To say Hyundai, South Korea's largest automaker, is on a roll would be an understatement. Once remembered for bargain-basement-priced vehicles possessing a less-than-quality build, Hyundai worked to blend attractive pricing, quality workmanship and handsome looks with impressive fuel economy numbers. One of the longest powertrain warranties in the business does not hurt either. The newest Sonata proves the point.
Hyundai's latest offering, the all-new 2011 Sonata sedan, represents the vehicle's sixth-generation; and includes all the needed ingredients to challenge segment leader Toyota Camry. It's an inch longer than the previous generation with a wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) stretched 2.6 inches for improved handling and additional interior room. Built at the company's sole U.S. assembly plant in Montgomery Alabama (operational since 2005), Sonata continues with three trims (GLE, SE and Limited). Hyundai also builds the mid-size Santa Fe five-door crossover in Montgomery. In addition, the company has a presence in suburban Chicago, expanding a huge 350,000 square-foot distribution center in Aurora in 2002. The South Korean automaker began selling cars in the United States in 1986.
When delivery to area dealers began in January of 2010, an all-new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine (delivering a more precise air-fuel mixture) listed as the sole powertrain. Horsepower registers 198 or 200 depending on the trim level. With dual exhausts, the SE model (the sporty version of the three trims) qualifies for the higher rating. Fuel numbers average 24 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway with the six-speed manual transmission; some of the best numbers in the mid-size class. Regular 87-octane fuel is all that's required for the 18.5-gallon tank. When matted to the new, lighter six-speed automatic, highway mileage remains the same while city numbers decrease by two.
All trims with automatic transmission feature a manumatic option to manually change forward shift points without a foot clutch, and SE models include steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, although handling and cornering with this Sonata are more subtle, not sporty. Even the sport-tuned suspension our test SE trim glided over bumps rather than attacking them. The last generation Sonata offered both a V-6 and four-cylinder engine, but the four remained the popular choice among shoppers. No V-6 engine or all-wheel drive variants are part of Sonata's 2011 marketing strategy.
Later in the 2010 calendar year, Sonata plans to add a second four-cylinder (turbocharged) engine. In addition, a gas-electric hybrid is on the horizon. It's assisted by a lithium-powered battery pack rather than a nickel-metal hydride version utilized by most gas-electric hybrids currently on the road. The battery is supplied by LG Chem, the same firm building battery technology for the much-hyped Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicle. The hybrid Sonata includes the new 2.4-liter gas engine. Fuel economy is expected in the 37/39 mpg range, not Toyota Prius hybrid numbers which approach 60 mpgs. The trade off is Sonata hybrid's pricing is expected thousands less than the Prius.
Now measuring 189.8 inches in length, the four-door, front-wheel drive Sonata gravitates towards the larger end of the mid-size segment. That's good for folks who enjoy extra leg room in back (enough for three adults) and ample head space.
While styling and engine options upgrade in 2011, pricing remains competitive with one of the lowest starting prices in the segment. Sonata starts under $20,000 at $19,195 for a base GLS with standard six-speed manual transmission. Of the three available trims (GLS, SE and Limited), GLS is the sole offering with standard manual transmission (automatic is optional). Both SE and Limited have the new lighter weight six-speed automatic standard. With high content levels in every trim, Sonata could very easily get by with just two selections. With a six-speed automatic, GLS lists at $20,195. Our SE tester started at $22,595 and when factoring in the Navigation/sunroof package ($2,600) and carpeted floor mats ($100) the bottom line ended up at $26,015 with $720 destination charge.
Designed in California, the 2011 Sonata captures an aggressive, yet family-friendly look the class-leading conservatively-styled Toyota Camry seems to miss. Cat's eye-shaped headlight housing surrounds the smiling-mouth shaped grille (curved on the bottom, straight across along the top) with chrome-like horizontal bars and circular center Hyundai logo. Tail lights wrap around to the side fender from the trunk with a narrow housing in the shape of a boomerang. The cavernous trunk (16.4 cubic feet) is where two pull tabs unlock the 60/40 split rear seatbacks, which fold onto the seat cushion when more cargo options are needed. A fold down arm rest with two more cup holders is also available. The visual belt line on the side of the sedan starts higher at the back end and side doors, before a dipping downward on the front fender.
The modern-looking, visually appealing interior positions knobs and dials logically. Popular items like air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and power doors come standard in all trims. Very few option packages are offered. No rear-entertainment system is available. Sonata smartly locates both the trunk release and fuel release buttons on the left-side dash (not the floor) for easy access. The two tone dash features soft-touch materials, once the sole domain of luxury-branded cars. The instrument panel includes a top sun shade overhang and two circular three-dimensional analog gauges. The small digital circular fuel gauge doubles as the inside center portion of the speedometer, a creative, easy-to-read visual. The center dash top slops gently towards the front driver and passenger. The lower portion serpentine-like design provides ample leg room. The center column includes a low alcove with two plug-in cigarette-lighter-type ports and a plug in for portable electronic devices. Directly above is a drop-down door revealing a long, narrow storage area. Nearby is the floor-mounted transmission, dual in-line cup holders and bi-level storage compartment/arm rest . The foot-operated parking brake (SE and Limited) opens room in between the front bucket seats. Small twist knobs control temperature and fan speed while a push pad monitors fan direction (dual climate zone comes standard in up level Limited). Front wipers activate from the turn signal stalk.
Satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity (allowing electronic gizmos to interact with one another) comes standard in all trims, even base; raising the bar for competitors to follow. Also, the touch screen navigation system is available in all trims. Cloth seating comes standard in GLS while leather seating surfaces adorn Limited. The mid SE trim has a leather outside with cloth center. Side seat bolsters are not as large and wide as in some sportier competitors. Heated front and rear seats are standard only in Limited. All side doors have molded beverage holders.
Sonata's new four-cylinder engine is smoothly quite at highway speeds, with passing power in reserve at speeds above the 60 mile per hour range. Impressive. Front bucket seats were comfortable and supportive during a three-hour trek into central Wisconsin from the Chicago suburbs. Drivers experience minimum blind spots thanks to decent-sized side and rear windows. Firm brakes react swiftly with just a touch of the foot. Sonata now boasts one of tightest turning radiuses in its class, making legal U-turns a snap. Considering it's a four cylinder, the engine remains very quiet at idle and low speeds.
All the usual safety features come standard in all trims including side curtain air bags (both rows), front bucket side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, front and rear crumple zones and 5 mph impact bumpers. Hyundai's powertrain warranty coverage is for 10 years or 100,000 miles, one of the industry's longest.
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