If Your Budget Says Midsize but Your Aspirations Long for Large Read On
Last week, parked in my garage, were two very different luxury cars. One, from a brand that typifies German luxury, was the new E500 sedan. The other, from a brand mostly known for its value priced economy cars, was a Hyundai XG350.
If you're not familiar with the XG350, that's probably because it's a fairly rare commodity - at least compared to an Accent or Elantra. After all, up until it debuted in September of 2000 as the 2001 XG 300, the Sonata was the South Korean automaker's largest and most luxurious car.
Other than the upgrade from a 190-hp 3.0-liter V6 with 192 pound feet of torque to a 194 hp 3.5-liter V6 with 216 pound feet of torque, not much has changed with the XG since its debut. Of course the typical refinements that any manufacturer makes to any car have been incorporated, making the 2004 XG a much improved machine over its earliest predecessor.
Styling enhancements specific to 2004 include a new grille, headlights, and air dam with integrated projector fog lamps, plus an updated rear decklid, taillights, bumper and CHMSL (center high-mount stop lamp) in the rear.
Under the skin, upgrades include larger diameter front brake rotors, increased from 10.9 inches to 12.1 inches, standard premium Infinity sound system, rear reading lights, HomeLink, new woodgrain trim, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. Some very practical add-ons include a full-size spare on an alloy rim, gas-operated lifters for rear decklid and a cargo net. Lastly, the XG350 gets new 12-spoke alloy rims.
Last week, parked in my garage, were two very different luxury cars. One, from a brand that typifies German luxury, was the new E500 sedan. The other, from a brand mostly known for its value priced economy cars, was a Hyundai XG350.
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| The 2004 XG350 a much improved machine over its earliest predecessor. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Other than the upgrade from a 190-hp 3.0-liter V6 with 192 pound feet of torque to a 194 hp 3.5-liter V6 with 216 pound feet of torque, not much has changed with the XG since its debut. Of course the typical refinements that any manufacturer makes to any car have been incorporated, making the 2004 XG a much improved machine over its earliest predecessor.
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| The XG's 3.5-liter V6 sports 194 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque, resulting in reasonably quick acceleration. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Under the skin, upgrades include larger diameter front brake rotors, increased from 10.9 inches to 12.1 inches, standard premium Infinity sound system, rear reading lights, HomeLink, new woodgrain trim, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. Some very practical add-ons include a full-size spare on an alloy rim, gas-operated lifters for rear decklid and a cargo net. Lastly, the XG350 gets new 12-spoke alloy rims.