Honda CR-Z, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Veloster, other new cars

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We'll see, but it might be hard to get a manual for any price. Thoughts on the Mazda 3 SKYACTIV anyone? It's a possibility but my father will require some, er, persuading to look at it. I assume, being a Mazda, that it will be fun to drive.
 
The regular recent Mazda 3 seemed plastic and lifeless when I rented one a few months back. The handling was nothing to write home about and it just seemed to lack any soul whatsoever...and that is coming from someone who drives an Accent.

Not sure how much that changes with the new Skyactiv technology.
 
-> ...

Beeblebrox237
We'll see, but it might be hard to get a manual for any price. Thoughts on the Mazda 3 SKYACTIV anyone? It's a possibility but my father will require some, er, persuading to look at it. I assume, being a Mazda, that it will be fun to drive.
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^ I don't know about the new Skyactiv, but as what Disinfected stated the base 3 is as bland as a Corolla. If you're considering a 3, get the 3 S (as in Sport).

-> I'd still wait for the EGT. This car is sorting out to be a good kit.

-> But what about the the Kia's (Forte 5-Door & Soul) and a Scion (xB)?

Kia Forte 5-Door
2011%20kia%20forte%205%20door%202.jpg

^ Just like the EGT, this very Forte is based on that Top Gear UK's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car the Euro Spec Kia Cee'd. Its basicallly a 'European Car', reasonably priced, and marginably better looking compared to the Elantra Touring. However, its styling is somewhat bland, somewhat rare, and most of all NO M/T. :indiff:

Scion xB
2012.scion.xb.20378281-300x189.jpg

^ My perfect alernative to a Corolla, Matrix, & Camry within Toyota. It has the utility, the grunt, and that fixed pricing. But it chugs more gas, styling of a dog would love, and probably boring to drive. :indiff:

Kia Soul
kia-soul_460x0w.jpg

^ Just like the xB but way cooler. The full spec'd SX is more affordable than a full-spec'd VeloGDI, roomier than the VeloGDI, and More toys than the xB. But good luck on finding one (high demand factor), Halo Reach design element (not sure if your dad will like it), SX (shown) only comes with A/T. :indiff:


:)
 
Well, my mum really wants a Kia Soul, but we need something with very good mileage. The cars we've already considered get better mileage, and are probably nicer for a long trip on the highway. The tall cars have a larger frontal area, so I would assume more wind noise. The Forte is nice, but the Elantra is better, methinks.
 
That's another downside about the Mazda 3. The wind is incredibly loud going down the highway.
 
Well, we went to the Ford and Hyundai dealerships to look at the Focus, Elantra, and Veloster.
Focus: Worst rear seat legroom of any car I've ever sat in. Less room for my feet than in a Fiat 500.
Veloster: Good car, but when we drove it it was too loud and the ride was not good.
Elantra: We bought one. Yep, it was the last one on the lot, so we traded in our 1995 Saturn SL2 (it's been a great car, we'll miss it) and bought a brand new Blue Sky Metallic Elantra, with a beige interior.

I want to thank all of you for your input and suggestions. It was very helpful and helped us to make our decision. I realise that some of you may wonder why we didn't wait for the Elantra GT, but that was because my father starts his new job next Monday and wanted a nice car for the highway from the start, rather than waiting three months for a bit more luggage space.
 
Good choice. Welcome to the Hyundai side. Get some pictures up!
 
I'll try in a few days. We're going to get the car Monday, as we didn't bring a checkbook this time. We weren't expecting to buy today.
 
Did you sit in 2012 Focus? The rear seat room isn't bad at all. You just can't have the front seats all the way back, which is the same for any car. My dad is 6'3" and he's rode in the back of it for about a two hour drive and said he had plenty of room and he complains about room quite a bit with cars.

And I don't believe for a second it had less room than a 500.
 
Well, I sat in the back myself, with my mother in the front. She felt cramped and my feet could barely move. If i had to sit back there for 2 hours I'd die.
 
-> Good choice on the ESedan, was it the GLS or the Limited? Was there a Elantra Touring left over on the lot too? Sorry for being buggy, I have a sour taste on sedans in general...
 
It's a GLS, with the preferred equipment package. I don't know if there were any tourings on the lot, we didn't check. They're a very different car and don't get good enough mileage. Roomy, though.
 
Currently own the Honda CR-Z CVT w/Nav as daily driver, cummuting 104 miles round-trip. Utillizing econ-mode returns an average of 45 mpg (calculated). Having two other vehicles for family and other duties, facilitates the ownership of the CR-Z for work commutes.
It's a peppy ride, and handles alot better than most compact vehicles, short of the Mazda Miata MX-5. With MPG being well within manufacturers specifications.

For more info about the CR-Z experience, suggested site to patronize is the "CR-Z owners club".

DK...
 
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