Have to agree...they've practically handed the compact market to Hyundai. The CR-Z is one of their more visible recent mistakes.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

You have the Jeep for winter utility and hauling, so if I were in your place I'd want something fun. First choice would be a Honda S2000, second choice Mazda MX5, third Acura RSX type S. RSX will give you cargo space, others not so much.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Why not? The car is both technically advanced compared to the lower cost japanese offerings. Plus it is well established they have quietly been on a course of seriously improving their quality year over year.

I do not think they yet have the equivelant of japanese quality but they seem to be headed that way. Once decent resale prices are established for the kia and hyundia brands I think they will have really arrived.

The current elantra is a lot of car for the dollar especially if you can pick it up on one of their sales promotions. Fairly roomy with decent roadability. With a large trunk and catchy styling that may or may not become dated.

Epa of 58 miles per highway gallon on our imperial gallon. This should put the epa highway in the states with your smaller gallon in the area of 50 plus miles per gallon. Generally of course you never get the epa rated milage. Yet even 45 miles per gallon in a car that size is going to interest people. Huyundia even have a car called the optimist or something simular on their lots to compete with the top end cars. They are targetting the lexus,infinity,mercedes, bmw market and many others this year I suspect at far less dollars. I saw one the other day and it was impressive. I also had a glimpse at their hybrid elantra.

Not a slouch performance wise either. Economy with power available is a good combination in the elantra. Actually hard to get in the low price fields and I think they have six speed automatic transmissions compared to the four speed automatics still vended in the lower end lines like civics, corolas.

The elantra is currently selling so well the company cannot currently supply enough cars to dealers in Canada.Not that many years ago you could not give them away.

They are still coming up quality wise faster than anyone would have thought possible in my opinion. Their newest top end car has an eight speed automatic by the way.

If there is no hyundia dealer in your area and you are fairly young. Picking up or starting a dealership right away might be a gold mine soon.

Not true depends how you drive. I regularly exceed EPA mileage estimates on every car I drive. In fact, I've been called out to be a "liar" on this forum when I state my mileage in my MBs. 40mpg should be attainable fairly easily on a lot of their models with conscious driving.

FWIW I test drove a Genesis coupe this summer and did not like it at all. I was quite disappointed since I had high hopes for the car.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

We all develop different driving styles. I agee that going easy is going to get greater fuel milage and be less wearing on mechanical systems. I never would expect to hit epa ratings in my stlye of driving. Getting up to speed too fast and depending on your brakes to slow you at the last possible moment are the two largest wasters of fuel. Plus excess idiling and high speed.

Without actually knowing I assume the genesis coupe is a hyundia varient. If so I have not seen one yet.

I was never able to comprehend why the epa figures on diesels where less than the average driver got for a period of time.

what about a plain ole civic?

I agree about the Mazda 3, I had one for a week as a rental and was impressed with the build quality, handling and ergonomics. The only thing I was a little disappointed by was the fuel economy, not the best in this segment but a great car otherwise.

My gf has a '05 focus hatch, it is a fun car to drive but I don't think the interior quality is nearly as good as the Mazda and honesty for some reason the gas mileage on her car is also pretty poor.

How about a Pontiac Vibe if you want a domestic marque?

Sixto
87 300D