2011 Hyundai Sonata - $16,150

PACIFIC BLUE PEARL

Starts: Thu, Feb 16, 2012

Hyundai has placed longtime best-sellers Honda Accord and Toyota Camry directly in its sites with the all-new Sonata. The Sonata meets or exceeds those models in most respects. With new EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg city, 35 highway, thanks to a new direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, the Sonata has fuel-efficiency and power figures that are both better than most base-model mid-size sedans. The 2011 Sonata is now classified by the EPA as a large car, and has more passenger room than most of its competitors, while it has significantly more trunk space than the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu. The Sonata also wins the category in safety, as it's already been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Warranty continues to be a strong selling point for all Hyundais as well. The Sonata includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years of roadside assistance. The new Sonata lineup is 4-cylinder-only for 2011.This year power comes from an all-new 198-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission option. Buyers who want a manual transmission, it's only available on the base-model GLS. Fuel economy is stellar with either transmission. The manual-transmission model gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 35 highway while the automatic models are capable of 22 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Hyundai credits the engine's direct-injection design as well as improved aerodynamics and an overall curb weight that's lighter than most other mid-size sedans. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also an all-new unit offering a wide span of gear ratios for good performance as well as fuel economy. The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has a rather conventional suspension layout, with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link, independent arrangement in back, along with front and rear stabilizer bars to help bring sporty handling along with a good, well damped ride. All Sonatas are front-wheel drive. GLS and Limited models get low-rolling-resistance tires aimed at improving fuel economy, while the SE gets stickier low-profile tires and a firmer suspension tuning. Appearance-wise, the Sonata is completely new from every angle, inside and out, with a more flowing, curvaceous design throughout (Hyundai calls it Fluidic Sculpture). The new waterfall grill design dips low in front, and a prominent body-side crease flows upward into the rear lights. The interior design "wraps around" the front occupants and flows through to the back, bringing climate-control vents, while the instrument panel itself follows a new, straightforward control layout that puts entertainment and navigation controls up high with large climate controls just below. Front and backseat appointments are plenty spacious for five adults-including enough space for taller adults in back. In addition to the base GLS, two other Sonata automatic-only models of the Sonata are offered: the sporty SE and the especially luxurious Limited. The three models of the Sonata also get quite different interior appointments; lower-level Sonata models get a textured plastic material for the dash and doors, while SE models get more metallic trim and Limited models get woodgrain or piano-black trims. SE models add steering-wheel paddle-shifters and Limited models get a sport-shift mode for the transmission. GLS models get a very generous array of standard equipment, including keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment, steering-wheel controls, power windows, locks, and mirrors and split folding rear seatbacks. SE models add sport seats, leather steering-wheel and shifter trim, and push button start, plus fog lamps, "hyper silver alloy" wheels, performance tires, and a chrome-tipped exhaust. At the top of the range, the Limited gets a long list of additional features, such as a sunroof, heated leather seats (front and back), heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear-seat heat ducts. All Sonata models get a USB stereo interface as well as an iPod connector, plus XM satellite radio and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. A new wide-screen navigation system is optional on the SE and Limited, featuring real-time XM NavTraffic along with weather, stock and sports information. Bluetooth audio streaming capability and 8 gigabytes of flash memory for storing music files are included with the stereo as well. Safety features are strong in the 2011 Sonata. All models get active head restraints for front occupants and include front side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. Hyundai's mid-size Sonata sedan has been completely redesigned for 2011. The new model bears very little resemblance to the previous model and is quite a bit larger, though it hasn't become any heavier. It's also much more fuel-efficient and has a more powerful base engine while doing away with the V6 option. Safety has been improved, as has the Sonata's standard-feature list, while a new-generation entertainment and navigation systems bring Hyundai's mid-size sedan up to the front of the pack for technophiles on a budget. Strong, fuel-efficient engine radically different styling inside and out high-tech communications and entertainment features excellent ride quality roomy interior