Autoblog

Hyundai to petition NHTSA over 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid seatbelt recall

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Hyundai

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a safety recall of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, but this campaign comes with a twist. NHTSA announced on its website that Sonata Hybrid models produced between December 2, 2010 and March 7, 2012 are being recalled due to a seatbelt issue. NHTSA announced that the rear center belt, which incorporates a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at the lower anchor point, doesn't meet safety standards.

Of the 14,728 units potentially covered under the recall, Hyundai will repair the 1,633 Sonata Hybrid models currently sitting on dealer lots. But here is where the catch comes into play: The government agency says Hyundai plans to file a petition for a recall exemption for those vehicles already delivered to their owners because it believes the action is "inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety." Hyundai will not have to send out recall notices to the 13,095 Sonata Hybrid models already on the road until after the petition has been resolved. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Continue reading Hyundai to petition NHTSA over 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid seatbelt recall

Hyundai to petition NHTSA over 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid seatbelt recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai issuing TSB for Sonata steering issues

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai is reportedly working up a customer service campaign regarding steering issues with certain Sonata models. The Korean automaker told Consumer Reports that the campaign is for sedans equipped with 18-inch wheels, built between September 2010 and May 2011.

According to Consumer Reports, Hyundai dealerships will inspect and adjust the Sonata's entire suspension and make adjustments as necessary. If that doesn't do the trick, the struts will be replaced and the electronic power steering will be reprogrammed.

Both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged Sonata SE models ride on 18-inch wheels, so those will be the only vehicles affected by this customer service campaign. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full details.

Hyundai issuing TSB for Sonata steering issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota NA chairman Inaba calls Hyundai Sonata "honorable contender"

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Toyota

When does a mid-size sedan become a top-notch competitor to the Toyota Camry? The answer is apparently whenever said competitor begins stealing market share from America's top-selling sedan.

Bloomberg reports that Toyota North America Chairman Yoshimi Inaba called the Hyundai Sonata "a very honorable contender in the market" during an interview earlier this week. Inaba adds that Toyota has great respect for the strong-selling Hyundai, and we're guessing they're not the only automaker keeping an ever closer eye on Camp Hyundai. Sales of the Sonata soared by 35 percent in 2010 to 196,623 units. Meanwhile, 2010 Camry sales dropped by 31 percent to 327,804 units. To make matters worse for Toyota and the Camry, supply disruptions stemming from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have further hurt Camry sales while the Sonata continues to attract new buyers. In fact, the Sonata outsold the Camry in May, in part because of Toyota's production issues.

But while the Sonata has been gaining on the Camry, that trend could reverse itself with an all-new Camry set to arrive later this year. Toyota President Akio Toyoda already told U.S. dealers in June that the new model will feature a more contemporary design, and we're hearing rumblings of a hugely improved interior, as well.

Toyota NA chairman Inaba calls Hyundai Sonata "honorable contender" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW leads 2010 Total Value Awards, Ford beats Honda and Hyundai Sonata sets record

Zach Bowman — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Strategic Vision has released its annual Total Value Index for 2010, and it looks like a few serious changes have begun to take hold. While Volkswagen still retains its position on the top of the heap, Ford has moved up into the second position by bumping Honda down the podium. That move is particularly commendable considering that the Blue Oval was ranked dead last in the study just eight years ago.

Ford wasn't the only stand out star, though. The Hyundai Sonata, while technically a 2011 model, managed to take the highest Total Value Index score of any vehicle ever tested by Strategic Vision, even amongst luxury badges. The new sedan managed to pull in a total of 860 points, prompting the creation of a new Special Value Award category. Interestingly enough, the vehicle with the next closest number of points is the Hyundai Genesis with 852, while the Audi A8 rounds out the top three with 821 points.

Strategic Vision combines information from a whopping 442 data points in order to rank individual vehicles, and a company's score is created by averaging the verdicts for all of its respective products. The True Value Index is generated by surveying owners who actually purchased new vehicles during the calendar year. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Strategic Vision]

Continue reading VW leads 2010 Total Value Awards, Ford beats Honda and Hyundai Sonata sets record

VW leads 2010 Total Value Awards, Ford beats Honda and Hyundai Sonata sets record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai, Kia

The International Car and Truck of the Year award is determined by 12 judges and handed out at the Detroit Auto Show. Established in 1996, the award is given to "the most emotionally compelling international car and truck for the new model year." The latest recipients of the award are the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2011 Kia Sportage.

Upon receiving the 2011 ICOTY for the Sonata, Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik remarked:

"While we're proud of the Sonata from a technical and engineering standpoint, this award addresses the fact that our cars are now the sorts of vehicles that appeal to the lifestyle set. With sales up more than 110 percent from last year, the Sonata and its all four-cylinder lineup has been a game changer for us, and we're thrilled to be recognized by the ICOTY awards."

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman and Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: ICOTY]

Continue reading Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder

Dan Roth — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #210 of the Autoblog Podcast is hosted by Dan this time around, though Chris Shunk calls in, and Zach Bowman takes up his role as number three. It starts with the Autoblog Garage and then heads for the Camaro outselling the Mustang for the first time since 1985. Staying with neo-ponycars, we talk about the 'Cuda making a comeback (possibly), and our podcasters discuss why the Hyundai Sonata may just be their car of the year. BYD's 2011 Detroit appearance and Toyota's recall woes in 2010 being cited as the second biggest blunder of the year finish us up before we hit a couple of your questions before we end it at 58 minutes. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, Sonata is our COTY, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Toyota 4 Runner
2011 Volkswagen Jetta
2011 Buick Regal Turbo

News Topics:

Toyota recalls named blunder of 2010
BYD coming to Detroit show with two cars
Hyundai Sonata is our informal COTY
Camaro outsells Mustang
Cuda comeback?
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman,
Runtime: 58:26

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Sonata edges Volt in Autoblog's informal Car of the Year poll

Zach Bowman — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The finalists for this year's North American Car and Truck of the Year awards may have been no big surprise, but the vehicle that our readers think will win Car of the Year honors came as something of a shock.

The NACTOY judges have picked the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf as finalists for Car of the Year. While the Leaf saw a little bit of love with 2,820 votes in our unofficial poll, as well as being named European Car of the Year, the final tally came down to a bare-knuckled fight between the Volt and Sonata. Surprisingly, the Hyundai eked out a win with 8,058 votes and 42.7-percent of the total votes cast, which just barely bested the 7,985 votes cast for the Volt and its 42.3 percent of the total vote.

That's not a huge margin of victory by any means (a statistical dead heat, as they say), but considering that the Volt has whirred away with honors like the Green Car of the Year, Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year and Motor Trend's Car of the Year awards, we fully expected the Bowtiie to handily walk away with our impromptu poll.

We were pretty smitten with both the 2.0T and the hybrid variants of the Sonata when we hopped behind their wheels earlier this year, and buyers have been no less taken with the base model. The 2011 Sonata has enjoyed a huge year in terms of sales with 183,102 units sold by early December, a year-over-year increase of 65 percent.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Ford Explorer handily beat the 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in our informal North American Truck of the Year poll. You can check out the results from both surveys here, and the stay tuned for when the real winners are announced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in early January.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Hyundai Sonata edges Volt in Autoblog's informal Car of the Year poll originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean War: Inside Line pits Hyundai Sonata against Kia Optima [w/poll]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Kia

2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above to enlarge

The Koreans are coming! Actually, strike that... they're already here. As a matter of fact, both the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and its corporate kissing cousin, the 2011 Kia Optima, rank very highly on our own midsize sedan pecking order chart. All of this begs the question: Which one is better, and why?

The boys from Inside Line decided to pit the two sedans, which share most major components and assemblies, against each other in a no-holds-barred fight for supremacy. Not surprisingly - both use 2.4-liter four cylinder engines (plus or minus California emissions...) and six-speed automatic transmissions, and both weight nearly the same - picking a winner means delving into the details.

And IL found that the details favored the Kia. There are a number of reasons given for the why and how of this conclusion, which you can read all about right here. Basically, though, IL found that the Optima is tuned more for the enthusiast as opposed to the competent and comfortable nature of the Sonata.

Which one would you pick? Take our poll below and then feel free to talk about your choice in Comments.

View Poll

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Gallery photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line | Main Image: Kurt Niebuhr for Edmunds]

Korean War: Inside Line pits Hyundai Sonata against Kia Optima [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Sonata 2.0T configurator hits the interwebs

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

Time to get your creative caps and color swatches out, because it's configurator time again. Next up is the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, the sedan that continues to show a ton of strengths and few weaknesses.

Of course the palette is slightly limited, necessary when the package is so thorough and priced at just $20,865 for the SE. For instance, that trim offers just one interior, gray leather with cloth (nope, not making that up). You have to step up to the Limited trim, for another $2,900, to get one more interior hue. We don't expect that to stop the car's assault on the mid-size segment, so get to the configurator and arm yourself. Hat tip to Mike N.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL
[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Sonata 2.0T configurator hits the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo priced at $24,145

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's ever-expanding Sonata lineup will soon include the delectable 2.0T model, packing a turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-liter (Theta II) four-cylinder. You've probably already memorized the most important figures - 274 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque, 33 mpg on the highway, all on 87 octane fuel - but here's a new one for you: $24,145. That's what the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T will set you back, and there's a lot more on offer than just a hot engine.

Mated to the blown 2.0 is a six-speed automatic that can be manipulated through a set of steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, while a (modestly) sport-tuned suspension holds up 18-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance summer rubber. A host of standard features are included in the kit, while two packages - Navigation and Sunroof and Limited - are available when sales begin later this year. Get all the details in the press blast after the jump and read our impressions from behind the wheel.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo priced at $24,145

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo priced at $24,145 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai Sonata overtakes Nissan Altima for third in mid-size segment

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is movin' on up. According to The Detroit News, the Sonata officially displaced the Nissan Altima as the third best-selling mid-size sedan in America last month. In August, the Korean manufacturer sold 21,399 units, falling just behind the Honda Accord at 22,506 and the Toyota Camry at a little over 30,000. Those numbers are just based on retail sales, not the vehicles that are sold off to rental fleets. The Sonata has been besting rivals like the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu for a good while now, but this is the first time the car has managed to rattle the Japanese triumvirate that dominates the segment.

It seemed to be only a matter of time, though. The Sonata now wears some of the best looking sheet metal of any midsizer out there and its price tag comes in a good bit lower than both the Accord and the Camry. Throw in a snappy interior and very efficient drivetrain options, and suddenly you've got the attention of the car-buying public. The Detroit News says that since the 2011 Sonata debuted, the number of car buyers considering the vehicle has leapfrogged from 6.2 percent in January of 2007 to 19.5 percent recently. Thanks for the tip, Nicolai!

Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Hyundai Sonata overtakes Nissan Altima for third in mid-size segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA investigating steering issues on 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has only been on sale for a few months, but it's already winning over many American mid-size sedan buyers, and we've been every impressed by what we've found in our first drive and review. However, the rakish new Sonata could face a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into about 16,300 Sonatas due to potential steering issues.

NHTSA has received reports that cite problems with either a separation of the upper universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft assembly. The result is a complete loss of steering capability, though the universal joint was not completely separated.

Hyundai says that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries connected to this issue and that it is fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation. The automaker also says that it had received reports of two vehicles with a steering problem linked to the upper universal joint, but that both were repaired without issue. Expect the results of NHTSA's investigation to be released in the coming weeks.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA investigating steering issues on 2011 Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friends with Benefits: Hyundai shifts Santa Fe production to Kia plant to build more Sonatas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai

Straight from HQ at The Department of the Obvious, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is selling as quickly as Miley Cyrus tickets before Cyrus lost the plot. That's got Hyundai Motor America shuffling production plans around in order to build enough Sonatas in the U.S., instead of getting them from South Korea.

Hyundai's Alabama plant produces the Sonata sedan and the Santa Fe, but Santa Fe assembly is being moved to a Kia plant in Georgia where the Sorento is built - easy stuff as they share a platform. With a production capacity of 300,000 cars at the Alabama plant running full tilt, the way things are going, it's no wonder Hyundai might be looking use all of it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Friends with Benefits: Hyundai shifts Santa Fe production to Kia plant to build more Sonatas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is nothing if not ambitious. The Korean automaker announced today that it will continue its efforts to be the most fuel-efficient automaker in America through the next two decades, with plans to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its entire vehicle lineup.

The cornerstone of Hyundai's approach is its Blue Drive strategy, which incorporates a range of engine technologies - from turbocharging and direct-injection to lightweight materials and both traditional and plug-in hybrids - to reduce consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Hyundai points to the 2011 Sonata as the first in a wave of new products to utilize its new and improved drivetrains, available with either hybrid, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines. And Hyundai appears to be in a better position than other full-line automakers to reach its lofty mpg goal, as it doesn't offer any pickup or body-on-frame SUV models. Hit the jump for the full blast and read our First Drive of the Sonata Hybrid for details on its gas-electric system.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pre-production

Continue reading Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai: Sonata 2.0 Turbo hits 60 in 6.5 seconds, returns 34 mpg highway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Hyundai, its new 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for the 2011 Sonata sedan is going to be a real gem. To wit, the Korean automaker says the boosted-four will propel its midsize sedan to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds. That's serious speed for the segment and it means the Sonata will at least have the accelerative chops to stick with the rest of the sport sedan competition.

Of course, these days frugality is just as important as horsepower, and Hyundai assures us that its 2.0T-powered Sonata will be able to return the promised 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway - all on regular-grade fuel. For those who like to keep track of such things, Hyundai claims those figures are 16% and 17% better respectively than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6.

Want more? Well, that's all we can share for now... but our initial driving impressions will be on their way just as soon as Hyundai gives the word. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai: Sonata 2.0 Turbo hits 60 in 6.5 seconds, returns 34 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Hyundai

2011/2012 Hyundai Sonata wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently published some renderings of what a station wagon variant of the new Hyundai Sonata might look like, and we now have our first actual photos of the real thing undergoing testing. While it (predictably) doesn't feature the two-door shooting brake layout we might have hoped for, it actually does look quite close to the four-door image. Hyundai designers appear to have opted for more of a sporty slant-back look like the Audi Avant wagons than the more utilitarian box we typically get from Volvo.

When the Sonata launches in Europe, it is expected to adopt the current iXX naming convention used there to become the i40 Kombi. Europeans will apparently get the wagon first, followed by the sedan. At present, it remains unclear if the wagon will ever arrive in the States. From what we can see through the camo, the i40 will get a different grille from the North American model, as well as a different treatment around the base of the A-pillar. At least on this prototype, the Euro-version has chrome trim that wraps around the mirror, while the chrome on the American variant extends straight down to the trailing edge of the headlamp cluster.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai i40 Kombi / Sonata wagon

[Source: CarPIx]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars.com hosts eight-car family sedan shootout with surprising results

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

Midsize sedans don't have it easy anymore. In addition to packing tons of features (technology, safety, comfort) into a relatively affordable package, these vehicles have to be relatively good to drive, functional and not too bad on the eyes. We've seen all sorts of family sedan comparisons, and now Cars.com dishes up its own eight-car test, featuring the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Suzuki Kizashi, Mazda6 and new Hyundai Sonata.

The eight sedans were not only tested by members of the Cars.com team, but by an actual family of four in an attempt to see what real-world drivers look for the most. The "real family" is comprised of Ben and Jill Tiernan of Los Angeles, as well as their two children, an infant and a toddler. The family drove the cars on highways and city roads, and took their time poking and prodding through the cabins of each tester. Ben and Jill's notes were also compiled and included in the end result data, with father Ben liking the Kizashi the best, while wife Jill raised her hand for the Camry.

What's more, the overall question of fuel economy was put into greater focus. Efficiency is one of the strongest selling points in this segment, and it's no secret that automakers tout the highway mileage numbers of these cars in an effort to attract buyers. Cars.com went a step above - not only noting the EPA estimated fuel economy, but recording what the cars' trip computers displayed, as well as calculating the actual at-the-pump fuel economy. The Hyundai Sonata's 35 mpg might be the highest number on monroney labels, but in the actual calculations, the Ford Fusion's 32.1 observed mpg trumps the recorded 27.8 mpg in the Sonata.

What's most interesting, though, are the end results. We won't spoil the final findings, but it's important to note that the Ford Fusion - a car which has garnered a ton of praise (Motor Trend Car of the Year, etc.) - came in dead last amongst the group, with the Chevrolet Malibu not falling very far behind. On top of that, Toyota's Camry is usually the top pick in these tests (Motor Trend would agree), but it doesn't take first place honors here. How does the well-received Honda Accord fare in all of this? What about newcomers Sonata and Kizashi? Read the full results for yourself at Cars.com.

[Source: Cars.com]

Cars.com hosts eight-car family sedan shootout with surprising results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Already rakish Hyundai Sonata slims down to two doors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai, Design/Style

Take a good look at the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The Korean competitor is obviously designed to go up against cars such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. But, unlike those generally staid sedans, the Sonata features a rather rakish, swept-back design that has earned it plaudits among the motoring press and consumers alike.

In order to properly compete with the aforementioned Accord and Altima (though not the Camry - Toyota cut its losses on the slow-selling Solara coupe), the Hyundai Sonata needs to be offered in a sportier two-door configuration. Will it happen? Though the Korean automaker isn't willing to confirm anything at present, it's certainly a distinct possibility that development of such a machine is well under way.

According to Inside Line, a Hyundai Sonata Coupe could arrive late in 2011 or early 2012. If that's the case, Theophilus Chin's excellent rendering of such a machine seems likely to be spot on. As pointed out by IL, the presence of the Genesis Coupe would probably mean that a two-door Sonata wouldn't be overtly sporty, but the availability of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 274 horsepower could go a long way towards spicing things up a tad.

So... what do you think?

[Source: Inside Line]

Rendered Speculation: Already rakish Hyundai Sonata slims down to two doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata.

As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them. The body alterations drops the hybrid's projected drag coefficient from the standard Sonata's already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25. As you might suspect, the really important stuff, however, is under the skin.

Follow the jump to learn more and check out a video.

*UPDATE: Live photos added from New York

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid live from NY

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Live photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]

New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG! [*UPDATE]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever since Hyundai announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it would add a turbocharged variant to its all-four-cylinder lineup in the new Sonata, there has been considerable speculation about how much power the engine would produce. The first time we saw a turbocharged direct injection engine in a car from the Hyundai corporate family was the 2008 Kia Koup concept that produced 290 horsepower. This same engine now powers the Sonata to the tune of 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

Like GTDI engines from Ford and the Volkswagen Group this new turbo Theta II engine has a broad, flat torque curve with the peak being sustained between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. Hyundai is using a twin-scroll turbocharger like the one used by BMW in its latest engines (see: 2011 535i). The exhaust flow from the pairs of cylinders is fed into the turbine by separate paths to insure optimum response. The turbo housing is an integral casting with the exhaust manifold to provide short exhaust flows to the turbine.

Hyundai's engine uses a comparatively low 9.5:1 compression ratio compared to some other GTDI engines, but the maximum boost is 17.4 psi. The turbo engine is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Particularly impressive is the fuel efficiency of this combination. Hyundai is estimating 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway - just a tick less than the non-turbo models on the highway and significantly better than any of the V6 powered competitors. The turbo engine will be available on both the SE and Limited trim levels.

*UPDATE: Live photos added from New York
**UPDATE 2: CEO Krafcik says Turbo will come in at "less than $25,000 nicely equipped."

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo live in NY

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Live photos by Frank Filipponio/ Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

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