 |
|
Sedans
The midsize economy sedan is among the most popular car divisions. Honda (Accord), Hyundai (Sonata), Kia (Optima), Mitsubishi (Gallant), Nissan (Altima), Toyota (Camry) and Volkswagen (Jetta) all have models marketed for a large share of the consumer market.
Introduced in September 2000, the Hyundai XG350 is the first vehicle offered by the Korean manufacturer that approaches the $25,000 price range. In each of its four editions, new features have been added as the vehicle attempts to find a niche among its the high-selling competitors -- the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
As a new offering this year, the Acura TSX is defined as a near-luxury vehicle. By some definitions, that mean it costs less than $30,000 and does not feature the refined quietness of vehicles described as luxurious.
Like other manufacturers, Mitsubishi faces a formidable task in the midsize car class. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are among the country's most popular vehicles, so how can others find a niche? Mitsubishi's approach for 2004 was to increase the dimensions, offer new styling and add more horsepower to the Galant.
The trunk was open when one friend walked past and the hood was popped open when two other friends meandered by. "If I took off my front wheel, OK maybe both wheels, I could my bike in the trunk, no problem," one friend said. "That's a spacious trunk for a mid-sized car."
Copyright 2009 The Weekly Driver. All rights reserved.
TheWeeklyDriver
