Is Hyundai Replacing Lexus As The Understated Luxury Brand?

The genesis is a very nice vehicle but it is still a small step behind when compared to the like of the Luxury cars coming out of europe!

— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 2:23:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

I prefer to call it "encouraged discussion"

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 2:50:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11   

Your right Kaner. These articles basically are to start a flame war. By the way, Lexus started out as a luxury brand, but Hyundai has $8,000 cars in their showroom along with their flagship $33,000 Genesis.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 3:21:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

But David, Lexus is just a fancy Camry, so pretty much the same thing!

— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 3:32:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I hope you are not referring to AUDI at the same time, because at least LEXUS bother to switch to RWD platform.

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 9:58:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

AUDIs are just rebadged VWs, no prestige.

— Badgewhore (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 12:31:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Hyundai hasn't worked out yet reputation in any area(e.g. reliability, performance, styling...), at least in cars, in shipbuilding maybe they have reputation, but I'm not interested in ships.

— abcd (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 2:53:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

I wouldnt be suprised if Hyundai replaces Lexus. Hyundai has been stepping up their game when they came out with the Genesis already competing with Infinitis G37.

— Type707 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 3:21:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

"Encouraged Discussion" aka, "My deadline is tight, so I'll just write up the same exact article with a new flame friendly title, thus trying to tie Lexus to a lower brand so as to not give them credibility when it comes to BMW/Audi/Merc"...

— jeeka715 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 3:25:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

The difference between Lexus and Hyundai is that Lexus like Europeans, develop many new technologies and set standards.
Hyundai just collect all these technologies from these top level brands, put it in a car and charge less.

There you have it, Hyundai VS460(Equus) vs Lexus LS460. Not to mention they copy the designs and now names as well.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:02:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Whatever happens I think we must all realize that the Genesis seems to be accomplishing exactly what Hyundai set out to do; bring a new type of customer into the showroom, elevate the brand and demonstrate the company's ability to build a credible upscale car. It's only icing on the cake that it's actually selling well. If the reliability and satisfaction reports are favorable then I would call this gamble an unqualified success for Hyundai.

— 222max (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:08:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

What a preposterous question: "... the understated luxury brand." There's nothing understated about a glitzy car like a Lexus, which is after all just a gussied-up Toyota. Why do people get so excited about Lexus? Can't they see through the obvious marketing aimed at pathetic suckers who think having service and sales people kiss their butt somehow equates with luxury? Pathetic. Toyotas are great cars for what they are. Lexus cars are for people who are profoundly insecure.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:08:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I think the Genesis is a very understated luxury sedan. It's very comfortable from what I gathered at the car show and is probably very quiet on the inside.

I think in order for Hyundai to be recognized as an understated brand would depend on the new Equus and how high the bar is set. VERY HIGH POTENTIAL

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:18:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

the question should be, is hyundai (trying)to replace Lexus As The Understated Luxury Brand? i don't like lexus' but hyundai has a long way to go before that happens.

— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:30:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I think Hyundai is moreso competiting against the Cadillac, Infiniti, and Acura... not really Lexus, BMW, or Merc.

Not to say it isn't a bad car, but I think it is improperaly categorized.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 4:42:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Hyundai is doing a good job with their cars, but somehow they keep getting placed against cars in the wrong category. There cars will do well against, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and cars like that. They can't compete and really doesn't make since to try and place them with Audi, Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc, but I guess it does make a good flame war I guess.

— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:00:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

So Accent is a luxury car now?

— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:02:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

When was Lexus ever understated?

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:02:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Good Lord.

— thetruth01 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:08:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

Yes.

— 1uberaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:20:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

This is only happening as wishful-thinking in the delusional minds of Lexus-haters. These articles involving Hyundai are laughable at best. The Genesis is not the only sub-$50,000 near-luxury car that offers great value. A Toyota Avalon has just as much room, and even more value than the Genesis, but you wont see too much attention on a comparison between those two, because that is not what this Lexus-hating website wants to show.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:29:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Hyundai at this stage cannot be compared to Lexus. They are not there yet and will never get there by selling the Genesis along side the Accent and Elantra in the same showroom. What Hyundai is trying to do is elevate the image of Hyundai over where it was a decade ago. i.e. crap vehicle builder. To that extent, they have succeeded. The Genesis sold 1600 units last month and it has got people who are used to Lexus, BMW and Benz vehicles interested. To be really considered a luxury brand, Hyundai would have to separate the Genesis and the upcoming Equus into a different brand under the same corporate umbrella. So far, they have shown no interest in doing that.

— hyundaifansdotcom (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:30:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Lexus competes with Rolls Royce and Bentley?? Are you on crack??

— hyundaifansdotcom (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 5:52:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

— hyundaifansdotcom:

| Lexus competes with Rolls Royce and Bentley??

In some aspects...

Noise level in decibels
-> at 70 mph (~112,5 km/h)
-> at full throttle
-> when idling

1. Lexus LS 600h L
-> 58,9
-> 66,6
-> 38,3

2. Rolls Royce Phantom
-> 59,0
-> 67,0
-> 40,0

30. Bentley Continental Flying Spur
-> 65,0
-> 73,0
-> 46,0

68. 2003 Bentley Arnage R
-> 73,0
-> 75,0
-> 51,0

Sources:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=120486/pageId=122610
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=108933/pageId=68143
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=109001/pageId=68259
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=89619/pageId=46013

— MrBratwurst (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 6:04:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

"Lexus competes with Rolls Royce and Bentley??

In some aspects..."

Just not sales or clientele.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 6:30:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

||| "Lexus competes with Rolls Royce and Bentley??

|| In some aspects..."

| Just not sales or clientele.

Absolutely right. But I bet some would like to have a car which is even a tiny bit quieter than Rolls Royce Phantom but you don't have to be a multimillinaire to buy and maintain one.

Notice also that this is an aspect in which Rolls Royce excells. There's nothing impressive in making a car faster than Phantom cause Flying Ladies are not about speed. Making one with better soundproofing, now that's something.

— MrBratwurst (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 6:39:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

So Hyundai can't compete with Lexus because they sell $20,000 cars and the "$33,000 Genesis;" however, a $50,000 Lexus competes with $250,000+ Rolls Royce and Bentleys? And this makes sense to you?

— JMB1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 9:56:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

— MrBratwurst

I concur with your comments - the noise thing is BMW, they like people to here the exhaust note while accelerating. Having driven a new RR Phantom is pretty damn quiet.

david969 I don't think you're on crack, I just think your a boring troll.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 7:33:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

PerformanceGuy is right. It's only obvious that Agent009 has some real-time envy of the Lexus brand and can't seem to get over the fact that no matter what Lexus is the worlds best made luxury car......Period. Over all Hyundai does not compare to Toyota in quality,refinement,workmanship,appeal,durability,reliability,brand image,gotta have it factor,status,prestige,wealth,resources,influence,resale value,customer loyalty,value you name it any fool can see and know that comparing Hyundai to Lexus is not smart buisness. Agent009 this is a reflection of your weakness not your strength. Stay focus and think big..........

— lexworld (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 8:39:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Try the Elantra Toruing Guys, youll think youre in a SAAB 9-3 Wagon but for $10,000 less. Soft touch surfaces all around except for the center console. Leather or partial leather seats, heated front seats as an option, Projector headlamps, etc...

I only care about Hyundais small cars. Next Gen Accent-Think Mercedes A Class. Elantra-Think Mercedes B class. The Elantra Touring looks like a B class except for the front and grille, which is a good thing for the value conscious buyer.

The near term future with of their models.

Hyundai-Affordable Near Luxury.

KIA-Cheap Sporty cars.

Remember, Hyundai has won that contract to build and design engines for Mercedes A and B Class small cars. Those engines are going to be in Accents and Elantras, so all you Hyundai haters better get used to it now.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 9:48:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

Plus, you Lexus guys should be happy. With us at Hyundai taking your spot, it frees you up to make MBs spot, while MB can go for the Jugular and become the new Bentley (In a Good Way).

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 9:52:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Hyundai only has one vehicle right now that is near lux, and that is the Gen Sedan. When the Equus comes that will be two. Lexus had the whole line up covered when they first started. Plus they had the reputation of Toyota having bulletproof qaulity. That is not how Hyundai has started out.

— Inline6 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:05:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Umm, why do people seem to forget their Automotive history? Toyota made POS cars from 1965 to 1979. From US government records, only the Camry and Corolla were good until about 1985. Then Toyotas other cars started to become good. People also seem to overlook the fact that Toyotas quality has seen a steady precipitous decline since 2003: ie. Yaris/Camry.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:13:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The same with the Accent and Elantra. Now after years of making reliable workhorse Accents and Elantras, Hyundais other cars are starting to become as good. Thats right, this is America, and nobody notices small cars anymore. Hyundai has been making good small car product for about 13 years. Its a shame nobody noticed until they started to make land yachts.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:17:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Exactly minhvunguyen. Whats the problem with having new luxury brands on the scene? If they see this as competition , then lower your prices. Its just that dammed simple. If Lexus is so good they have nothing to fear, right? Nobody sees the MB guys crying about the perceived threat from the Little Engine that could (Hyundai).

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:27:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

For the record, in the U.S. there were a total of 3,900 Genesis vehicles sold in Jan, Feb, March. Hyundai was hoping for 25,000 per year, so in their eyes it is not as successful as the article trys to portray it.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:35:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

The Market is Saturated with Econo brands already, plus they own KIA. Hyundai had to change business strategy. The Idea of 2 Econo brands from 1 company is redundant, and most of you with a brain know it. Its called free market economics.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:35:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

As a Hyundai Owner, Ive been saying this for years. Those customer surveys they force us Hyundai drivers to fill, are paying off dividends: becuase according to those surveys, MOST HYUNDAI DRIVERS WANT LUXURIES AND ARE WILLING TO PAY PREMIUMS OF $1000-$5000 MORE THAN CUSTOMARY!!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:41:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

This is just too funny, I saw the title on the home page and I knew it was one of those Agent000 posting. This is fake news, irrelevant, absurd, stupid, you name it. But I had a lot of fun reading some of the comments. LOL

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2009 10:59:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

All this talk about how quiet a Lexus is - is a joke.

If you have a 50 watt Marshall tube amp which is very lud and your neighbors will call the cops if you turn it up and you have a 100 watt Marshall tube amps the 100 watt amp is only 3db's louder than the 50 watt amp and it's twice as much power.

When you're talking about 3 or 4db differences in cars I don't think any of you could hear the difference in noise level.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 2:43:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Yes, Agent 009 does bring up stupid opinion surveys but if all the knuckleheads on this site are going to bother to respond (assuming you aren't a 14 year old boy without a license) at least answer the question. I say, YES, Hyundai is the "new" understated luxury. I've driven both Genny sedans (and a 3.8 Coupe). The sedan is impressive and is certainly a way to say "I enjoy my luxury without having to be a seen in a BMW or MB". Forget Lexus - they are nothing more than Japanese Buicks - save for the IS. I would definitely put a Genesis Sedan at the top of my list for next vehicles (and my current ride is a 2008 Infiniti G35xS which replaced a Audi A4 3.2 Quattro)...This is exactly what Hyundai was trying to achieve: Real consideration from people that have owned other luxury brands.

— klossfam (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 10:02:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

All of these posts simply support the reason we have a number of (mostly) viable brands to choose from. My Infiniti M35Sport lease just ended. With lessors seeming less willing to support residual values, I decided to buy my next car. My auto schizophrenia (intensified by blogs such as this one) and a down financial market prompted me to consider a the following new cars: Hyundai Genesis, Cadillac CTS, Acura TL, BMW 3 convertible, BMW Z-4, Infiniti G37 convertible and the following used cars: a Lexus SC 430, Lexus LS 430 and a remarkably priced used Audi A8. I really wanted the Audi - but when I researched cost of ownership (which includes not only maintenance costs, insurance costs and depreciation schedules) I had to go back to Lexus.

I am in my mid-late 50's, make a reasonable amount of money, like very nice cars - but temper that with practical business sense. I have enjoyed owning Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac and Lexus products. I purchased an 05 LS430 with 30k miles for $30k. It will not depreciate as much as the other cars I considered and will cost me considerably less than the others over the 2-3 years I plan to keep it.

I strongly considered the Hyundai - but am not convinced it will hold its value. That said, I concur with all of the comments harkening back to Lexus' earliest days when they produced a remarkable product at a significantly lower cost.

— LarsDFW (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 11:01:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

If Hyundai can study the book of Lexus, they'll be able to compete with the luxury car market easily in the next 5 to 10 years. All Lexus,Infiniti and Acura did was study the European cars and then build them better. Plain and simple folks. Hyundai has a cheat sheet to become a superior brand.

You can thank the Europeans for over pricing their unreliable cars despite how well they perform. Because unfortunately, 90% of the posers/posters here won't even come close to driving their AMG or M like it's meant to be driven, what a waste. 90% of us use our cars to go to work not rack up track time. That's how the Japanese have managed to run rough shot over other makes.

— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 12:09:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Excactly r_driver, and as a Hyundai watcher, I can assure you that all of Hyundais Near term (2-3 years out) Future products will be excersises in understated (near) luxury.

Lars_DFW, Hyundais European products, which will come here redesigned as new Models for the US market within the next 3 years, hold more of their value than most of the makes sold in Europe. So expect those values to stay more stable. The resale value on current generation Hyundais has improved dramatically over previous Generation Hyundais. Also, expect the prices of Hyundai Models from Accent to Azera to go up as well, i.e. Elantra Touring. However, that price premium will be worth it, since the Hyundai will still cost $5000-$25,000 less than the competitive Luxury and Near Luxury offerings.

The days of undercutting Toyota and Honda are over, thats our little brother KIAs job now.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 3:52:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

"it has drawn buyers who until recently might have opted for more costly prestige cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class..."

Those who would and could opt for a pricier car aren't worrying about the economy.
Those who could barely afford more prestigous models would rather walk than drive something that doesn't have the right name on it.

The Genesis continues to be priced against the Avalon (option for option) except Hyundai is now offering even better incentives than when they first started.
2.9% for 72 months. I guess that's in the same league as BMW/MB incentives.
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/SpecialOffer/SalesPromotions.aspx

Technically, a Camry hybrid offers more technology and comparable luxury for an even lower price.

Hyundai is stuck in an odd spot. Their reputation isn't as good as the Japanese and they know the Chinese are just around the corner waiting to undercut them (and little brother Kia) by atleast 50%.
Most people will just opt to pay the little extra for a Toyota/Honda than settle for a Hyundai. The sales numbers clearly show this.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 11:09:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I have noticed something lately though. It seems Hyundai has nearly displaced GM as the brand for midsize fleet cars (perhaps Toyota/Honda's are too expensive) and are taking over the compact segement as well.

Not exactly the budget image you want if you're supposedly trying to kill Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 11:14:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

oh stop being silly huu.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2009 11:15:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

"Starting at $32,250, it has drawn buyers who until recently might have opted for more costly prestige cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (stickered at $89,350 and up), says John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America."

First of all I really want the people at Hyundai to get it throught their thick skulls that people who are in the market for a Mercedes S-Class DO NOT think about Hyundai. Buyers in that market don't really care about money, I mean come on if the S550 stickers for $89k plus, that buyer isn't thinking "Oh man, I should get that new Genesis b/c I'll save $50k." People who look at Mercedes-Benz will probably gop to other real luxury counterparts like BMW or Audi and not even consider Hyundai. However, I think they might have an argument if they compare it to Lexus buyers instead of Mercedes buyers.

— Tonee (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2009 10:39:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hyundai make some very nice and now well and solid built car's. However they are years behind the technology put behind the lexus models and lights years aways from the Hybrid tech that Lexus has. I mean I hope people are serious about the BULL/$%?.

— DRC4 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2009 3:59:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Hyundai,
There's a difference between offering luxury options and luxury. Hyundai Azera, XG (remember that beauty?) and Kia Amanti offer luxury options, but the quality of the options was far from luxury.

The Genesis' mediocre interior is made even worse by its ugly centre dash/console and cheap looking steering wheel. They copy a BMW interior (which was their first mistake) then glue on a Ford steering wheel and Fisher-Price radio. The quality of the leather and dash are junk as well, I've never seen such a grainy animal before.

There's a reason why the Genesis can't be priced higher than an Avalon. Same reason why the Equus won't make it over here because I doubt Hyundai will be willing to price it against an ES350.

Who knows, maybe someone shopping for an Equus will opt for an Accent once they see them sitting side by side in the showroom.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 2:11:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Dear huu76, your comments show a lot of hatred you have against Hyundai cars. Has hyundai done something personal to you to have such a hatred built in you? Hyundai Genesis is a great car by its own merit and has been given a lot of respects by both the cadanian and north america journalist associations. North America Car of the Year is an example. Please try not to convince readers here with your hatred against Hyundai. Please keep your hatred to yourself and learn to show some respects where they are due.

— zorovac (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 7:54:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

well,leavin hyundai alone is one of the best advise i can give to hyundai haters.of course hyundai is on the road to replacing lexus as a luxury brand.all the excuses given by hyundai haters including the one that says hyundai copies to that of hyundai ripping bmws interior,is just silly.well if people really hate hyundai this this much why do they stumble across these articles?hyundai can take it self to any level it wishes to,because it has what it takes to do so.

— kopee (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 9:03:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Let's see Hyundai price their cars the same as Toyota/Honda. Hyundai competes on price and price alone and the Chinese are going to destroy them when they start dumping cars in N.America.

Just like everything else about Korea, they hate the fact they have to copy everything Japan does.
That new Kia Forte looks quite familiar, I think Honda has their own version called the Civic.

The only reason Hyundai is getting so much publicity is that journalists don't want to write about the Americans and for some reason resent the Japanese for being so much better.
Look what happens when the Koreans don't copy, you get cars like the Borrego, Rondo and that new ugly hunk of crap coupe/roadster making the autoshow rounds.

But anyhow, does somebody want to refute the points I made or is the truth too much for you?

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 11:58:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"Who knows, maybe someone shopping for an Equus will opt for an Accent once they see them sitting side by side in the showroom."

Humm huu, thats the point!!! Bring big time show cars in the showroom to sttract people, then spruce up your Accents and Elantras, and compare them the Mercedes A and B-Classes. In an uncertain world, the eye candy cars in the showroomn will attract people to the smaller cars. Some of those Genesis, Azera, and Probable Eqqus Buyers will also bring an Accent or Elantra home as well. Hyundai Buyers usually convince their wives or friends and family to buy one. Ive convinced quite a few people to buy Hyundais and KIAs off my Accent experience.

Just liek there are Toyota, GM, Honda, or Chrysler only homes. Hyundai/KIA is building up a fan base, and guess what? Im starting to see Hyundai/KIA only homes now. Or GEMA product (Hyundai/KIA/Mitsubishi/Chrysler) only homes. Oh by the way, I live in a GEMA home.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 9:37:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

They are using Hondas playbook.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 9:38:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I forgot to add Daimler to that list.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2009 9:39:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"That new Kia Forte looks quite familiar, I think Honda has their own version called the Civic."

We've done a comparison at kia-world.net, and only the headlights are remotely similar we've concluded. They have been making grilles and Bumpers like that for Aftermarket KIAs for years huu. Its only now until they have those as standard for production models.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2009 9:03:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Yeah, the back looks Subaruish with A4/A5 taillights.

But actually, it looks much more like the Civic even from the rear (except the taillights).
http://www.badgestudio.com/ciasmediaregistration/showcase/images/Kia_Forte_rear_jpg.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/e/e/lk_07civic_rear.jpg

Hyundai's going to have to sell more than 1 Genesis in Canada if they plan on making their money back, or breaking even.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2009 10:33:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1