"That's a Hyundai?"
Such was the reaction of many folks to Hyundai's new XG300 mid-size sedan, which is the largest, most elaborate car ever from Korea's largest automaker.
The next thing most people expressing interest in the slick car asked was its price, which ranges from $23,499 to $24,999.
Is the world ready for a $23,000-plus auto from Hyundai? After all, its other cars only cost from $8,999 to $18,824.
Maybe so, considering that the XG300 is very competitively priced. With marginal autos far behind it, Hyundai is seeking an improved image with new vehicles such as the upscale XG300, which generate higher profits.
Hyundai recently unveiled its first sport-utility vehicle, the slick Santa Fe. The XG300 sits atop Hyundai's auto line, which consists of the Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tiburon coupes and sedans.
Once slow to update models, Hyundai is rushing to revamp old ones and to introduce new ones. For example, the entry level Accent was redone last year and the 2001 Elantra has been revamped.
Throw in the industry's best warranties, including one that covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and it's not surprising that Hyundai's U.S. sales soared 65 percent to 209,012 vehicles this year through October from the same year-earlier period.
While the $16,499-to-$21,999 Santa Fe looks and drives as if it should cost more, the Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tiburon remain a few paces behind established cars from established Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda--not to mention some U.S. models such as Buick.
What about the XG300? Close, but no cigar.
The XG300 lacks the refinement of, say, the Toyota Camry, which is the country's top-selling car. However, the XG300 actually is a bit longer and wider than the Camry.
The XG300 also has a 192-horsepower dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 with a power rating close to the Camry's 194-horsepower V-6. The Camry engine is smoother and quieter, but the XG300 3-liter V-6 provides lively acceleration and loafs at 2,500 rpm at 75 mph.
However, the XG300 has a responsive five-speed automatic transmission--a first for Hyundai--whereas the Camry and other prime XG300 rivals have a four-speed automatic. Fuel economy is an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
Hyundai's strategy of giving cars lots of standard equipment lures buyers. It seemingly has gone out of its way with XG300; even the base XG300's equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, tilt wheel and power windows, locks and mirrors. A sunroof costs an extra $759. The higher-line L model adds such things as a standard power sunroof and heated front seats.
Steering is responsive, although it feels dead at highway speeds. An all-independent suspension allows a supple ride, although slight body bounce over some bumps at 70-plus mph quickly tells you this is no sports sedan. Brake-pedal feel is OK, as are stopping distances.
Four tall adults easily fit. The interior is quiet and front seats are unusually supportive. The ignition switch is conveniently put on the dashboard, which has many easily read gauges and fairly large controls that work smoothly. There's a tilt wheel, and a "driving-time" gauge lets you know how many hours you've been behind the wheel.
The big trunk has a low opening and rear seatbacks fold forward to enlarge the cargo area. However, the pass-through opening to the rear-seat area is only moderately large.
The XG300's styling, standard features, long warranty and general competence promise to make it a success.
