The power actuated front seats are reasonably comfortable, offering heated cushions - necessary with standard leather seats. Also, I could have used more lumbar and lateral support, as I don't particularly like sliding around on slick leather surfaces while negotiating a fast turn.
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| The interior of the XG looks good but isn't finished off quite as nicely as premium luxury cars, but of course it also costs about half the price. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
On that last note the XG isn't exactly what I would refer to as a drivers' car, or at least not an enthusiasts' car. It handles the curves well, along with the usual body lean and nose plowing understeer when driven aggressively associated with cars set up to coddle occupants in comfort rather than exhilarate them in the high-speed slalom. To be totally fair, most XG
buyers don't opt for the car because of its sporting nature, but more so for a comfortable ride and reasonably adept handling when called upon. To that, it delivers.
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| The XG is set up to coddle occupants in comfort rather than exhilarate them in the high-speed slalom. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
It sprints away from the line fairly well too, with an initial surge of power that makes it feel truly quick. Power tapers off toward the upper rev ranges, so it's best to go for a smooth takeoff by keeping the revs lower in the 3.5-liter engine's range rather than attempt to use the "Shiftronic" manual shift mode to hold it in gear all the way up to redline. Manual mode is great for keeping control through the corners mind you, but again the XG likes to take advantage of its generous torque so keep the revs at reasonable levels and you'll actually make better speed.
My one big complaint with the XG is in the styling department. If viewed from behind initially, its distinctive upscale design becomes a bit of a letdown when passing by its profile and finally ending up staring at its nondescript front end. The grille, despite being updated for 2004, could be from any mid-90s domestic luxury car, with most onlookers mistaking it for a midsize Lincoln Continental. And this from an automaker that gives us the superb looking, extremely distinctive Sonata?
