Base price: $24,500 (est); L, $26,000 (est)
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 57/46/15
Wheelbase 108.3 in
Length/width/height 191.5/71.9/55.9 in
Turning circle 36.1 ft
Curb weight 3600 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 19/27
Fuel-tank capacity/range 18.5 gal/352 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6, 194 hp; 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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HYUNDAI XG350
This is Hyundai’s top-of-the-line sedan and, for 2003, it remains unchanged. Its 3.5-liter V-6 puts out a healthy 194 horsepower and makes this sedan quite competitive in its class as far as performance is concerned. The XG350 has an unequal-length control-arm front suspension (instead of a cheaper strut arrangement) and a multilink rear suspension. Though this is a modern design, the XG350’s ride is not especially compliant, and its handling is vague at the limit. But the body structure feels solid. So, perhaps all it needs is just some fine-tuning of the suspension. Otherwise, this car is well equipped and has one of the longest warranties in the business. Though it may not be quite ready to take on the Acura TL or the Lexus ES300, it might tempt a few Honda Accord or Toyota Camry shoppers. The Hyundai XG350 is scheduled for a face lift in 2004.
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