Well-equipped Leganza appeals in looks and value
These days, it's becoming harder and harder to find a suitable family sedan for under $25,000. And if your wants lean more toward luxury, then it's downright impossible.
Therefore, cars such as the Hyundai Sonata and Daewoo Leganza - with their mid-sized interiors and upscale touches - become a godsend when compared to established players such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Leganza is only a year old in Canada, but judging by the number of cars I have seen on the road, it has garnered a loyal following. Endowed with continental good looks and performance to match, Leganza could well become the next Korean import success story.
Daewoo has a good case study from which to learn, in Hyundai, and the Leganza can only benefit from examining the way Sonata has taken a foothold in the North American market.
The Sonata developed from a cheap-looking sedan into an elegant performer, which recently took on Camry in a blind-test and came out ahead in consumer's eyes.
Leganza is already a step ahead of Sonata in that it has the elegant looks right out of the box. But that's where the advantages stop. One can hope it will follow Sonata's lead and blossom into a low-priced jewel, but for now it remains a low-priced zircon.
The two vehicles are almost identical in shape, with equal proportions in the engine/cabin ratio. The Sonata's low-slung rear is noticeably longer, though not necessarily larger, while the Leganza's rear haunches add a flavour of muscularity to its wedge profile (Sonata's profile is more neutral in its balance). We found both styles attractive, perhaps giving the edge to Sonata.
Unlike Sonata's smooth V-6 power, Leganza makes do with a 2.2-litre, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder. It makes more than enough power (131 hp at 5,200 rpm) but it does so in a noisy manner.
Everyday cruising, even at normal rev ranges, is noisy and rough. There is marked intrusion in the passenger cabin, which makes the occupants carry on conversations at above-average levels. The noise level gets especially annoying at higher speeds, getting near unbearable at 120 km/h.
Power delivery to the front wheels is entrusted to a four-speed automatic that does a half-decent job at seamless shifting. However, downshifts are hard to entice, which gets frustrating on a two-lane road when passing manoeuvres need to be crisp and quick. Fuel economy of 10.1 L/ 100 km is a disappointment for a small engine.
The ride is firm, with noticeable thump over everyday ruts and bumps. That's usually indicative of a well-handling sedan, but in this case it's just unrefined. Part of the blame must go to the dual-link rear suspension - surprising since suspension tuning was entrusted to Lotus, which has done a terrific job on its own production and race cars, as well as early '90s Isuzu cars.
The speed-sensitive power-assisted steering is direct, making the Leganza easy to point and manoeuvre in parking lots or at higher speed on switchback roads. The only drawback is a turning circle that feels to large for the car, taking the better part of four lanes to execute a U-turn.
Leganza is marginally smaller than Sonata, but eclipses its compatriot in overall legroom and rear-seat width, despite Sonata's greater overall width and larger wheelbase. Headroom is sort of tight all around, which wouldn't usually impact our rear-seat passengers (8-year-old Ryan and 2-year-old Raechelle) but is noticeable if I were to ride back there.
The seat position itself is fine, with plenty of thigh support for longer legs, though small children have to slide forward slightly to ensure mucky sandals stay off the finely-crafted, leather seatbacks. Despite the rear- seat cushion's side bolsters, it accommodated Raechelle's car seat in near flatness, though the position of the belt buckle made it awkward to reach and secure with one hand.
The multi-way adjustable driver's seat made tailoring a driving position a breeze for either Sue or I. And we were both able to quickly get comfortable and get on the road.
The interior refinement is not there. The fake wood trim pieces are obviously plastic and the seat contours are overly flat front-to-back (though there are generous bolsters on the cushions and seatbacks). The atmosphere itself is warm and inviting, with our test CDX's rich leather enveloping the seats, door trims and steering wheel and various lever handles.
The trunk is large enough to carry a couple of golf bags, and easily accommodated a cooler, blankets, towels, toys, changes of clothing, folding lawn chairs and whatever else we needed for a day's getaway to the beach. A week's worth of groceries is comfortably housed for the short trip to the pantry.
Overall, I can't say we were displeased with the Leganza CDX. It is, after all, a $24,000 car. And fully equipped, at that, with items that would easily send a $22,000 Accord through the $30,000 mark. And if this is where it starts, it will only get much better.
Considering all its standards, it is pretty good value for the family dollar. And a good looker, to boot. Keep in mind that this isn't a luxury car, and you won't be disappointed.
-from the Toronto Sun's DriverSource
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