Korean Cars

[kleung]

But the way they nailed the appearance in a short time makes me wonder where they'll be in 10 years.

A lot of what has been said in this thread sounds remarkably like what was said about Japanese cars in the past. And now look where the Japanese are - while a lot of their cars are still fairly boring, it's no accident that they consistently rate highly in the reliability surveys. IMHO, the Koreans are gaining fast on the Japanese, and the fact that Hyundai and Kia both have European designers on the payroll, manufacturers around the world should be worried.

A lot of the criticisms that are being levelled against the Koreans can and should also be levelled against American manufacturers - cheap plastics, poor ergonomics and nasty interiors, average reliability and driveability - and the Americans have had LOT longer to get it right than the Koreans have.

While the Koreans don't yet have a car that suits my needs and wants, if I was looking for a cheap, small car, I'd have no qualms about owning an i30. I drove one last year while I was test driving new cars for my father, and came away impressed, considering the price. Granted, he ultimately chose a Golf 118TSI, but given that the 118TSI is a good 30-40% dearer than the i30 sticker price vs sticker price, I think a certain amount of cheapness and older tech is forgivable.

[brimway]

A lot of what has been said in this thread sounds remarkably like what was said about Japanese cars in the past. And now look where the Japanese are - while a lot of their cars are still fairly boring, it's no accident that they consistently rate highly in the reliability surveys. IMHO, the Koreans are gaining fast on the Japanese, and the fact that Hyundai and Kia both have European designers on the payroll, manufacturers around the world should be worried.

A lot of the criticisms that are being levelled against the Koreans can and should also be levelled against American manufacturers - cheap plastics, poor ergonomics and nasty interiors, average reliability and driveability - and the Americans have had LOT longer to get it right than the Koreans have.

While the Koreans don't yet have a car that suits my needs and wants, if I was looking for a cheap, small car, I'd have no qualms about owning an i30. I drove one last year while I was test driving new cars for my father, and came away impressed, considering the price. Granted, he ultimately chose a Golf 118TSI, but given that the 118TSI is a good 30-40% dearer than the i30 sticker price vs sticker price, I think a certain amount of cheapness and older tech is forgivable.

Too true, who would have predicted that the Toyotas of the sixties would lay the foundation to what Toyota is today.. I reckon the Korean cars will be the Japanese cars of the future, then we can look forward (?) to the Chinese cars becoming the Korean cars of the future. Might take a long time though, Chinese cars fare poorly in crash tests.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

[mikinoz]

Based on price and the engine quality (TDI in particular) I would not hesitate to buy one for the specific purpose of getting around.

The new Kia Sportage is not a bad car, and any car critic I have read lately tends to agree. I have driven a mates one extensively and for the money would consider it over a Tiguan.

And I might add the interior of Subaru (any model) has never been of a quality I consider appropriate for the cost, and they are widely loved by Australia.

[kleung]

then we can look forward (?) to the Chinese cars becoming the Korean cars of the future. Might take a long time though, Chinese cars fare poorly in crash tests.

I think you might be surprised at how quickly the Chinese will be able to re-engineer their cars. Unfortunately, there seems to be a culture of 'copying' in China - I'm sure we've all seen the photos of Chinese knockoff cars that look like BMW X5s, Landcruisers, Minis etc etc. That doesn't worry me so much - what DOES worry me is that Chinese manufacturers are smart enough to engineer their cars to rate highly in safety tests, but are their cars REALLY going to be safe? Or are they going to be engineered just well enough to score 5 stars?

Strictly speaking though, the Koreans have 'cheated' to a certain extent by hiring European designers. So in part, their success is due to their leveraging of European knowhow. Nothing wrong with learning from the best though.

Without a doubt, the Chinese are capable of making some pretty awesome stuff. They just need to get some more international market experience under their belt. I reckon we're going to see some pretty interesting cars start to come out of China within the next 10 years as their auto industry matures.

I know they've been manufacturing cars for domestic use for many years, but it's only now that they have entered the international marketplace and are competing on a level playing field with other more established global marques that they will be compelled to improve their products at a faster pace.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

Truer words were never spoken. Except in China.

The new Kia Sportage is not a bad car, and any car critic I have read lately tends to agree. I have driven a mates one extensively and for the money would consider it over a Tiguan.

Was "The Message" stuck on repeat in the CD player?

[tessie]

Its just a personal preference for me, the way I feel about a car. Nothing wrong with driving an asian car, with Japanese cars at least, they're better value if its just the running costs that concern you. I like a German car because these people have always been the best engineers of cars and come up with the innovations. I appreciate they're always pushing the envelope with their ideas, always at the cutting edge. My 2c worth.

[jessv3]

Kia are hardly nailing any designs. They have just copied a mix of European cars, to satisfy those people who are tight but don't want anyone to know it. The new Kia Rio is so obviously a clone of an Mk6 GTI and dont get me started on the Kia Sportage complete copy of an Audi Q5.

Lets play spot the difference:





The Audi designer working over at Kia has hardly done anything innovative there, just basically stenciled out the design.

With the exception of the i45 at least Hyundai are picking up sales on their own merit, i have a lot more respect for Hyundai then i do of Kia.

[hitoriko]

I hate to say it but...

i purchased a Kia Koup. Its fantastic, it ticked all the boxes for me and my wife and i've not looked back 5 year unlimited KM warranty.

Servicing is cheap, replacement parts (bumpers guards etc..) are cheap, 6 airbags, leather, blue tooth, IPod connection, paddle shift, 6 speed auto, cruise control, fog lamps, Rear Parking Sensors and Sunroof. Also 4/5 Star ANNCAP saftey rating.

My only complaint with this car having now done just on 2500kms. The rear suspension, it needs to be about 30mm lower and stiffer and it would be perfect. The only mods i'm considering for this car is just lowering it and a cat back exhaust system.

For what you pay you wont get half of this in a Japanese or Euro coupe. Most of the standard items here are "optional extras" or Accessory items on the Jap and Euro models.

[clip]

I hate to say it but... i purchased a Kia Koup.

I'd probably hate to say it out loud too

[jessv3]

I hate to say it but...

i purchased a Kia Koup.

The koup is probably the only Kia of the new range which i think is the most original it doesn't look like a fake/ clone, and it actually looks pretty decent shame ive read it doesnt handle too good.

[Transporter]

The koup is probably the only Kia of the new range which i think is the most original it doesn't look like a fake/ clone, and it actually looks pretty decent shame ive read it doesnt handle too good.

So, it is still a fake. A poor attempt for a car.