so korean interior is nicer than US one... probably be the same as European... still too many matte black plastics around... step up definetly, so was the last sonata as well. still wont sell in europe, way too american.

 

Fine vehicle indeed, but still missing the fine points to make it stand out... case in point, the trunk. Exposed speakers, top not covered. Takes away from the overall classy, albeit copied, look of the interior and exterior.

 

it's the same interior, but koreans get 2 different version. one with the volvo like climate control, one without. i'm not sure if the panoramic roof is coming here though.

 

definitely won't sell in europe. there is no market for a big midsize sedan in europe. but i don't think this is too american as far as design goes.

 

Oh dear, I am getting turned off by the styling....those pics didn't help at all.....

 

From the pics, I think it looks nasty, nice interior though ...

 

Why is that? Is it just the exchange rate or high taxes or do Canadians generally make more money then Americans and have more money to spend on cars so inflation and prices go up. If Canadians generally made the same amount of money as Americans yet had to pay 10K-20K more for the same car as well as pay more for other items I don't see how middle class Canadians could afford a new midsize or entry level lux car, own a decent house, or be able to buy much of anything other then necessities and pay the bills. You guys pay pretty high taxes too, more so then Americans. I would think there would be a huge revolt and dissatisfaction mainly from the middle class if you have to pay so much for things and more Canadians trying to get their cars in America to save a ton of money.

 

It's mostly the exchange rate, back when I bought my 03 SC430 in the fall of 2002, when the USD was much stronger relative to the Canadian$, the SC430 worked out to be thousands of dollars less than the exact same U.S. Lexus model then ...

 

by far the best looking sedan in its class. this makes accord, altima and camry severely mediocore IMO.

 

from quality standpoint, it looks like a ES & CC fighter.

 

I don't even understand why you're questioning me. Go check on the Canadian websites of any given manufacturer and you will see that the price difference is appaling. Also, I'll let you know that a couple who makes a combined income of roughly $100,000 a year here can afford a nice house in the suburbs and drive an entry-level luxury car, all while taking care of kids. Mind you, there are also a lot of import laws and regulations when it comes to automobiles... it's not that easy.

I'll have to give you a hint as to why the prices are higher here, though. It's just a small part of the big picture, but it's a major factor. As someone else stated, it's the exchange rate, but here's another factor:

Canadian population: 34 million
American population: 308 million

Supply and demand.

 

Very impressed. I hear that the new Sonata looks much better in real life. Can't wait to see one.

 

Disagree. In pics this is looking a little overdone.. I think the Malibu looks fantastic. The Altima and Camry look fine, if not odd sometimes. I am also a fan of the Fusion facelift.

This car is very styled to its credit. Until I see it in person, I can't say it looks best in class.

 

joe80, u korean or just crazy about sonatas?

 

I need to see it in person for final conclusion on styling, pics sure look promising.