Hyundai-KIA was named manufacturer of the year by British Car Magazine Autocar. And I have no qualms about that as its evident in their products, that Koreans have gone a long way in these 5 years. Once regarded as cheap manufacturers, being perceived alongside Malaysian and China made cars, the Koreans had stated an ambitious goal of becoming the 5th largest manufacturer in the world just a few years back, when everyone was still laughing at their products. Now who's laughing? The Hyundai Genesis beat Lexus GS in a shootout, Kia Cee'd raking up huge sales success in Europe, the Kia Soul that generated huge interest when it was unveiled, and for the first time in 2008, Hyundai-Kia joined the Top 5 manufacturers, beating Honda fair and square by a margin. How times had changed right? Wait still, as Ford now seems an easy target for Hyundai-Kia and who knows perhaps next would be GM dropping behind them?If there're still people doubting this, drop into a KIA or Hyundai showroom and check out their cars, build quality especially, compare a Toyota Vios and KIA Spectra on the quality.
Compare an Accord or Camry with an Optima. The Japs have really been slacking off on panel gaps, fit and finish, paint quality, interior trim gaps, etc.
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