call ctr is this :

    1. Paint, air cond & battery – 1 year
    2. Gearbox & engine only – 3 years

    Paul or my fellow readers, anyone of you got the list of items that is covered under this 5 yrs / 300K KM warranty? Good to know right?

    I am currently deciding on the 2.4 Silver unit. Pending from home finance minister approval. Need to bring her to see the car before putting the downpayment.

    Awaiting any of your feedbacks on the warranty details.

    P/S : Paul, i have read your write up of the Sonata in Oman, when u going to do a write up for the Sonata test drive on Malaysian road? I’m sure everyone here will be eager to read that report especially myself.

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    • Alitstar on Sep 22, 2010 at 8:41 pm

      Mazda, you are right. No one knows what is the 5 year/300,000km crap warranty it is all about.

      Even the Hyundai guys and the Hyundai Club dont know. I concluded that its just a con job to con customers to sign up for the garbages they have, because even in the first initial service they were charging like RM 250.00.

      I’ve been driving Camry for tow years and serviced it 3 times. They have yet to chrage me a single sen…

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  • I booked mine even before the pre-launch at glenmarie, and I’m still waiting for my car. Some of you may question how is that possible but there was a demo unit in SD-glenmarie back in May, left hand drive, black. Fell in love on first sight and booked it. The car is good but the SD sucks!! What I know is that first batch is already at port since last wed- waiting for custom clearance. What SD no money to pay duties???

    This car has very high rating from everywhere it sells, and I trust it’s a good car but I would really want to see black&white on the warranty conditions. I just don’t trust the local dealer here. Make sure they state clearly what is cover and not. Advise all owner/potential buyers to do the same here.

    MazdaAstina: 5 years warranty is for engine & gearbox only. Rest unknown.

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    • MazdaAstina on Aug 21, 2010 at 1:39 pm

      Hi Bro,

      I heard that cars also at port but cannot register as got AP problems. Dun know how true it is. Will let you know when i got news.

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  • MazdaAstina on Aug 23, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Hi Guys,

    My dad just placed a booking for the 2.4L. Now on waiting list. At the shop he went to, they have a 2.0L Low Spec ready for registration. Anyone interested?

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  • MikeC on Sep 12, 2010 at 2:56 am

    As usual, despite great success in other countries, Hyundai remains a make that you have to be beware of. Not because the car is bad but because the local distributors are pretty hopeless. Difficult to get spare parts etc. No matter how good the car is, I wont buy this in Malaysia until the local distributor becomes more reliable like UMW or Honda…

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  • MikeC on Sep 12, 2010 at 3:00 am

    I always remember this:

    The Japanese sent a space probe to an asteroid and it came back with rock samples several years later.
    The Chinese sent a man to space
    The Koreans sent out a rocket with a satelite and it got lost in space. Never even reached orbit.

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  • Alitstar on Sep 22, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    I have seen Hyundai rolling out cars with designs superseding some of famous European brands. The new Mercedes E-Class in my eyes must be the ugliest car after Cherry. Yet it sells probably because of its reputation in safety, quality and track record. It seems the same building up in Hyundai. Hyundai is progressing well in the world and I am not saying just in Automotive, but also their core industry in engineering and ship building.

    Therefore I braved to shift my paradigm about Korean cars, not that I’m disappointed with my Kancil, Saga, Wira, Altis, Camry, Accord and MINI. I have also had an opportunity to drive various models of BMW during my tenure with a certain dealership.

    About two weeks ago, I test drove the Sonata, Tucson, Getz and i10. Having satisfied with the vehicles performance, I signed the RCO – for an i10. My wife was nudging me for the Tucson, but I had to later entertain her that we are stepping into an unknown territory, let’s check out what I consider a “disposable” first. While waiting for the delivery, I read some rave reviews of its fuel consumption on a UK site and was waiting in eager to check it out for real.
    THE i10 ALL NEW 1.25 KRAP-PA ENGINE
    To my surprise when I got it, the sound of the exhaust, loyalty of the gearbox and swift acceleration did remind me of my MINI Cooper. I love the gearbox keeping gears in lock; making driving at traffic jams a fun thing and allows engine breaking. But I am not at all impressed with its fuel consumption, getting only 340km with 28 liters of fuel, that’s an embarrassing 12km per liter; my Altis 1.6 can do the same or better. So what was it again the UK reviewer said about the 1.25 new generation Kappa engine?

    On other tests, above 120kph I can hardly control the car wondering left and right. Forget taking it to 150kph (which I did), one will have to stop at the fuel station every 300 km, or less. Overall, the car is good – for a City Car, of less 50k. And please get a spare rear windscreen wiper rubber. You need to use it more often than the front. Some smart-alec designs the rear spoiler to channel all the rain and dust onto the glass. Maybe the Hyundai club fans can tell us how much down-force they got from it in their wind tunnel testing.

    On my way back from Bangi, I exited to Cyberjaya to get to Puchong. There is a nice, curling turn off to the toll plaza. I heard a soft ‘tick’ noise and when I straightened to approach the toll, I noticed a two inch hairline crack on the front windscreen, just above the rear view mirror. The next afternoon the crack grew about six inch.
    I showed the crack to the technical personnel of the dealership but they claimed it was caused by a stone chip. Pointing to a speck of dot in-between the crack line. So how can I argue?

    I do know that the frame of the i10, like most other cars flexed while taking a turn. Windscreen frames and wheelhouse are the most rigid assembled components but they do flex at certain applied energy. Therefore windscreens are normally installed with several rubber buffers over a certain thickness of sealant. Thick sealant when fully cured restricts movement and sometimes cracks a windscreen, during hard turns or climbing steep humps. But my explanation was thrown out and they insisted that I’m hallucinating.

    I gave in and opted to have it replaced by was told that my 21 days old car is not insured for windscreen damage. What’s more, the entire car is not insured. The E-cover had no dates because the dealership has not paid the agent for the insurance, although I have paid everything to them. When challenged, the Branch Manager denied responsibility should my car is involved in an accident of any claims against them.

    SERVICE APPOINTMENT
    I decided to forgo the replacement until I get the insurance sorted. In the meantime, my car had reached 850 km and its due for the 1st service, in about 5 days (estimated). The dealership was full, so were others in the state. I was given an option to come on Saturday at about 7:30am and wait on a first come first serve basis.
    Now why would I want to ruin my Saturday to wait at a dealership for an oil change? Then I got a shock when I recalled the 5 years warranty.

    5 YEAR WARRANTY / 300,000 KM
    Meaning, I have to put up with these nonsense of appointments, weeks ahead and probably spend the whole day at the dealership. Factor in the part where if I were to claim anything on warranty, they I can be regarded as hallucinating for a free job?
    Therefore, will I have the patience for 5 years, to put up with these ‘nonsense’ to be entitled for a possible warranty on my car repairs? It occurred to me not. That in a year or two, I will not be able to resists the fast, immediate and prompt attention of Ah Chong Workshop. In which, will render my 5 years warranty as void. Since I’m not in any better situation now anyway, what the heck. So I said to their 5 Year Warranty / 300,000 KM – up yours!

    RESALE VALUE
    I am expecting to lose about RM 7,000.00 ~ 20,000.00 should I sell this car. Most of those who own a Hyundai claim that their legs are chained with the banks. They still have to settle a huge sum before they can get rid of this car. Is it that bad? When I sold my Altis for a Camry, I was delighted by the Sales person in UMW by offering me the best value, overtrade, free this and that that I fell in love with UMW Toyota.
    About this “Why buy a car just to sell them later” that some Hyundai die hard owners brag. Well guys, with an exception to being a millionaire, most of you cannot claim the car you drive is yours, right? It belongs to the financier until we settle the full loan tenure and this maybe 5, 7 or 9 years. We are practically driving cars on lease. And the so called “Our car/my car” is a liability in respect to road safety as an asset. It’s not at all close to being an investment to hold on the car we purchased to last for eternity.
    The average car reaches metal fatigue just after 3 years. Some even after 1 year, irrespective to what the mileages are. Even with regular service, we can extend probably the engine and gearbox lifespan whilst the rest will be taken care by the way you drive (I’ve seen how you drive), climate and the excellent road condition we have here in Malaysia.

    Most of us don’t have the cash to buy cars like millionaires do, so we need to dispose the ones we have to get another. Knowing that these cars (European, Korean or Japanese) are unlikely to survive time, we take the longest tenure, lowest installments (save some) and plan to get rid of it after 3 years. Furthermore, by that time there will be new model with greater features to enjoy. Why keep an antique?
    After the 3rd year, just after the warranty expires you will notice the trip to your favorite garages will increase, time spent will be longer and the money you cough-out for your loyal baby will escalate. Plot them on a chart, and you will actually see with your eyes how your wallet thins every year. You want to keep this sentimental scrap metal, be my guest.

    That’s why most Malaysians with the buying power (the Uncles if I may) always consider resale value of the car they buy. And mind you, we Uncles so far have been successful in keeping a grip on which car has better resale while the younger goons continue to debate on the dawn of the uncle’s car.

    But it’s fine if you were born with a silver spoon and actually thinks those unheard off cars are antiques, please go ahead. Cars that simply overwhelm you with its ‘torque’, monster BHP, SMART Gearbox, TipTronic, HeadsUpDislay, NightVision or simply for the Chris Bangle design, or the Bang Olufsen sound system and the facts and figures of the machine that matches your ‘character’ and success. Otherwise, you must be joking to say your Hyundai (or any other car) is for keep sake, which remotely has any of the latter standards.

    Again it’s OK, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, fine. Enjoy yours and thanks for your NEW SCHOOL thinking, you will remain suckers for another 10 / 20 years and continue to make Malaysia a dumping ground for these scrap…plastics.

    LESSONS LEARNED
    I have just crossed 4000km on my new i10 Krap-pa engine. I’m servicing it with Ah Chong as I don’t see the point in paying RM 250.00 (for the first service as well) just to be entitled for their krap-pa 5 year warranty, which they will some how find it void.

    I was planning to pass the i10 to my son but by now even he is not interested. He wants a MyVi which has numerous service centers in the country and there one just a stone throw from my place. So the lessons learned are that it may be a good car elsewhere in the world, it sure sucks here in Malaysia.

    For those who bought the Hyundai, may god bless you. For those whom are planning…please for god’s sake, check out Perodua, Honda, Nissan and Toyota first.

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    • Dear Alitstar,

      Thank you for your frank and honest sharing, and sincerely very sorry about your ordeal with Hyundai Sime-Darby. My gf nearly bought an i10, but thankfully they didn’t want to sell us a high spec model with airbags etc, so we decided to move on and went back to familiar territory to get a Myvi instead. Sometimes you just have to go with a woman’s hunch lol.

      After reading about your ordeal, it has definitely put a damper on my plans to acquire a Kia K5 when it’s launched, but then again Naza is not HSD. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the car, but the company that stands behind it. Shame on you HSD. I really hope Naza Kia will kick your butts out of the auto industry for good.

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    • Thanks for sharing your experience Alistar. I was planning to book one but after reading your experience, I’m think I have to reconsider.

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      • Despite the improper experience of Alltstar, I couldn’t resist the temptation of Sonata’s beauty and comprehensive package so I booked one. I couldn’t convince myself to buy a Camry or Accord because they are ugly and old comparing to this beauty. Now, after I waited three months, I received a call that my baby will be delivered soon.

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        • Hasyim Li on Oct 23, 2011 at 8:28 pm

          I’ve booked my sonata last week, after 1 year scouting.. hey, did anyone know that Honda Accord is 75kg heavier than Sonata? no need for me to touch the oil consumption.. i dont bother about the after sales as I’ve been driving Kia Rio Wagon 1.4 for 7 years now.. awesome car for its class. no issue on the frequent travelling to visit my in laws in Kuala Terengganu from JB .

          3 months waiting? neehhh. i am ok with it..

          just tailgating the new KIA OPTIME (singapore plate) in front of KSL City… DAMMMMNNNN!!!!!!!!

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  • alex tye on Nov 06, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    better get toyota and honda……very disappointed waiting so long for this car !! HATE !!

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  • bmw guy on Nov 15, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    asian cannot compare with western n european cars company,better u all change ur mind coz all asian cars is not safety,low class

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  • deven on Jan 02, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    i did a two months extensive reading of which car/MPV to buy. I finally came down to Pug 5008 or hyundai Sonata. However, I have to resigned on Pug as the waiting period were unsure. Now..i am ready to book Sonata…

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  • Newman on Jan 06, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    In the past, when people talk about korean car it would be nothing but a laughter. But now even the great japanese could sense the fear. Goodjob Hyundai !

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  • KL Lee on Jan 06, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    I just hope cars’ prices in Malaysia (the tax) will be going down soon because we WORK hard for our money and we DESERVE to buy better safer yet cheaper car compared to those local made rubbish. We can afford to pay for petrol according to the fluctuation of oil price provided that the imported car’s tax is lowered. I always get mad when I read news about government wanting to do what US/UK/EU are doing with their petrol price because we already paid so much for car’s tax and also our road tax/insurance system is useless (just another way for government and insurance companies to make big money).

    I already saw the new Sonata and Tucson when I was visiting US in early March 2010 and of cos I can only droll over at all the cars their market have and the price! They also have a new couple which is featured on CSI. Sexy!

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  • an amazing interior & exterior..money paid for quality & satisfaction….super value pack… don’t keep thinking about resale….enjoy every moment with worthy sonata…even you don’t know wat will happen for Japanese Cars in 5 years time as predictions said there will be more earthquakes & tsunami in Japan…Sonata has won more than 30 awards around the world…So this is the time to own one…that is the way u must go sonata…

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  • Davin on Nov 22, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    My wife bought an i10 and has been using it for 18mths. Now the milage shows 20000KM…..went to the dealership for service…guess what…. the cost is RM700.00
    reason:-
    Change Gearbox oil, Oil filter, black oil, spark plug and aircond filter.
    I was like WTF…the same stuff cost me less than half of what they quote if I go to the normal service shop…
    My Waja 1.6….50k KM…. the most i’ve spent on services was RM250.00..chg G/b Oil, Flush engine, Chg Engine oil, P/steering oil, air filter…I get a free engine wash as well..
    Sometimes this 5yrs wrrnty is more of a disadvantage!!!!

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