Test Drive Hyundai XG 2003 - 2005 Sedan

Great conspirator

Hyundai XG300.
Released since 1998, upgraded at the end of 2002. Completed with gasoline engines V6 (2.5; 3.0 and 3.5 liters) and automatic four- and five-speed gearboxes. In option 2.5 liters, installation of a manual gearbox is possible.
In Russia since 2003, Hyundai XG is supplied with 2.5 liters engines, 123 kW / 167 hp. and 3.0 l, 134 kW / 184 hp, only with automatic transmission.
The price of XG250 - $ 33 990, XG300 - $ 36,990.

Few learn from his first glance, and even less elected identify the newly upgraded machine. A large sedan with a strict chrome-plated grille of the radiator as intentionally deprived of the signature emblem in front. Only on the trunk lid, detect the emblem and the designation of the model. Yes, it is Hyundai XG300, but why such a conspiracy?

Learn on yourself
If we talk impartially, there is a regular facelifting: new bumpers, headlamps and lights, trunk lid, moldings, finishing materials and electrical adjustments. Even - a little other suspension settings and additional equipment. However, as applied to Hyundai XG300, supplied to Russia, it is not necessary to talk about additional equipment. The buyer provides only the choice of body color and interior decoration. The principle is all inclusive to the rest - the package equipment provides for the almost complete set - from the leather upholstery, wooden finishes and heating the front seats to the electrical adjustment of the steering wheel and the chandger on eight CDs. For completeness of the kit, a sliding / lifting hatch with electric drive, cruise control, rain sensor, light-alloy 16-inch wheels and an automatically darkened rear-view mirror.
Holding comfortable handles, you can wide open the doors. Delighted usual frames of glasses, they look quite elegantly, despite the massiveness. The internal dimensions of the car are rather big, but the seat adjustment limits immediately indicate the national affiliation. A large driver whose height is above 190 cm is fully combined, it is unlikely to get a lot of comfort - there is still a lot of space, and to push the seat further or below.
In the business class, the expanse of the back is no less important than ahead. Hyundai XG300 offers a full-fledged triple seat, on which three completely solid passengers will be comfortable. For two services, the armrest with cup holders is also guaranteed a great start by friendly or business conversation. The heating / air conditioning module is equipped with its own fan driven from the driver's console.
By the way, there are some complaints to work climatic installation. Being generally effective enough, it causes to overestimate the temperature values. And the absence of separate for the driver and the right passenger of climate control management is rather marketing rather than real missions.
The interior decoration with wood and skin is a traditional privilege of large sedans. To the quality of execution in Hyundai XG300 is difficult to find fault, but to the selection of materials, Korean designers reacted very carefully. The wooden panels under the matte varnish are not glared and look great in the photo, but in life they seem dim and plywood, and the lattices of the front high-frequency speakers and fall out of the overall style. In the same row - savings on the design of the dashboard and built-in audio engineering. There is no complaints about the convenience and readability, but superfluous standardization gives them a cheap view. Running and on-board computer - just three functions: the time from the beginning of the way, the average speed and reserve of the stroke. And where is the average and instant fuel consumption? It's a pity...

City and highway
In the urban streets, the impressive dimensions of Hyundai XG300 do not interfere, although they are felt. Thanks to the good visibility to maneuvering in the cramped conditions, it would still not hurt the parking sensor. The three-liter gasoline motor with a very moderate time for the current times is capable of combined with a smoothly operating five-speed automaton to vigorously accelerate a 1.7-ton car, without becoming noise to the driver and passengers. Similarly, confidently and quietly - the suspension filters the shocks from road irregularities. But its possibilities are limited: truly serious potholes respond severely and unexpectedly loudly.
Duet Engine-Box gear has earned the most flattering assessments and on country highways: clear, fast switching without jerks even in full throttle and instant readiness to include reduced gear (third instead of fifth) before overtaking. However, a distiller machine sometimes has time to stick even the second. So the desire to use the manual switching mode may occur except on the protracted descent.
Nevertheless, the dominant feature of Hyundai XG300 is not a dynamics, but comfort. Dynamics - just an application required for smooth, but quickly moving. The sound of the engine up to high revolutions is practically not heard, the aerodynamic noises up to 160 km / h do not bother, the suspension on relatively smooth roads work flawlessly.
Similarly, the balance is stability - handling is clearly shifted in favor of the first. Since the front axle of the equipped machine accounts for more tons, the lack of adhesion leading wheels are not experiencing, but the ability to quickly change the direction of movement is sacrificed.
At the slippery coating, Hyundai XG300 demonstrates typical front-wheel drive behavior - it is possible to send it to all wheels with all the wheels with a swing or using the engine braking with a disabled anti-test system.
On the asphalt, the habits of the machine are changing - as the side accelerations increases, the rear multi-dimensional suspension is noticeable. In high-speed turns on non-slip coatings, Hyundai XG300 will be more accurate, but takepoint devices at the limit - not his element. Soft, comfortable suspensions are not able to extinguish the star on the irregularities. Because of this, the exact control of the trajectory becomes difficult.

Taste and color
Do not deny yourself in comfort and at the same time not to attract unnecessary attention - a difficult task. Those when choosing a car have to be guided by this approach, Hyundai XG300 is quite suitable, especially taking into account an impressive guarantee - 5 years or 120 thousand km of run. Yes, and the price, at first glance, not bad. Why then hyundai xg300 is infrequently found on the roads? The answer is simple - because Toyota Camry V6 is only $ 1500 more expensive ...
Hönde's desire to play the highest league is obviously, and there will be no newcomer in it. Although even the car, in fact, five years ago shows quite good results - this is an application for success, let it be in the next generation.

SUMMARY
+ Quiet and spacious salon, high quality finishes, comfortable suspension, good speaker, big ground clearance, moderate price, long warranty.
- Insufficient suspension energy intensity, fixed equipment, anonymous appearance.
 
Anatoly Fomin. Photo: George Sadkov

A source: Journal "Behind the wheel"