Personally, I don't hate it. It merges the BotCon 03 and Cyberverse versions of the character into one mold, which is cool. IMO
However, this is a clear pre-tool of Sideburn. I was hoping for a reshell repaint of the SS86 Hot Rod figure with a new head mold. Since Sideburn has already been G1ified as a Hot Rod repaint. This design though, I think what most people find off putting is, why couldn't the legs be formed out of the car? I know they wanted to give her the shield, but couldn't they have done Siege Hound like legs? (and cleaned up that back kibble?)
That said, I still like this design. If the Sideburn reshelled car mode looks more like his RID01 self, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a BotCon 03 Generation Selects 2 pack of Roulette and Shadow Striker.