Hyundai got high marks from many auto reviewers for the last generation of its Sonata sedan, but it fell short on the car tech front. But now the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is here, and it looks good for catching up with and surpassing its nearest competitors. We weren’t surprised to find a navigation system in a Toyota Corolla we reviewed recently, but when we saw the LCD in the Sonata’s dashboard, we only kept our feet because we had a little advance warning. It was the iPod integration and the voice command system that really floored us. We had the top-of-the line Limited V6 model, which comes with an engine offering more than adequate power for the little sedan. We were only troubled by the transmission’s gear hunting, the soft ride, and the overly powered steering.

Test the tech: Talking to a car
Voice command systems can be troublesome. Many times while testing cars we’ve found ourselves yelling at the dashboard, repeating the same phrase over and over again, only to have the car reply “Sorry?” or “Audio off” when we were trying to cancel route guidance, as one example. And thinking it was audacious of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, as a newcomer to modern car tech, to offer a voice command system, we put it to the test.

While driving down the freeway, we started with a few free-form commands, not bothering to read the manual. After hitting the voice button on the left side of the steering wheel, we waited for the prompt, then said, “Destination.” The navigation system brought up the destination entry screen right away–a good start. We wanted to go back to the map, so tried saying, “Exit.” Hearing that, it switched from the CD player to AM radio. All right, time to get serious.

We pulled off the freeway, parked, and said “Help.” The car brought up some top-level help commands on the screen, informing us that we could get specific help on any function. After reading the available commands, we set off again, and tried something complex. We said, “FM frequency 102 point 1,” and the car responded by switching to FM 102.1, the local classical station.

OK, we had the hang of this. Thinking we might want to stop for a water, we tried another somewhat complex command. First we said, “Destination,” then, “Find nearest convenience store.” The screen immediately brought up a list of 7-Elevens and other convenience stores, sorted by their distance from our current location. Nice, but there were no indicator arrows telling us the direction to each one. With a few taps of the touch screen, we could find the locations of any entry on the map, but that was fairly tedious, especially when most of the nearest ones were behind us and we weren’t in the mood to backtrack.

We continued on, and in thinking about our experience with the system so far, we realized that we might be able to utter our commands out of context. For example, with many systems we’ve found that you have to drill down, as in first saying “Navigation” then saying navigation-specific commands. So with the Sonata, we brought up the iPod screen, then said, “Find nearest Mexican restaurant.” The system switched from our music screen to a list of nearby Mexican restaurants.

We were pleased with the Sonata’s voice command system. In general, the voice commands are intuitive. It doesn’t take much time with the onscreen help to figure out some useful commands. It also recognized our spoken commands with good accuracy, working just as well as the system we’ve used extensively in the Honda Civic.

In the cabin
We mentioned above that we were surprised to find so many tech features in the 2009 Hyundai Sonata. Part of the reason for all these tech features was apparent in the cabin where Infinity logos abound. The subwoofer grille on the rear deck proclaimed Infinity, as did the faceplate for the navigation and audio system. We could see that Hyundai had been hanging out in the right company.

The instrument panel in the Sonata is very uncluttered, with a high-resolution LCD and plenty of nicely inset buttons. Hyundai seems to be taking a stance against knobs, for the most part, as even the temperature controls are rocker switches. In fact, there is so much leftover space from this clean design that Hyundai places two small storage areas in the center stack, below the navigation unit.

The optional navigation system, a good deal at $1,250, uses bright, clear maps with good resolution, avoiding jaggy street names. It renders its maps quickly enough, although we sometimes found its route recalculation slow. On one trip, when we forced it to recalculate multiple times, it finally seemed to give up. Of course, our final destination was already visible on the map, so the navigation system must have been telling us we could find our own way from there. But other than that critique, the route guidance is good, with clear graphics for upcoming turns and text-to-speech, its one advanced feature, where it reads out street names.

We found destination entry easy and intuitive, whether inputting an address or searching for a point of interest. The system also allows for complex routes, letting you input multiple waypoints. There is a screen listing all waypoints on the route that lets you add or delete addresses.

With the navigation system branded as an Infinity, it’s no surprise that the audio system comes from Infinity, too. That both systems come from the same OEM means good integration between them. A USB and an auxiliary audio port in the console are part of this system and are standard with the Sonata Limited. You can plug a USB flash drive directly into the USB port and play MP3s from that, and you can plug an MP3 player into the auxiliary input. But there is a third option. Hyundai includes a cable that plugs into both the USB port and the auxiliary port at the same time, and terminates in an iPod connector.

We frankly didn’t expect to find iPod integration when we put the Sonata on our schedule. The interface for it, through the touch-screen LCD, is everything we would want, letting us choose music by album, artist, and genre. The interface for USB drives is more primitive, merely letting you browse through folders, similar to the interface for MP3 CDs. With the navigation system, there is a single-CD slot. A six-CD changer is available if you don’t get the navigation system. We’ve found that in cars with iPod integration, the iPod becomes our go-to source for music, and we don’t bother much with CDs. XM Satellite Radio is also built into this system with, we expect, the first three months free.

The audio system in the Sonata uses six speakers in the standard configuration of tweeters in the A pillars and woofers in each door, along with a subwoofer in the rear deck. Our experience with this system largely depended on the music we were listening to. With acoustic guitar, we could hear the scratch of the strings, pointing to good clarity at the high end. But tracks with serious bass quickly overwhelmed the speakers, leading to bad rattle. It sounds like the amp used with this system is clear and powerful, but the speakers aren’t always up to its output.

We were disappointed that the Sonata doesn’t have Bluetooth cell phone integration as an option, especially as a hands-free law is about to come into effect in California. Looks like we will have to wait until 2010, when both Kia and Hyundai models will be getting a Microsoft system similar to the Ford Sync.

Under the hood
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata comes in three trims: GLS, SE, and Limited. A 3.3-liter V-6 is available in all trims, while a 2.4-liter four cylinder is available in the GLS and Limited trims. We had the 3.3-liter V-6 in our Limited trim model, which puts out 249 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque–plenty of power for the little Sonata. The engine hummed right along, moving the car easily up hills, at freeway speeds, and passing other cars. To enhance efficiency, the engine uses continuous variable valve timing.

The 3.3 liters seems an odd choice for displacement, and Hyundai could probably have shaved it down to 3 liters without hurting the driving experience while increasing mileage. As it is, this engine gets an EPA-rated 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. During our time with the car, we saw the mileage creep up close to 23 mpg during freeway driving, but our final average was down at 19.4 mpg. An emissions rating wasn’t available at the time of this review, but we are impressed that the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available in the Sonata is a PZEV, meaning it produces very few smog-causing pollutants.

The five-speed automatic transmission proved to be the weak link in this power train. It doesn’t react particularly fast, even in manual mode, and it takes a while to find the right gear when stressed with hill climbs or passing. Our passing experience inspired very little confidence. When we stomped the accelerator to get around slower cars on a hill, the transmission did its hunting, and settled on a gear, which made the engine give off a bad grinding sound.

The suspension in the Sonata is also very soft. You can feel the shock absorbers compress easily, and on one bad section of road, we felt the suspension bottom out on itself. This type of suspension is fine on a commute car, but allows for plenty of lean in corners and generally doesn’t behave well in more stressful situations.

Likewise, the steering felt overpowered. It was too easy to swing the wheel around, whether maneuvering through a parking lot or barreling down the freeway. We didn’t get a lot of road feel through the steering wheel because of the power mechanism, although it was tight enough to produce results when turned. Again, this tuning is fine in a commute car, but can be troublesome in situations where you want some feedback.

The Sonata comes standard with traction and electronic stability control, along with a tire-pressure monitoring system, plus airbags all the way around.

In sum
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 goes for a base price of $25,670. The navigation package is a surprisingly good deal at $1,250. Along with $90 carpeted floor mats and a $675 destination charge, our Sonata came in at $27,685. The Limited is the only trim with the navigation option, although you can save some dollars by going to the four-cylinder version, which bases at $23,970.

We were suitably impressed with the Sonata Limited, as it offered cabin tech we weren’t expecting. The navigation system offers one advanced feature, text-to-speech, and generally looks and works well. We noted some problems with the audio system, but we also liked the iPod integration. Lack of Bluetooth is a problem. The drivetrain tech was less impressive. The engine was fine, although it could have been more economical, but we just didn’t like the transmission. Among the Sonata’s major competitors, the Honda Accord is too pricey by comparison. We’ve also tested the Nissan Altima Coupe, a tech-filled and more sporty alternative, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which offers better fuel economy.

Source: Cnet.com

Sedan closing gap on highly sought Camry, Accord.

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are like the Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, or the Jay Leno and David Letterman, of the sedan world.

Everyone else wants to make a car just like them.

Why?

Toyota and Honda are selling about 95,000 Camrys and Accords combined monthly – in May, that was a new Camry or Accord sale every 28 seconds.

Hyundai is the latest wannabe, with the release of its first credible challenge to the sales leaders. If nothing else, the 2009 Sonata has the Camry beat on styling and maybe the Accord, too, to some eyes.

With the upgrades to the new model, including styling tweaks for a classier look, the Sonata is close to the leaders in comfort, workmanship and utility, but less so in drivability. No one will mistake the Sonata for a sports sedan, though it’s a competent all-around performer.

The Sonata, made at Hyundai’s new Alabama plant, is the least expensive of the three.

My loaded Sonata Limited (V-6, automatic, navigation, stability control, leather, sunroof, premium audio, etc.) had a sticker price of $27,685. A comparable Camry would list around $32,000 and Accord just under $31,000. The Toyota and Honda have earned those prices with long reputations for durability and low depreciation.

The Sonata’s engines (3.3-liter V-6 and 2.4-liter four) are thoroughly modern, with twin overhead cams and variable valve timing. Both were pumped up slightly for 2009, with the V-6 producing 249 horsepower.

It feels responsive and capable, even at lower engine speeds, but without the ample reserve power of the Honda and Toyota 3.5 V-6s.

The Hyundai V-6 is certainly smooth and unobtrusive, with a seamless 5-speed automatic. Mileage ratings are 19 and 29, and I found that only the most conservative driving approaches those numbers.

Like the Japanese competition, the Sonata has fully independent suspension, with the ride tuned for comfort, and stable, fairly sharp handling at typical speeds. Push the Hyundai, and the front wheels begin to squeal with protest, the typical response from a front-wheel drive car.

Design and materials in the cabin were impressive, which has been the case even in lesser Sonatas I’ve been in.

Noise isolation in that pretty cabin was excellent, but the seats were just moderately supportive. Three average adults can use the Sonata’s back seat comfortably with the middle passenger’s feet straddling the center tunnel.

The Sonata’s trunk is humongous, and my Limited model’s rear seatbacks folded down to reveal a large pass through – a nice feature indeed for those downsizing from an SUV.

I was pleased with the simple operation of the touch-screen navigation system and the integration of XM satellite radio and iPod. Sonatas at all price levels, by the way, accept iPod connections, a small but important competitive advantage to many.

In this otherwise smart, practical car, common sense was breached in the instrumentation. The blue odometer and trip computer readout were almost unreadable, and the speedometer needs numbers instead of marks on the dial for common speeds. Buzz from the rear speakers on deep bass notes was a disappointment.

In his 27 years of writing a column for the Austin American-Statesman, Pete Szilagyi has driven more than 1,400 new cars and trucks.

According to Pete …

Target audience: Bottom-line conscious families with a need for space.

Highs: Smooth, efficient drivetrain; comfort; quality of materials; roominess; huge trunk.

Lows: Buzzy speakers.

Bottom line: A lovely machine in search of a personality.

EPA rating for greenhouse gas emissions (10 is best): 6.

By Pete Szilagyi
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Hyundai introduced their new-for-2009 Sonata stable recently at the Chicago Auto Show. This latest iteration Sonata offers an all-new interior, improved suspension systems, along with revised power trains that provide not only better fuel economy, but more horsepower as well.

The Sonata, as Hyundai’s sales leader, raises its bar for content value and safety technology. Sonata will be offered in three levels of trim: the well-equipped GLS base model; a more upscale SE model; and the top-of-the-line Limited model. There are two available engine choices across the entire model range. First is Hyundai’s second-generation Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. The Sonata I4 now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing and is more fuel-efficient than both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle standards.

Next is Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine that has also been improved, now pumping out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 229 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm). A variable intake system was added for 2009, further broadening the power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, representing unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.

There are also two transmission choices for the Sonata. A five-speed manual gearbox is used in four-cylinder-powered models, while all V6-powered Sonatas utilize Hyundai’s five-speed Shifttronic automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts. GLS and Limited models now provide a firmer ride quality and improved handling through increased steering response, while SE models have received sport suspension tuning.

In addition to mechanical improvements, the Sonata’s exterior has been freshened too, featuring upgrades to headlamps, taillights and fog lights; available chrome inserts for bumper fascias and bodyside moldings; new alloy wheel designs; and seven new colors. The interior has benefited from refinements to the center console, audio system, HVAC controls and the instrument has a soft blue illumination added. An optional new navigation system with a high-resolution, touch-screen display is available while USB/iPod auxiliary input jacks are standard fare. More contrast was added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and a Cocoa Brown treatment is now available.

The new Sonata continues to be rated by the EPA as a large car, and indeed it provides lots of interior room in the front and back seats. The trunk alone boasts 16.3 cubic feet of space. In terms of its appearance, the new Sonata comes across as being a much more expensive car than it really is. It displays a contemporary design form with clean, but expressive lines.

In the safety arena, Sonata’s front collision performance was improved by tweaking the engine’s subframe design. All Sonata models come with lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package that includes four-wheel disc brakes and an antilock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

There are six air bags – including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact and front- and rear-side curtain air bags – along with active front-seat head restraints. Additional passive safety features include: shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility; three-point seatbelts for all seating positions; front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

My test 2009 Hyundai Sonata came in Limited trim and was powered by the 3.3-liter V6 mated to the Five-speed Shiftronic gearbox transferring motive force to the front wheels. The exterior was finished in black, while the interior was executed in contrasting gray and charcoal with faux polished wood trim accents. The base price was set at $25,670. While the final sticker total came to $27,685 after adding the navigation system with high-resolution touch screen display and voice Recognition, carpeted floor mats and the destination charge.

Summary:

The Hyundai Sonata Limited for 2009 represents a very solid entry into the large four-door sedan class. While not really considered to be in the luxury class, it does provide several standard features and equipment that are normally only found on luxury-level vehicles.

The performance is quite substantial in both the acceleration and handling attribute categories. The ride quality ranked somewhere between soft and firm. In some driving scenarios, it seemed on the loose side, while in others it was perceived to be somewhat stiff.

Both front and rear seats were quite comfortable with plenty of leg room fore and aft, in a cabin that exhibited clean lines and easy-to-use controls that were conveniently positioned. The air conditioner gets an “A+” for rapid and efficient cooling, even in 100-degree-plus temperatures.

The top-of-the-line Hyundai Sonata model was very reasonably priced, especially considering its content level. It is possible to experience even greater value in the base GLS model which starts at $18,120. Add to that the Hyundai Advantage, which Hyundai boasts is America’s best warranty, and you’ve got an even more sound deal. The Hyundai Advantage warranty includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited power train warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage.

Sonata buyers also receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), which includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited

Base price: $25,670

Price as tested: $27,685

Engine/transmission: 3.3-liter, 249-horsepower V6; five-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 107.4 inches

Length overall: 188.9 inches

Width: 72.1 inches

Height: 58 inches

Curb weight: 3,494 pounds

Fuel capacity: 17.7 gallons

EPA mileage estimates: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway

By: Arv Voss

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

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