Competition is about to really heat up for the Elantra

[bryantest]

It's interesting to note that competition is about to really heat up for the Elantra. 2013 Sentra is rumored to exceed the current Elantra's 40 highway mpg rating. (and equipped with LEDs on the front and back headlamps). and the next-gen CVT that will find itself in the Sentra has been attested by auto journalists that it's NOT a joke like its previous versions.

(think about it. 2013 Altima - using that same next-gen CVT is stated to get 38 mpg highway, certainly the Sentra beating the 40 mpg barrier is definitely possible


There's also the Dodge Dart. I do think think this is the car that will best demonstrate the combine commitment of Fiat and Chrysler towards best in class quality. (and has been getting a lot of initial positive reviews)


I think that for the first time starting late this year, we might actually see some unsold Elantras lying in dealership lots.

Don't think the upcoming redesigned Civic is worth being discussed UNLESS it comes with its GDI engine and CVT.

[OkieRich]

Buy stock in Hyundai and pray a ton of Dodge Darts get sold. If I'm not mistaken Dodge will be installing Hyundai 6-speed transmissions.

[BoyDrone]

Nissan has a long way to go.... in my opinion. Their interior plastics are 10 years too old, similar to GM cars... they arent investing in the right R&D in their cars.

as for the dodge dart, I think thats going to be a good competitor. It looks really nice, and great gas mileage. not sure about the build, but im not a dodgy kind of guy

and the civic... meh, too expensive for what it is... they need to knock off 4-5k off sticker price to be competitive since its a really really small car, it doenst really compete against the Elantra, maybe the Accent? im a 6ft tall dude and that interior is not built for people my size...

but its true, as business goes... you win some, you lose some

[cav.]

When they announced the Dodge Dart, honestly I was astonished as how the car looked. Very non-American! I quite like it And kudos to the design team for making a truly innovative interior!

[travis3000]

^ I still like the exterior of the Elantra much better than the Dart. The interior of the Dart is better than the Cruze and Civic, so kudos for Chrysler for paying attention. I think it will do well. But for my own preferences, the Elantra still is a better looker, and has a few more options. The Dart is also 400 pounds heavier then the Elantra so that extra 12HP won't make a huge difference. I've heard the steering and handling is great which would be the only thing it has up on the Elantra.

[someguy]

Only die hard mopar fans would look at a Dart, there are too many other good cars out right now. I'm sure I will end up renting one sometime in the future though. And the Sentra, do people still buy those? The Altima has been nice for years and priced high and I love the new Maxima but it starts above 30.

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[doug_id]

I think the dart looks ok but a few of the reviews I read said the fuel econ was poor. Even if all other things are equal until somebody else starts matching the hyundai warranty I would still buy the elantra.

[bryantest]

Originally Posted by BoyDrone

Nissan has a long way to go.... in my opinion. Their interior plastics are 10 years too old, similar to GM cars... they arent investing in the right R&D in their cars.

as for the dodge dart, I think thats going to be a good competitor. It looks really nice, and great gas mileage. not sure about the build, but im not a dodgy kind of guy

and the civic... meh, too expensive for what it is... they need to knock off 4-5k off sticker price to be competitive since its a really really small car, it doenst really compete against the Elantra, maybe the Accent? im a 6ft tall dude and that interior is not built for people my size...

but its true, as business goes... you win some, you lose some

I did agree on what you said about Nissan..until I saw the interior pics of the 2013 Altima



Maybe not best in class but definitely class competitive.

[bryantest]

Originally Posted by someguy

Only die hard mopar fans would look at a Dart, there are too many other good cars out right now. I'm sure I will end up renting one sometime in the future though. And the Sentra, do people still buy those? The Altima has been nice for years and priced high and I love the new Maxima but it starts above 30.

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Don't think it's wise to underestimate the value proposition of the Dart. Dodge is going to go hard after those people with enough money to buy a luxury car (just like what Ford did with the 2012 Focus).

Maybe it won't sell well there in Texas....but in California - considering Chrysler (as a whole) sales are up 222% vs last year...it would be nuts to underestimate Dodge.

[Flatland2D]

Originally Posted by bryantest

I did agree on what you said about Nissan..until I saw the interior pics of the 2013 Altima



Maybe not best in class but definitely class competitive.

I'm not seeing it in that picture. It looks bland and old. I'm sold on the sexy curves of the Elantra dash. Just looks more modern.