Cheap Car Showdown: What's It Going To Be? Hyundai's Sonata Vs. Suzuki's Kizashi

In the battle for the cheap car king, it comes down to the latest two front runners from Hyundai and Suzuki.

And, it gets ugly.

Since I have yet to pilot either, I spoke with 001 about both cars and he gave me the lowdown:

He said that Suzuki's Kizashi is a take off of European vehicles, with better handling and a European feel. Additionally, it is offered with a manual for those who love to drive.

Although it has its positives, FOX Car Report's Gary Gastelu told us that the Suzuki's back seat is "just a little tight," like a small mid-size sedan.

Speaking on the Hyundai, 001 said that there is plenty to like about the Sonata because it has a much larger interior, a better resale, better warranty and dealer network, and a HUGE mileage advantage -- 001 obtained 23 MPG in the Kizashi and 32 MPG in the Sonata.

But to this writer, its looks are a bit questionable.

So, what's it going to be? The European-inspired Suzuki that is more driver-oriented OR the massive Hyundai that has a better warranty?

Let me leave you with some food for thought: there are rumblings that a Kizashi V6 will be making an appearance at this years New York Auto Show, as will be a turbo-fied Sonata.








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91z4me - 3/17/2010 8:52:26 AM

+2 Boost

Cayman.

BondMI6 - 3/17/2010 3:35:29 AM

0 Boost

Sonata should end up being the better seller because well, it's a Hyundai.

And how can you go wrong when "the Dude" is your spokesperson.....

sholemon - 3/17/2010 7:37:39 AM

0 Boost

"to this writer, its looks are a bit questionable". ??

sounds like a weak argument against the hyundai.

hyundai wins. hands down.

commander104 - 3/17/2010 4:20:47 PM

+4 Boost

unless you need AWD and to be a little more unique

Whelan - 3/17/2010 9:09:32 AM

+2 Boost

Cheap car Showdown? My god please write something more relevant. If the Hyudnai was really in a different class it would not have just been compared to the Camry, Altima, Malibu, Fusion, Legacy in a MT test for best family sedan (read family sedan as affordable, not 5 series 75k prices). The Kizashi is not completely a full size sedan and not in the same segment.

I would like to see you drop the Hyundai is inferior crap at this point and just consider them part of the mainstream GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan crowd. They offer the full lineup, they are reliable, well priced, and have made insane leaps and bounds in the industry since generations past.

0to60 - 3/17/2010 9:49:44 AM

+6 Boost

Oh wow. A cheap car showdown. Shocked the wonderful agents at autospies did not want this compared to the Lexus LS big body hybrid fully loaded!! For some reason they consider Hyundai and Lexus to be in the same class

PlanB - 3/17/2010 11:41:57 AM

+2 Boost

How are these cheap cars? If you check off every option on these two the Sonata is over $28k and the Suzuki is over $30k...

PerformanceGuy - 3/17/2010 1:10:46 PM

+3 Boost

I don't care for either one, but would pick the Suzuki as the best in this lower class.

M35MT - 3/17/2010 1:21:27 PM

+8 Boost

Maybe change "cheap car showdown" to "mid-size car underdog showdown"

johnsmith5082 - 7/4/2010 2:05:31 PM

+1 Boost

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