The only constant is change and Hyundai regroups to stay ahead of the curve

Make a good car great . . . and don’t wait.

That attitude at Hyundai is what’s driving the 2009 Sonata sedan, a car that represents the Korean automaker’s determination to match – even surpass – the rest of the pack in delivering a competent product at an uncommon price.

The previous Sonata, introduced for the 2006 model year, was lauded for its cavernous interior volume and generous load of standard features. Still, the car had had to slog it out in the trenches with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord, to name just some of the biggies in the family-sedan business. Most are well-established players that only grudgingly yield ground to underdogs, and not without a scrap.

As a lesson in fast response, Hyundai has quickly revamped the Sonata in mid product cycle by freshening the styling, updating the powertrains and suspension, and giving the interior a more luxurious feel.

Visually, the updated car pretty much mirrors the 2008 version, but it does benefit from a bolder grille, restyled headlights and taillamps, new wheels and available chrome inserts on the front bumper. Inside, an all-new dashboard and control panel has been fitted and the seats have been reshaped for more comfort.

With these changes, the Sonata now looks considerably more refined, especially from the driver’s perspective. Apparently Hyundai’s stylists used the dash design from the big Veracruz sport utility vehicle as inspiration and it works especially well here. The rest of the cabin remains as spacious as ever and the Sonata easily hangs onto its official “large car” designation, which is the same as the new-for-’08 Accord sedan and ahead of the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder now puts out 175 horsepower, a bump of 13, while the output of the optional 3.3-liter V6 has been boosted by 15 ponies to 249 horsepower. Despite these increases, the fuel efficiency rating on both engines has been increased to the point where the Sonata matches, or in some cases actually surpasses the fuel-sipping champ Honda Accord. In fairness, the Accord still beats the Sonata to the punch when it comes to horsepower ratings.

The base five-speed manual transmission is back, while a new five-speed automatic is optional on four-cylinder models (a four-speed auto was the only choice for four-cylinder cars) and standard with the V6.

The car’s on-road behavior hasn’t been ignored, either. The front suspension has been revised for improved ride and handling, while the rear suspension is all new. In addition, the SE model now gets its own stiffer sport-tuned setup that complements its bigger 17-inch wheels and tires. During our brief road test that included plenty of undulating rural roads, both standard and sport suspensions behaved in a controlled fashion, but our pick would be the SE, which feels more adept when performing rapid turning maneuvers. All models now benefit from a quicker steering ratio.

Unchanged are the Sonata’s three models: GLS; SE; and Limited. All are equipped with the basics, including air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, keyless remote entry, power windows, mirrors and locks, six-speaker audio system and a complete range of safety gear.

Along with its own suspension settings, the SE adds a B&M-brand sport shifter, fog lights, chrome window moldings, alloy wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat, trip computer and a telescopic steering column with steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The premium Limited is topped out with climate control, leather interior, power sunroof, 360-watt sound system, bodyside moldings plus additional chrome trim.

All of the mid-cycle changes bestowed on the 2009 Sonata have made an already competent sedan even more desirable and sets it on course to become an even better value, especially when stacked up against the rest of the sedan-class heavy hitters.

What you should know: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive full-size sedan.

Engines: 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder (175 hp); 3.3-liter DOHC V6 (249 hp).

Transmissions: Five-speed manual (I4 only); five-speed automatic (opt. on I4, standard on V6).

Market position: With the growing popularity of sedans, the updated Sonata stands to gain new ground against a variety of equally new-and-improved category leaders.

Points: * Updated Sonata should easily hold its own until a 2011 redesign. * Improvements in horsepower and fuel economy on all versions. * Passenger, trunk space beats nearly everything in its class. * Suspension improvements readily noticeable. * When, if ever, will Hyundai develop a gas/electric hybrid alternative? * One of the best warranties in the business.

Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 22/32 (I4, MT); Base price: $18,800 (including destination)

By comparison

Chevrolet Malibu

Base price: $20,000

Plenty of style and space plus improved comfort, handling.

Toyota Camry

Base price: $19,200

Popular, roomy sedan features attractive styling, hybrid option.

Honda Accord

Base price: $21,000

New-for-’08 sedan and coupe are stylish and fuel efficient.

Malcolm Gunn
Wheelbase Communications

The Sonata is a worthy competitor, in the mid-sized sedan class, to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Considering how far Hyundai has come, it’s hard to imagine that the Korean company has only been selling cars in the United States since 1986, starting out with just one model: The cheap little Excel, based on an already out-of-date design the company bought from Mitsubishi.

In 1989, Hyundai added a larger model to the mix, the Sonata, which had a base price of $9,695. Those of us who have been in this business long enough can remember how Hyundai tried, and failed, to get some details right with that car: I recall writing that, for whatever reason, the optional leather interior smelled a lot more like fish than cowhide.

Twenty years later, we get a new Hyundai Sonata, and it is — and has been for some time now — an entirely worthy competitor for the twin powerhouses in the mid-sized sedan category, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The price has gone up from that original $9,695: The base 2009 Sonata, the GLS model, starts at a still-reasonable $18,120, and the model we tested, the loaded, top-of-the-line Limited, starts at $25,670, and with shipping and options that included a navigation system, the total list price was $27,685.

And this must be said: The leather interior smells like leather.

The 2009 Sonata has been mildly restyled on the outside, with a major makeover inside. The interior, not a strong point with previous Sonatas, is now on par with anything in the class. Instruments and controls look and feel right, front and rear seats are roomy and comfortable.

The base engine on the Sonata remains a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but now has 175 horsepower, 13 more than the 2008 model. Transmission is a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The 3.3-liter V-6, standard in the Limited, now has 249 horsepower, up from 234, and comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission. Even so, mileage is pretty good at an EPA-rated 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway on regular gasoline. The four-cylinder with the automatic transmission is rated at an impressive 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. Before gas topped $4 a gallon, I would have suggested the V-6, but there’s nothing wrong with the Sonata’s four-cylinder.

On the road, the Sonata Limited has a very soft ride, a bit plush for my taste, but it still manages to corner with some authority. Steering feel is very light, to the point of being numb — Hyundai could take a lesson from Honda here.

Otherwise, it seems Hyundai has taken a lot of lessons from both Honda and Toyota, matching them in styling and build quality. The 2009 Sonata was designed in the United States, manufactured in Hyundai’s Alabama plant, and is clearly targeted at the American consumer. And it’s a bulls-eye.

Steven Cole Smith | Automotive Editor

OrlandoSentinel.com/gasgauge

Hyundai has it’s work cut out for it.

I has to get people to notice its midsize Sonata sedan when its rivals are established favorites: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion.

And all have had new versions since the 2006 model year, including some hybrids.

With much formidable competition, you can easily get lost in the crowd. That’s why Hyundai has performed cosmetic surgery on the 2009 Sonata that’s in showrooms now. It gets a new front end and a cabin makeover. And the next generation is due for the 2011 model year.

The midsize Sonata is assembled in Montgomery, Ala., along with the Santa Fe SUV.

No complaints about mileage. Hyundai had the third best fleet mileage rating last year (22.7 m.p.g.) behind only Honda (22.9) and Toyota (22.8).

No gripes about price, either. Hyundai always loads its cars with standard equipment, such as stability control with traction control.

For 2009 Sonata goes upscale. It’s offered in SE, GLS and Limited versions with a choice of V-6 for performance or 4-cylinder for mileage. We tested a 4-cylinder Limited.

Sonata owners had asked for is a little more punch when leaving the light or pulling out to pass. In other words, a little more fun. So Hyundai tweaked the 2.4-liter 4 and 3.3-liter V-6, to develop 175 and 249 horsepower, respectively.

Both also are quieter than the engines they replace. The 4 groans a bit when pushed hard, but it doesn’t sound as if gasping for breath. Changes in transmission shift points make Sonata feel that much zippier leaving the light or taking the passing lane.

Michael Deitz, manager of product planning for Hyundai, said one of the goals was to have the car get the mileage listed on the window sticker, not just come close. Of course, the EPA changing its testing procedures to achieve the same thing hasn’t hurt.

Mileage rises to 22 m.p.g. city and 32 m.p.g. highway on the 4 from 21/30 for 2008, and 19 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway in the V-6, 1 m.p.g. more on the highway.

The suspension is softly sprung to minimize bumps filtering into the cabin. It helps that seats are not only well cushioned, but also longer and wider and lean back 2 more degrees to relieve pressure on back and thighs. Side bolsters aren’t real large, but Sonata isn’t designed for darting into and out of corners. It is more a pamperer with its smoothness and quietness. The suspension is firmer on the sporty SE for a focus on handling.

Stability control with traction control is standard on all models to keep you in contact with the road and prevent unplanned detours from a straight line.

In addition to packing more punch, Sonata pays more attention to the cabin. Good fits and finishes without glaring gaps. Textured dash and door coverings as well as nicely textured leather seats provide a fashionable and luxury look.

The cabin is roomy and comfortable. Very nice head, leg and arm room in the back seat, where a pull-down armrest offers two cupholders. The trunk is very large. A small plastic tray in the corner can keep a can of pop from sliding around, but would be nice if it were big enough to hold a gallon of milk or two like the Toyota Corolla does.

Rear seat backs fold so you can slip packages from the trunk into the cabin, but the small opening limits what you can slip through.

Nice touches include covered cubbyholes in the dash to hold CDs or cell phones, rich-looking and eye-friendly blue backlighting on gauges at night, dark carpeting to conceal ugly shoe marks and a USB port and power plug under the center armrest and another power plug in the console.

Sonata Limited starts at $23,970 and much of the charm comes from the fact it’s loaded: side-curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes; 17-inch, all-season, radials; alloy wheels; fog lights; power tilt and slide sunroof; AM/FM XM radio with CD player; keyless entry; leather (heated front) seats; power driver’s seat; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; dual automatic temperature control; and power windows/locks/mirrors. Only option on the test car was carpeted mats at $90.

Excellent looks, room, comfort, mileage and price along with very good performance.

A gas/electric version would help it keep up with the pack. Hyundai is mum but you have to suspect with the new model coming for 2011, a hybrid may be too.

Jim Mateja – Chicago Tribune
June 22, 2008

Hyundai hopes its revamped, bargain-priced Sonata sedan can compete with category leaders like the Camry, Accord, and Malibu

Up Front

Quick, name the No. 4 imported car brand in the U.S., after Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Kudos if you guessed Hyundai, the Korean company that displaced Volkswagen (VOWG) for the No. 4 spot back in 2002, and that has been gradually raising its U.S. market share (currently about 3%) ever since.

Now, quick, what’s arguably Hyundai’s biggest problem in the U.S. market? A cigar to those who fingered the Sonata sedan, the company’s top-selling model. Despite an excellent price, the Sonata’s sales fell 2.6%, to 145,568, last year, and then fell 12.4%, to 35,432, in the first four months of this year. The Sonata’s main competitors are all doing far better as consumers downsize from SUVs to more fuel-efficient family cars:

* Toyota Camry: sales up 5.2%, to 473,108, last year, and up 1.3%, to 147,018, in the first four months of this year.

* Honda Accord: sales up 10.3%, to 392,231, last year and about flat at 122,430 through April of this year.

* Nissan Altima: sales up 22.5%, to 284,762, last year, and up 8.6%, to 99,037, through April of this year.

* Ford Fusion: sales of Ford’s midsize sedan up 4.9%, to 149,552, last year, and up 6%, to 55,109, through April of this year.

* Chevy Malibu: sales were down 21.7%, to 128,312, last year but have soared as the redesigned and much improved 2008 Malibu has caught on with consumers. General Motors reported Malibu sales were up 22.5%, to 59,133, through April of this year.

Little wonder Hyundai has given the Sonata a major facelift for 2009, even though the model was fully redesigned only two years ago. The question now is whether the improvements will be enough to lure shoppers away from the car’s many attractive rivals.

Certainly the 2009 Sonata’s price is competitive–all the more impressive because the car is, too. Pricing starts at $18,795 for a basic GLS with the four-cylinder engine and a stick shift, rising to $26,335 for a Limited with a V6 and a five-speed automatic. Plus, Hyundai is offering $1,500 cash rebates on the new model through June 2, and an additional $500 off for buyers who already own a Hyundai.

At that low price, the 2009 Sonata comes crammed with standard features. Even the base model comes with front, side, and side curtain air bags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, heated power outside mirrors, power windows, doors and door locks, a CD player, a satellite radio antenna and iPod connection, and a tilting steering wheel.

The SE, the Sonata I test-drove at a Hyundai press conference, is the sporty version. It has 17-in. alloy wheels and performance tires, as well as upgraded cloth and leather upholstery and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The fancy Limited has 17-in. alloy wheels with all-season tires, plus extra chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, a premium sound system, wood-grain trim, and two-level heated front seats.

The Sonata’s two available engines are also peppier. The four-cylinder in the 2009 Sonata is rated at 175 horsepower, 13 more than before, and the 3.3-liter V6 at 249 hp, 15 more than before. A five-speed stick shift is standard; a five-speed automatic is standard on the Limited and optional on the less fancy SE and GLS.

Even so, the Sonata now leads its main competitors in fuel economy. Powered by the smaller engine, the Sonata is rated to get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway–a tad better than its major rivals equipped with a comparable engine. The V6-powered Sonata is rated to get 19/29, which matches the comparable Accord, beats the Camry by a smidgeon, and the other rivals by more than a smidgeon.

The 2009 Sonata also has excellent safety ratings. It scored the top Five Star rating in both front and side crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earned the top “Good” rating in frontal offset crash tests and an “Acceptable” rating in side impact tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The big negative about the Sonata, at least for me, is its bland and forgettable exterior styling. Designers gave the model a more aggressive-looking grille and larger headlights, but that’s about it. Don’t expect the 2009 Sonata to be easy to find in a crowded parking lot, or to turn heads when you’re tooling around the neighborhood.

Also, if you want a car with a youthful image, the Sonata isn’t the model for you. The average age of Sonata buyers is 53, six years older than the average for midsize family sedans generally, according to the Power Information Network (PIN). The youth vote goes to the Nissan Altima, whose average buyer is only 43.

Behind the Wheel

The big improvements in the Sonata are in its interior. The Honda Accord still has the nicest cabin in the segment, in my opinion, but Hyundai has done a lot to further adapt the Sonata to American tastes (and plus-size rear ends). In the 2009 model, the front seats are wider and have longer cushions than before. The center stack is much more elegant-looking and flows nicely into the dash. The blue instrument lighting is attractive. The textured and matte finish on the aluminum interior trim is upscale looking, and wood-grain trim and leather upholstery add a touch of elegance to the Limited.

The Sonata’s total interior volume of 121.7 cu. ft. is greater than that of the Accord, Camry, Altima, and Malibu, Hyundai says. There’s a ton of headroom in both the front and rear seats. Legroom is excellent in the front seat and adequate in back. The Sonata’s 16.3-cu.-ft. trunk is the biggest in its class, and the rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 pattern to create extra hauling space.

In the V6-powered Sonata, acceleration from a dead stop is good, and there’s plenty of oomph at highway speed. Punch the gas at, say, 55 miles per hour, and the car jumps. However, the Sonata doesn’t handle especially well. The steering feels too light and a little wobbly. There’s too much play.

Also, the supposedly sporty SE isn’t very sporty. The manual shifting function isn’t fast or tight. My test SE also had a smooth, Detroit-style ride. If anything, like the ride in Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV, it felt a little boatlike. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because a smooth, soft ride is what many shoppers want. But if sportiness is important to you, the Sonata SE is no match for rivals such as the V6-powered Malibu, which has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, emits a dull throb when you push the engine, and which Edmunds.com has clocked in 6.6 seconds in accelerating from 0 to 60 mph. The two-door coupe versions of the Accord and Altima are also much sportier than the Sonata.

Buy it or Bag It?

Hyundai’s pitch for the 2009 Sonata is that it’s an alternative to compact cars for consumers looking for excellent fuel economy at a low price. The 2009 Sonata’s average selling price is just $19,985, according to PIN. Among its major competitors, only the 2008 Ford Fusion, at an average of $19,566, is cheaper. However, the Sonata has a fuel economy advantage over the Fusion: The four-cylinder Sonata is rated to average 25 mpg (vs. 23 for the equivalent Fusion), and the six-cylinder version gets 22 (vs. 21 for the Fusion).

The Sonata’s other main rivals all average at least $2,000 more. The 2009 Camry goes for an average of $22,106, according to PIN, the 2008 Chevy Malibu for $22,101, and the 2008 Altima for $22,697. By far the most expensive model in the group is the 2008 Honda Accord at $24,280.

The bottom line is that if a low price is your main concern, test-drive the Sonata against the Fusion. If you can afford to pay a bit more, test-drive the Accord, Camry, Malibu, or Altima before buying a Sonata. For one reason or another, I prefer all four of those models to the Hyundai. The new Accord is my favorite of the bunch. But the 2009 Sonata is a heck of a bargain, especially at its current price.

The Good: Low price, many standard features, improved interior and fuel economy

The Bad: Anonymous exterior styling, lack of sportiness

The Bottom Line: Much improved, but still mainly a value purchase

by Thane Peterson
Business Week

Market is those seeking an affordable, feature-packed car

The 2009 mid-size Hyundai Sonata has been improved, inside and out, and seems perfect for Mr. and Mrs. Middle America.

The new five-seat Sonata is pretty much a competent “transportation special” — not a car bought for much driving enjoyment. It has slightly freshened front/rear styling that gives it an upscale, if slightly generic, Asian car look — besides a redesigned interior and revised suspension.

South Korea’s Hyundai also significantly increased power of the front-wheel-drive Sonata’s sophisticated four-cylinder and V-6 engines while increasing fuel economy.

Horsepower of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder jumps from 162 to 175 while estimated city mpg goes up 1-2 mpg to 22 city and 32 highway with either the five-speed manual or five-speed (up from a four-speed) automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.

Horsepower of the 3.3-liter V-6 — sold only with the automatic — is increased from 234 to 249. Estimated city fuel economy stays the same at 19 mpg but rises from 28 to 29 on highways.

The Sonata comes as the base GS, sportier SE and top-line Limited. Prices range from $18,120 to $25,670, with the SE starting at $20,520 and the Limited beginning at $23,970. All models come with either the four-cylinder or V-6.

As is the case with most of its vehicles, Hyundai packs the Sonata with standard features. Even the entry GLS has air conditioning, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, tilt wheel, split-folding rear seat and power heated mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety items include front-side and curtain-side air bags, anti-skid and traction control and anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist for surer stops.

The SE has a sport-tuned suspension with a modified five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch (up from 16-inch) alloy wheels with all-season performance tires, rear spoiler and special seats with leather bolsters, power driver’s seat and telescoping wheel with audio controls. The SE V-6 version adds dual chrome exhaust tips.

The Limited adds a power sunroof, leather seats, automatic climate control, heated front seats and an upscale sound system. It also has chrome-insert body moldings and door handles for a extra flash. A $1,250 navigation system is the only option, besides the V-6. I tested the Limited with the smooth V-6, which ups the price from $23,970 to $25,670.

The more “mature” Limited deletes the SE’s rather worthless rear spoiler, but also the firmer sport suspension — and that leaves the car with a rather mushy ride that average car buyers probably would call “comfortable,” although it allowed sharp bumps to be felt on area expressways.

Steering was quick but had a rather rubbery feel. General handling was good, thanks partly to the all-independent suspension, but this isn’t a car you’d want to push too hard. The brake pedal has a nice linear action.

The SE no doubt feels more athletic, if only because of its sport suspension. But most Sonata buyers probably won’t opt for that model because the Sonata doesn’t attract sporty minded buyers. Rather, it’s designed to mostly draw those who want an affordable, feature-packed car with a smooth, quiet ride and good fuel economy.

And the Sonata has Hyundai’s warranty, which is one of the best in the business, with 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty protection.

The V-6 provides good merging and 65-75 mph passing, and the automatic transmission is responsive. It’s called “Shifttronic,” which sounds like something an American automaker would call an automatic in the 1950s. The four-cylinder won’t make the Sonata as spirited as the V-6, but it has enough power and (also increased) torque to provide decent acceleration.

It’s never a struggle to get in or out, with easily grasped door handles and wide door openings. The redone interior shines, with such things as blue backlit gauges in a refined instrument panel and large, supportive front seats. The new front center console has nicely placed cupholders and lots of storage areas. However, sound system and climate controls should be larger.

Rear-seat room is especially good, although the center of the backseat is too stiff for long trips and is best left to the fold-down center armrest with two cupholders. Rear windows roll down all the way.

The trunk is large but has a rather high opening. The lid is lined and raises smoothly on struts, as does the hood. Folding rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.

The Sonata offers lots of value for the money, especially when compared to its more costly Japanese rivals.

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA

* Prices: $18,120-$25,670

* Likes: Higher fuel economy. More power. Revised styling and interior refinements. Well-equipped.

* Dislikes: Average ride and handling for most models. Small sound system and climate controls. High trunk opening.

July 5, 2008
BY DAN JEDLICKA Chicago Sun-Times Auto Editor

If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative to the popular Japanese midsize sedans, Hyundai has a suggestion: How about the redesigned 2009 Sonata?

Priced generally about $3,000 less than a comparably equipped Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the newest Sonata offers the same kind of comfort, convenience, fuel economy and performance as those more expensive sedans, yet a price that seems more in line with what consumers need in an economic downturn: more value for the money.

And choosing a Sonata over one of those Japanese models doesn’t mean you have to give up anything just to save money. The Sonata is every bit as nice as an Accord or Camry, and maybe even better, in some critics’ estimation.

For instance, Ward’s Auto World magazine gave the new Sonata its 2009 “Interior of the Year” award in the category of “Best Redesign,” quite an honor for the South Korean automaker.

“This award is particularly gratifying for our team, who started with a world-class car, listened to customer feedback telling us they wanted an improved interior, and went to work to make the 2009 Hyundai Sonata stand up and stand out against every other car in its class,” Dan Vivian, Hyundai Motor America’s director of design engineering, said in an announcement about the award.

It’s an all-American redesign: The work was done at Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. in Michigan. The 2009 Sonata was the Hyundai product program led by the North American design team, the company said.

The car is built here, too — at Hyundai’s plant near Montgomery, Ala.

While this is not a complete redesign of the Sonata — the exterior remains much as it was for 2008 — the interior is entirely new.

“The focus of the redesign of the 2009 Sonata was on the interior, where Hyundai’s designers re-crafted the cabin area to create an upscale ambience for the driver and passengers,” the company said in its description of the work that led to the Ward’s honor.

The new instrument panel “borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz crossover utility vehicle,” the automaker said. The Veracruz was an all-new vehicle for 2008.

“We were inspired by the beautiful forms of the interior in the Veracruz and challenged to deliver comparable design execution in the mainstream Sonata,” said Chris Zarlenga, chief of the Michigan design studio. “Great design does not have to cost a great deal of money to the company or the customer.”

The interior is quite elegant, and it’s functional, as well. My only real complaint was with the driver’s side seat cushion, which was too short for my thighs, and as a result was a bit uncomfortable for me. I never rode on the passenger side, but it’s the same bucket seat, so the problem would be duplicated there. Some cars now have adjustable seat-cushion lengths, a perfect fix for this nuisance.

Rear-seat passengers who rode with me in the new Sonata said they were comfortable, and they had sufficient legroom as long as the front seats weren’t all the way back on their tracks.

The Sonata’s roomy interior is on par with large sedans such as the Toyota Avalon. Hyundai notes that the car’s interior volume actually qualifies it as a “large car” under the EPA’s classification system.

There is a large trunk, as well. Its 16.3 cubic feet is more space than in the trunks of key competitors, including the Accord, Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.

The audio system is ready for your iPod or other MP3 player, with an auxiliary input jack. But it also has a USB port in the center console storage compartment, which allows for playing of MP3 music files directly from a jump drive and for charging the iPod and other devices that can recharge via a computer’s USB port. I found this helpful in recharging the battery in my mini-HD camcorder.

When an iPod or other MP3 device is attached to the USB port, tracks can be selected using the controls on the Sonata’s steering wheel. The information that shows up on the iPod’s screen is shown on the car’s audio-system screen. This will keep you from looking down at and fumbling with the iPod while you’re trying to drive.

Also new are automatic climate control zones for the driver and front-seat passenger, as well as separate front-seat heaters.

My test vehicle came with the new touch-screen navigation system ($1,250), which has voice-recognition capability that allows the operator to set the destination or even change audio selections, by voice command.

The front cup holders were redesigned, making them larger. Gauges and switches have a cool blue backlighting.

Fuel economy is one of the Sonata’s greatest attributes. Our top-of-the-line Limited V-6 test vehicle (base price $25,670 plus $675 freight), with a 3.3-liter V-6 rated at 249 horsepower and 229 foot-pounds of torque, had EPA mileage of 19 miles per gallon city/29 highway — nearly as high as the four-cylinder ratings of some of the Sonata’s competitors. This engine is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature.

The Limited also is available with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with 175 horsepower and 168 foot-pounds of torque. Its EPA ratings are 21 city/32 highway with the base five-speed manual gearbox and 22/32 with a five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatic replaced the four-speed from the 2008 model.

Hyundai added the four-cylinder Limited model to the lineup for 2008 to appeal to consumers who want the luxury of the Limited, but don’t particularly want the slightly thirstier V-6 engine.

The big draw of the Limited model for most consumers is the leather interior, which includes seating surfaces and steering wheel. They are as nice as the seats in many entry premium sedans.

Electronic stability control is standard on all models, an important safety feature that some competitors still offer only as an option. It’s designed to help the driver keep the car from leaving the highway and rolling over in a panic situation.

As for including it as standard equipment — along with front seat-mounted side air bags and side-curtain air bags front and back — Hyundai’s policy is that “Safety is not an option.”

Four-wheel disc brakes with computerized antilock system and traction control are standard on all models.

Standard convenience items include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and cruise control.

The Limited adds even more, including the automatic climate control, Infinity six-speaker audio system with CD changer and XM satellite radio, heated front seats, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, tilt and telescopic steering column, and universal garage/gate opener.

The only significant extra on our car was the navigation system. Total sticker, with options and freight, was $27,685.

It doesn’t cost that much to buy a Sonata, though, as prices begin at just $18,795 (including freight) for the base GLS model with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual gearbox. With the five-speed automatic, prices begin at $19,995.

2009 Hyundai Sonata

The package: Midsize, four-door, front-drive, four-cylinder or V-6 powered, five-passenger sedan

Highlights: Hyundai’s popular family sedan gets an update for 2009 that brings a completely new interior and some other engineering and performance tweaks. This is a great value in the midsize segment with lots of standard amenities and decent fuel economy, especially with the four-cylinder engine.

Negatives: Short-term ownership can be costly because of worse-than-average depreciation.

Engine: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder; 3.3-liter V-6

Transmission: Five-speed manual; five-speed automatic; five-speed Shiftronic automatic

Power/torque: 175 HP/168 foot-pounds (I-4); 249 HP/229 foot-pounds (V-6)

Length: 188.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,253-3,458 pounds

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock

Cargo volume: 16.3 cubic feet

Fuel capacity/type: 17.7 gallons/unleaded regular

EPA fuel economy: 21 city/32 highway (I-4 manual); 22 city/32 highway (I-4 automatic); 19 city/29 highway (V-6 automatic)

Base price range: $18,795-$26,345, including freight

Price as tested: $27,685, including freight and options (Limited V-6 model with navigation)

On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10)

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.

G. Chambers Williams III – San Antonio Express-News

Most Valuable Player

Value has always been a Korean-car hallmark. In the beginning, that meant using killer stereos, giguntous warranties, and used-car pricing to lure customers into miserable cars designed and built by people who were new to driving, let alone automaking. The value pricing and impressive warranty terms (five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage) persists today, though they have arguably become unnecessary. In terms of packaging, feature-content, driving dynamics, and build quality, Hyundais now rival the benchmark blue-chip brands, and in 2006 Hyundai nosed ahead of mighty Toyota in the coveted J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey rankings.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is a perfect case in point. All new for 2006, Hyundai has again spent big to keep its bread-and-butter sedan competitive with the new Toyota Camry and Honda Accord sedans that have appeared since then. The 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts, a new variable-volume intake manifold, and other refinements that boost horsepower from 162 to 175 and torque from 164 to 168 lb-ft. EPA fuel economy also increases from 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway to 22/32 with the five-speed automatic, besting Camry and Accord. And it’s not just the numbers that impress. This is a smooth-running, sweet-sounding four that doesn’t shake at idle and never vibrates the steering wheel as many fours do. Acceleration to 60 mph in 8.7 sec feels competitive and unstrained from the driver’s seat.

Big money was spent upgrading the interior with a new center console, some new color choices, and chrome accents that make the Sonata feel like it’s competing in a higher price class. Officially classified by the EPA as a large car, there’s ample room to seat five in comfort and the giant 16.3-cu-ft trunk ranks as best in class (at least until the new Mazda6 sedan arrives, boasting 16.6 cubes). Sonata standard equipment includes stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, heated mirrors, and an XM-ready stereo with USB/iPod connection and auxiliary jack. Our SE added a standard sunroof, 17-inch wheels with a sport-tuned suspension, and automatic headlamps. Fancier Limited models get an optional navigation system this year.

Probably what impresses us most about the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is its sophisticated ride and handling. The control-arm front/multilink rear suspension delivers a ride that’s smooth and supple while providing confident, neutral, and predictable handling. Ultimate grip limits are modest (0.78 g), but the light-effort steering keeps the driver informed of where those limits are. State-of-the-art anti-lock braking with brake-assist helps stop the Sonata from 60 mph in just 124 ft.

Outside, the styling is freshened with new lamps (including jewellike projector-beam headlamps), grille, bumpers, and wheels. It’s a handsome and rich look, but if there’s one place where the Koreans still trail the industry it is in design. There’s not a single detail inside or out that doesn’t look familiar or seem borrowed from another sedan. Who knows? Maybe the Koreans realize they’re trailing the pack in this regard, and that’s why they’re keeping their prices so low. Sonatas open at just $18,795 for a GLS or $21,195 for an SE (ours rang in at $22,235). A loaded V-6 Limited model with navigation still comes in under $28,000. Whatever you spend on a Sonata, you’re getting big refinement and quality bang for your buck.

2009 Hyundai Sonata SE
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Front-engine, FWD
Engine type	I-4, alum block/head
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement	144.0 cu in/2359cc
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power (SAE NET)	175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE NET)	168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline	6500 rpm
Weight to power	19.1 lb/hp
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Axle/final	3.77:1/2.75:1
Suspension, front; rear	Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio	16.9:1
Turns lock-to-lock	3.3
Brakes, f;r	11.0-in disc; 10.3-in disc, ABS
Wheels	6.5 x 17-in, cast aluminum
Tires	215/55R17 93V M+S, Kumho Solus KH16
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	107.4 in
Track, f/r	62.0/61.4 in
Length x width x height	188.9 x 72.1 x 58.0 in
Turning circle	35.8 ft
Curb weight	3338 lb
Weight dist., f/r	61/39 %
Seating capacity	5
Headroom, f/r	40.1/38.2 in
Legroom, f/r	43.7/37.4 in
Shoulder room, f/r	57.4/56.9 in
Cargo volume	16.3 cu ft
TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30	3.0 sec
0-40	4.6
0-50	6.6
0-60	8.7
0-70	11.5
0-80	15.0
0-90	18.7
Passing, 45-65 mph	4.3
Quarter mile	16.7 sec @ 84.5 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph	124 ft
Lateral acceleration	0.78 g (avg)
MT figure eight	28.6 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph	2175 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
Base price	$21,195
Price as tested	$22,235
Stability/traction control	Yes/yes
Airbags	Dual front, front side, f/r curtain,
Basic warranty	5 yrs/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	10 yrs/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance	5 yrs/Unlimited miles
Fuel capacity	17.7 gal
EPA city/hwy econ	22/32 mpg
CO2 emissions	0.76 lb/mile
MT fuel economy	23.8 mpg
Recommended fuel	Unleaded regular

By Frank Markus
Motor Trend

Inside a lower-level room of Hyundai America’s Technical Center, Honda and Toyota parts are scattered everywhere.

Headlight assemblies sit on tables to the right. Closer to the wall are car frames – each individual section painted a different color.

And waiting for us outside this room is the reason Hyundai completely dissected an ’08 Accord and ’07 Camry – the refreshed 2009 Hyundai Sonata.

Benchmarking cars such as the Camry, Accord, and Nissan Altima, Hyundai inspected every inch of its mid-size competitors in an effort to give the Sonata some impressive mid-cycle enhancements. For 2009, the Sonata gets new headlights and taillights, a slightly revised fascia with a deeper grille, and several new color options.

Thanks to a more linear air intake path and standard five-speed automatic, the Sonata’s fuel economy and power also receive a boost in both the 3.3-liter V-6 and 2.4-liter four-cylinder models (which now have 249 hp and 175 hp, respectively). However, its horsepower numbers still don’t match the V-6 Accord or Camry, and the V-6 is only a bit more powerful than the one in the Ford Fusion (which has the least V-6 grunt in the mid-size class but partially makes amends by offering all-wheel-drive).

Finding the revised Sonata gains power and sips less fuel is welcome news, but perhaps more important is that Hyundai completely redesigned the car’s aging interior for 2009.

Taking styling cues from its Veracruz SUV (which we have described as having a Lexus-like cabin), Hyundai gave the Sonata a new center console, audio and HVAC instrument panel, new door trim, and blue ambient lighting. Other interior upgrades include a minor seat angle adjustment and a new touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system that allows drivers to input a destination without taking their eyes off the road or stopping their vehicle (and it’s a bargain at only $1250). Though the Sonata is shorter than the Camry and Accord, it has more interior volume. And at $26,345, a fully loaded version costs a few thousand dollars less than comparably equipped models of either Japanese competitor.

During test runs of two different V-6 Sonata models, we grew partial to the 3.3-liter Sonata SE (identified by a rear spoiler and five-spoke wheels), which feels less floaty than the Sonata Limited because of a recalibrated sport suspension. For longer trips, we’d probably take the Limited model with its intuitive navigation, iPod and USB connectivity, and more attractive interior (although some staffers prefer the SE’s silver-accented dash).

However, if you do order the Sonata Limited, be prepared to sacrifice some of the SE’s better steering feel for style.

By David Yochum
Automobile Magazine

Hyundai’s revamped Sonata

This is probably not the best time to launch a mid-sized sedan. The market is not only crowded, but it is crowded with a billet of new and newly redesigned — and well-reviewed vehicles like Malibu, Camry, Accord, Fusion and Altima. It is every automaker’s high-volume segment, and it is where automakers reputations are made or broken. And it is not necessarily consumers’ first choices when it comes to fuel efficiency, since smaller cars do get better mileage. Into this headwind Hyundai has recently launched its new, or almost new, Sonata.

The company did a refresh of the car, adding new features and redoing the interior as a stop-gap before the car gets a total redo in two years. The changes to the vehicle design, realized for the U.S. market in the company’s Ann Arbor, Mich., tech and design lab, comprise some thousand alterations — per Michael Deitz, manager of product planning — including new grill, headlamps, tail lamps, moldings, and a new instrument console between driver and passenger that has iPod and USB auxiliary inputs.

The car began rolling into dealerships in March, and ads began two weeks ago launching on “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” Deitz says the car will bring in buyers from both domestic and import brands; and that the current gas prices should benefit sales. “We are looking to have this as a destination for people defecting from SUVs,” he says, adding that owners of domestics will see the car as a move-up vehicle, a far cry from Hyundai’s mid-1990s rep.

“And we have found from focus groups that domestic buyers really look as at Hyundai as a step-up brand,” he adds. The company this summer launches its first luxury sedan, Genesis, a limited-volume car emblematic of the company’s efforts to shift its portfolio — and image — up market.

“Genesis is about showing consumers what we can do with a lower-volume, built-to-demand vehicle; it will show consumers what we can do with technology and performance capabilities,” he says, adding that the car will have 375 horses under the hood.

Deitz says Sonata and Genesis are part of the Korean automaker’s second 24/7 program (7 products in 24 months).

As far as gasoline prices go, Deitz says the company is benefiting from being weighted in with small cars like Accent and Elantra, the former a subcompact. “Right now, people with that mentality are coming to the brand, and resale values are also improving.” Currently, Hyundai, with a CAFE of 28.6 mpg, is third in the U.S. market for fuel economy after Toyota and Honda. The industry average is 25.3 mpg, per the EPA.

In sales, Hyundai has been No. 4 since 2002 behind Nissan, per Deitz, who says that for every customer Hyundai loses, it is gaining 2.2 new ones, putting the brand in the No. 2 spot after Toyota in terms of new-customer conquest.

Sonata has been a pillar of Hyundai’s sales growth over the past few years. Sales of the car have grown, on average, by 30% between 1998 and 2007. The company last introduced a new model of the car in 2006. Hyundai reports that its overall sales have increased 20% during that period, and that its U.S. market share has gone from about 0.6% to about 2.8%.

Deitz says marketing messages are focused on the car’s interior volume and mileage, partly to capture emigrants from the world of SUVs. “The message is interior volume, fuel economy and versatility, with features like the 40/60 split-fold rear seat. We are doing sales training to get to consumers coming out of larger vehicles and seeking better fuel economy.”

by Karl Greenberg
MediaPost