Category Archives: 2009

2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu More Fuel-Efficient than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord

The tables are turned when it comes to fuel efficiency in the mid-size sedan segment.

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have long been the benchmarks when it comes to fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, but a pair of newcomers have knocked these stalwarts off their perches–the updated 2009 Hyundai Sonata and all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu are the segment’s gasoline teetotalers.

Both the Sonata and Malibu claim fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. The Sonata does so with a 175-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu uses a 164-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four and a segment-first six-speed automatic tranny to get the job done. That is comparable to the Nissan Altima’s 23/31 mpg in city/highway driving with its 177-hp, 2.5-liter inline-four under the hood.

Trailing the trio are the Accord and Camry, both with 21/31 mpg figures with their 2.4-liter inline-fours. The least efficient in this field: the Ford Fusion with a 2.3-liter I-4 gets only 20/28 mpg. That’s similar to the Sonata with a 3.3-liter V-6, which nets 19/29 mpg as it pumps out 249 horsepower, and the Accord with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6.

Before anyone complains we’re comparing apples and oranges since the Accord has grown into a full-size sedan, we must point out the Sonata also meets the EPA large-car classification based on its 122 cubic feet of interior volume–more than the 120 cubic feet in the Accord. The others are in the 112–116-cubic-foot range; and are classified as true mid-sizers.

It appears consumers are starting to get the message. GM can’t build Malibus fast enough, and Hyundai says the Sonata is raking in conquest sales: for every defector from the brand, it is adding 2.2 new customers.

In terms of overall fleet efficiency, Honda still reigns supreme in 2007 with an average of 22.9 mpg, with Toyota down one tick at 22.8 mpg, and Hyundai right behind at 22.7 mpg. There is a bit of a gap after that, with Volkswagen at 21.4 mpg and Nissan at 20.6 mpg; both are above the industry average of 20.2 mpg. Below that mark are GM at 19.4 mpg and Ford at 18.7 mpg, according to the EPA’s 2007 annual report.

BY ALISA PRIDDLE
May 2008

FIRST LOOK: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

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Korean car, American style

It’s the Americanization of the Sonata.

In the first major program led largely by its U.S. tech center in Michigan, Hyundai gave its midsize sedan a moderate freshening for the 2009 model year, bolstering the engine and refining the interior to adapt to the tastes of U.S. drivers. The car also gets a more aggressive-looking front end, with a deeper grille and larger headlights.

The upgrades are expected to fortify the Sonata in the ultracompetitive midsize segment, which has seen major improvements in a number of entries, including the new Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima, since the current Hyundai launched in 2005. An all-new Sonata is due in 2011.

Chiefly, Hyundai boosted the 3.3-liter V6 powerplant by 15 hp, to 249 hp, pushing it closer to its Toyota Camry and Honda Accord rivals, which pack 268 hp each. A variable intake system was added to improve acceleration.

The 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder’s power grew 13 hp, to 175, and Hyundai is offering a five-speed automatic transmission with its Shiftronic feature on the Sonata’s smaller engine for the first time. A five-speed manual is also available.

Fuel economy improves slightly for each engine. The V6 gets 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; the four-cylinder is rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Inside, Hyundai cleaned up the center console, moving controls farther up onto the instrument panel and filling the space with a large storage area, similar to that in the Veracruz sport/utility vehicle.

“We were never really happy with it,” Scott Margason, a Hyundai product planner, said of the 2006 model. “Things didn’t mesh together quite as well as they could have.”

A navigation system, priced at $1,250, also is being offered on the car for the first time. It has a high-resolution touch-screen display and voice-command system.

Mindful of the seemingly ever-increasing girth of U.S. drivers, Hyundai made the seat cushions wider and longer, while increasing the angle 2.2 degrees. The company has pointed to the car’s interior as a main selling point, and its 121.7-cubic-foot volume makes it roomier than its rivals–so roomy, in fact, that the EPA now classifies it as a large car.

Hyundai also paid attention to the Sonata’s driving dynamics, increasing the spring rates and adding larger antiroll bars to make for sharper steering and turning response. The sporty SE model gets a stiffer suspension, performance tires and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Changes to the exterior were fairly subtle. In addition to the front-end modifications, the car receives new bumper and body moldings.

Hyundai hopes the changes will boost Sonata sales, which dipped 18.6 percent to 24,431 in the first quarter of 2008. Prices range from $18,795 to $26,345. Unveiled at the Chicago auto show in February, the car began arriving at dealerships in March.

SPECS
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $18,795
DRIVETRAIN: 2.4-liter, 175-hp, 168-lb-ft I4; fwd, five-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 3292 lb
0-60 MPH: N/A
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 26 mpg

By GREG MIGLIORE
AutoWeek

First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata – Korean bred, redesigned in America

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In recent months, Hyundai has made a big splash with the introductions of the Genesis sedan and coupe. While those two models will likely do wonders for Hyundai’s street cred, they will definitely be niche players when it comes to volume. Among passenger cars in the US market, the midsize segment has been the highest volume category for nearly two decades. Since the mid-nineties, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have been the primary players with everyone else having been an also-ran. In recent years, however, Hyundai’s entrant in the segment, the Sonata, has put up an increasingly aggressive challenge to the big dogs. The current generation Hyundai Sonata debuted for the 2006 model year and the company unwrapped its mid-cycle refresh back in February at the Chicago Auto Show.

The 2009 Sonatas have been in production since before the Chicago debut and they should be in stock at Hyundai stores around the country now. We went out to the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) outside of Ann Arbor, MI for a tour of the facility where the new Sonata was created and then set out for a couple of hours to see how it behaves in the real world. Find out if the new Sonata is for you after the jump.

HATCI opened up in Superior Township, MI in late 2005 and the first major assignment for the engineers and technicians at the facility was the ’09 Sonata refresh. About 150 engineers, designers and technicians occupy the 200,000 sq. ft building with more being added on a regular basis. The 2006 Sonata was designed and developed primarily at headquarters in Korea. The update was handled almost entirely at HATCI and focused primarily on taking what was fundamentally a pretty decent car and making it more desirable all around. They wanted to go from a car that people bought mainly because it was a good value to one that customers actually wanted to be in.

As a mid-cycle refresh, major styling changes were obviously well beyond the budget. Hyundai National Product Planning manager Scott Margason explained that in this segment, styling changes have relatively little impact on the buying decision. Other functional changes are far more important. To that end, Hyundai’s designers created a new nose with a more prominent grille and reworked headlights. The taillights and bumper covers also got some revisions. Aside from the grille, though, observers would have a hard time distinguishing a 2009 Sonata from a 2008 based on outward appearance.

Moving to the inside is a whole different story. Here, it’s immediately clear where HATCI spent its money. And they certainly seemed to spend it wisely. In an unusual move for mid-cycle facelift, the interior of the Sonata was gutted and completely redesigned, drawing many cues from last year’s Veracruz CUV. The previous, rather lumpy and disjointed design has been replaced by a modern and coherent look.

The center stack is all new with satin-finish metallic trim along the sides and clean simple controls for the radio and climate controls. The lower portion of the stack features two decent sized storage cubbies. Smooth-opening doors close off both compartments. Hyundai also developed a new in-dash navigation system that includes a touchscreen display and voice operation. The nav unit includes a gyroscope to sense vehicle motion and also reads wheel speed data, allowing it to continue dead reckoning the vehicle position even when driving in urban environments where tall buildings can interfere with the line of sight to GPS satellites. In keeping with Hyundai’s value orientation, the nav system costs $1,250 compared to the $2,000 charged by most manufacturers.

According to Margason, one of the complaints about the previous Sonata iteration concerned its seats, specifically the lower cushion feeling both too narrow and too short. After a lot of benchmarking and customer evaluation, Hyundai determined that it needed to change the angle of the bottom cushion. Lengthening the cushion by about 18mm and tilting it up by just over 2 degrees was enough to dramatically change the way it felt.

Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines were upgraded by the HATCI engineers. The 2.4L four-pot picked up 13hp and 4lb-ft, putting it at 175hp and 168lb-ft. The engine now has variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, a new intake system for better airflow and what Hyundai calls an “enhanced performance sound”. It’s also rated as a partial zero emissions vehicle (PZEV) in California. The four can be had with either a five-speed stick or five-speed automatic, although only about four percent of buyers opt for the three-pedal setup. Hyundai is currently ramping up production of the fours at its plant in Alabama and by the end of the year all engines for the Sonata should be locally built.

The 3.3L V6 also got some intake upgrades and new calibrations that bump power up 249hp (from 234) and torque to 229lb-ft. The six is only available with the automatic.

After we got the rundown on the new model from Margason, we paired off and set out on our journey of discovery. All the available test cars had automatics and Gary Witzenburg and I set off in a four-cylinder Limited model. It was immediately apparent that the front seats did feel better than most competing Asian brands. I’ve often complained about the short seat cushions on many vehicles — particularly Toyotas — but the Sonata definitely came through here. The new front seats aren’t quite as good as those in the Accord, which I personally find to be exceptional, but they are very good.

The new dashboard layout is much easier on the eyes than the previous iteration. It looks more modern and stylish, and the Limited model, as expected of a “luxury” trim level, had “wood” trim that flowed from the doors into the dash. There’s plenty of room inside the Sonata in all directions. Like the new Accord, the Sonata’s 121.7 cu.ft. interior causes the EPA to rank it as a large car.

Unlike the Honda, which is over 5 inches longer, the Sonata manages to stay relatively compact on the outside. The current Mazda6 is the only car in the class to come in under the Sonata’s 188.9 inch overall length. The Hyundai is among the widest, though, at 72.1 inches. That means there’s plenty of space in the back seat as well as the front.

On the road, no one is going to mistake the Sonata for a sports car. The suspension does a good job of absorbing the worst that Michigan roads can provide, and even crossing railroad tracks at an angle doesn’t upset the car. The ride’s not floaty, but it does feel a bit isolated. Some might find the rim of the steering wheel to be a bit on the skinny side, and feedback is essentially nonexistent.

The four-banger operates smoothly under all conditions, but even the extra power of the 2009 model won’t have you mistaking this for anything but a mainstream mid-size sedan. Flooring the go pedal demonstrates the so-called “enhanced performance sound”, but the accompanying thrust is merely adequate. That said, “adequate” is more than enough for most drivers, and the 2.4L Sonata does just fine merging onto a highway. As with other aspects of the car, transmission shifts were uneventful. That is, they were generally smooth enough to be unnoticeable unless you were listening to the engine or watching the tach.

After our stopover at the Chelsea Teddy Bear factory, we swapped the four-cylinder Limited for a V6 SE model. The SE gets stiffer spring rates, improved damping and more roll stiffness than its counterparts. On the inside, the faux lumber is replaced with satin-finish metallic trim that should probably be standard across the board. On the road, the V6 SE was composed through the curves and generally felt a little more tied down than the other versions. As expected, the V6 felt a lot stronger than the four and was as refined as anything from the Japanese brands.

Overall, there’s nothing about the Sonata to get the enthusiast’s blood boiling, but this segment isn’t about that. The changes to the ’09 make this car a vastly more pleasing place to spend time. It’s more attractive, the seats are more comfortable and the car will get you where you’re going with minimal commotion. The Sonata has significantly more room than the Camry and the styling inside and out is less controversial than the latest Accord. We’ll be waiting for our chance to spend a little more time with the new Sonata.

First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

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No Crises Involved: More than a midlife (update) for Hyundai’s Camry combatant

In 2006, Motor Trend’s long-term test fleet made good use of a then-new Hyundai Sonata. It lived a solid year with us, working hard every day, with no problems to speak of, and earned far more praise than complaint. But it was a Wish List car. “Wish the interior were a little better designed and finished.” “Wish there were a little less noise and road rumble.” And the proverbial “Wish it had a little more power.”

We can’t claim to have had anything to do with it, but as the Sonata is now halfway through its five-year product cycle, it’s been given a substantial freshening that appears to have addressed our issues. The segment has since moved forward, too, but the Sonata is now an even more competitive player than when launched. Power is up, emissions are down, mileage has improved, and the cabin is a place in which you’ll be happier to spend time.

Choose between three models: GLS (“base” is an unfair term for such a well-equipped car), upmarket lux Limited, and sporty SE. And although the Sonata looks smaller, visually, than the new Accord, they’re the same size where it counts: inside. Hyundai and Honda are the only two in their competitive set classified by the EPA as large-sized cars, as measured by interior volume. The Sonata, in fact, nips the Accord in that critical measurement, 121.7 cubic feet to 120.0 (this measurement includes the cabin and the trunk, added together). Camry, Altima, and Malibu are considered midsize by the same standard, although not by a lot.

The exterior tuneup is minimal; headlights, grille, fascias, wheels, colors, bing-bang-boom. It’s inside that voluminous cabin where you’ll see a whole new world. The instrument panel, door trim, seats, lighting, center stack, audio systems, HVAC controls, and interior colors are all redone. The look and feel of these components are so much better and more harmonious. Switchgear is more logically located that you can, for the first time, get a nav system. At $1250, it’s priced right, but unfortunately only available on the topline Limited.

There’s more power underhood. The four-cylinder version goes from 162 horsepower to 175 (green states get a PZEV rated I-4 still good for 168). That’ll play just fine with Camry (158), Accord (177), and Malibu (164). Variable valve timing now on both intake and exhaust sides of the combustion process likely accounts for the bump. Yet EPA improves from 21/30 to 22/32 (with automatic trans). Four-bangers make up about 70 percent of Sonata sales volumes, and given ever increasing fuel price levels, that equation may tip further. A five-speed manual transmission is still offered, while the automatic goes from four to five ratios.

The Sonata’s V-6 gets more power, too, but at 3.3 liters, is still displacement-challenged against the category. Most players pack 3.5-3.6 liters of engine, good for 250-270 horses. At 249, the Hyundai can come to the party, but not lead it. But this engine loves to rev, and EPA also improves, if only by a hair, from 19/28 to 19/29.

The underpinnings are retuned for better ride and improved handling, the latter especially in the SE model. Hyundai has also put effort into quelling noise levels, an issue, as noted, with the previous car. As before, there are six standard airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and — this is a big one — standard electronic stability and traction control. Camry and Altima charge you extra for these safety systems.

What a difference a little midlife-cycle product update can bring. The new interior makes the Sonata so much more inviting. Improvements in ride are noticeable, and along with those a substantial lowering of noise levels, particularly the white noise and engine sounds that used to creep in from the center stack/IP area.

We sampled I-4 and V-6 models, and the performance improvements are for real. The four feels particularly zippy, something you couldn’t say about the old one. More power and more closely spaced gear ratios do the job well here, although the rpm drop-off between first and second gears seems a bit high. The V-6 has a velvety feel and, though not as sweet-sounding as the Honda’s, has plenty of pull and good response. While we’ve yet to run acceleration, braking, and handling tests, we have no reason to believe they won’t eclipse the prior Sonata’s performance.

Value is huge in this high-volume sedan segment, and Hyundai continues to deliver a strong message here. Depending on model and equipment, and with which competitor it’s being compared, the Sonata offers a bit more for a bit less. Resale value percentages aren’t yet in Camry/Accord territory, but the buy-in is easier, and don’t forget that all-important 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. All Sonatas are assembled in the U.S.

A lower price used to be the main reason to buy a Hyundai, but now it’s just one of several. This round of updates and improvements is substantial and well placed and make the Sonata class-competitive against the usual suspects. If you’re shopping Malibu, Camry, Accord, and the others, put this one on your Wish List, too. And this time, we mean that in a positive way. Stay tuned for a full road test.

By Matt Stone
MotorTrend

Carmaker Unveils Revamped Elantra

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Hyundai is enjoying good times — and no wonder.

Here’s a company that offers well-built, well-appointed, economical cars and SUVs for not a lot of money, at a time when most of us are looking for the most for our hard-earned bucks.

And that extends to some new models that you might not have heard of.

Hyundai recently introduced the all-new Veracruz large crossover, which is intended to do serious damage to the sales of Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The Veracruz, with prices ranging from around $27,000 to $35,000, is prompting comparisons with far more expensive crossovers — namely, the Lexus RX350. Some magazines have said it at least equals the Lexus in styling, content, value and quality.

It has three-tiered headlights, a sculpted bumper and an interesting grille that includes a curved portion that houses the Hyundai “Flying H” logo. Its roofline is not unlike the one found on the Infiniti FX series of crossovers.

Standard equipment includes electronic all-wheel drive; proximity key; rain sensing wipers; mirrors mounted on adjustable pedals; full power everything; an audio system that includes an AM/FM, XM Satellite radio, CD and an MP3 player; a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 (rated at 17 mpg city and 24-highway); heated power side mirrors; and side curtain bags.

Another new model is the Azera GLS, an entry-level variant of the popular mid-size sedan that starts at $24,235 with a five-speed transmission and a 3.3-liter V-6 that is rated at 21/28. New this year for Azera for 2008 is a standard XM satellite radio.

The Elantra also was all new last year. For 2008, electronic stability control is standard in SE trim, and brake assist has been added to the standard ABS system for the SE model. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models, and the Elantra SE premium plus Leaher Package replaces the Elantra Limited model. If you want a nice surprise, check out the new 2007 Elantra. This is a car that lists for between $13,395 and $16,895, and is better equipped than some cars selling for about half as much more. It has front and rear side curtain air bags, adjustable head restraints, full-power equipment, remote keyless-entry system, tilt steering wheel, rear center armrest with cup holders, center console with two-tier storage compartment, and more.

It’s got so much interior volume that the federal government places it in a class size above the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic — there’s more interior volume than you’ll find in Acura’s TL entry-level luxury car.

And don’t think you get all this in a “Plain Jane” car. The new Elantra is curvaceous, not flat and angular as some compact cars seem to be. It’s got a flowing character line along each of its flanks and an aggressive-looking grille. Inside you’ll find interiors with two-toned themes and touches of aluminum trim.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter, 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine with mileage ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. Prices range from $13,395 to $17,845.

Another star of Hyundai’s lineup this year is the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe small crossover, which was new last year.

For 2008, the power tilt and slide sunroof has been made standard on the Limited trim level, the LG navigation system will be available on the Limited staring in the first quarter of 2008, and premium seat cloth is now standard on the SE. A 605-watt Infinitiy Logic 7 CD changer audio system with 10 speakers is now standard on the Limited.

The Santa Fe has several competitive advantages: It offers a third-row seat, which is a big deal for shoppers these days; two transmissions and two engine choices — both are V-6s: a 2.7-liter, 185-horsepower version (rated at 21 mpg city/26 highway) and a 242-horsepower model (rated at 19/24); and, of course, a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

It also comes with a full complement of safety equipment, including electronic stability control, anti-whiplash active head restraints and six air bags, including side air curtains.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Luxury Car That Hyundai Always Wanted to Build

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The luxury car that Hyundai always wanted to build

2009 Hyundai Genesis

The Genesis is the beginning of something radically different for Hyundai.

This is a serious luxury machine built around a rear-wheel-drive platform and an available V8 engine. The resulting premium-grade sedan, due to arrive this summer, will take on some of the best sedans that Europe, Japan and North America have to offer.

That’s a lofty goal and it remains to be seen whether this mainstream Korean automaker, which began a couple of decades ago selling modest little vehicles, can be accepted into an exclusive club dominated by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Cadillac, to name some of its key members.

Let the critics scoff. Hyundai seems to think the Genesis deserves to be taken seriously as a true luxury contender and at a price that just might embarrass the competition.

Of course, we’ve heard that rhetoric from Hyundai before. The company’s Azera sedan boasted a similar claim when it arrived for the 2006 model year. It was – and still is – a pretty decent ride, but falls short of making the luxury claim stick.

This time, however, the luxury tag has some serious backing. For starters, there’s a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a sophisticated independent front and rear suspension on the menu, a first for Hyundai in North America, although this type of setup has been employed in its native Korea for a number of years. Secondly, the Genesis will be offered with a 4.6-liter V8 that delivers between 368 and 375 horsepower, depending on whether you pump regular- or premium-grade gasoline into the tank. The output level beats nearly every direct and indirect competitor in sight, including the Infiniti M45, BMW 550i, and Chrysler 300C and comes whisker-close to topping the Mercedes-Benz E550 and the Lexus LS460. However, it’s important to note that the Hyundai’s 324 pound-feet of torque falls short of these potential competitors. As well, the Genesis is the only sedan in the group that fails to offer all-wheel-drive as an option, a feature that nearly every luxury car worth its salt can be equipped with these days.

Of course, it’s the Genesis’ V8 powerplant that’s attracting significant attention, but it’s not the only available motor. Base versions will come with a 268-horsepower 3.3-liter V6, while mid-range models will get a 290-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. Both are derived from the Azera and Sonata’s front-wheel-drive architecture but, like the V8, they’re connected to six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Genesis is wrapped in one of the most inviting bodies ever designed for a Hyundai. There are strong hints of Mercedes, BMW and Infiniti in the shape, but not in an overt or awkward way. In other words, no new ground is broken, but none of the design elements look glaringly out of place. Overall length and width is with an inch of the Chrysler 300, placing the Genesis firmly in the full-size category and providing more limo-like stretch-out space than either an E-Class Mercedes or BMW 7-series.

All Genesis models should arrive with a very high degree of standard equipment (final base content has yet to be announced). At the top end, though, you’ll be able to load up with a heated and cooled driver’s seat, power rear sunshade, backup camera, auto-leveling Xenon headlights, 17-speaker 500-watt sound package, navigation system, UV-reflective leather-covered steering wheel that stays cool to the touch in bright sunlight when the windows are up and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle directly in front.

Genesis pricing is not yet known, but a $30,000-$40,000 range is likely. That certainly undercuts many of its peers, which is exactly what Hyundai needs to attract buyers to the upscale side of its newly revised business plan.

What you should know: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Type: Four-door, rear-wheel-drive full-size entry-luxury sedan

Engines: 3.3-liter DOHC V6 (268 hp); 3.8-liter DOHC V6 (290 hp); 4.6-liter DOHC V8 (375 hp)

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Market position: The Genesis will attempt to carve out a niche within an established group of premium-priced rear-wheel-drive passenger cars.

Points: * A whole new direction for Hyundai. * Optional V8 among the most powerful in class. * All-wheel-drive option should be part of the program. * Planned Genesis coupe will follow sedan launch. * Available 17-speaker high-performance audio system enhances car’s character. * Existing long-term Hyundai warranty already up to luxury-car standards.

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

The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 17/24 (3.3, est.) Base price: $30,000 (est.)

By comparison

Chrysler 300

Base price: $25,300

Available from tame to torrid with optional 425-hp SRT8 model.

BMW 5-series

Base price: $45,100

Sporty sedan offers superb handling, impressive V8 power.

Infiniti M35/45

Base price: $43,800

Splendid V6 and V8 performers are roomy and well appointed.

By Malcolm Gunn
Wheelbase Communications
March 15, 2008

Up Close: Hyundai’s New Navigation System

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Up Close: Hyundai’s New Navigation System

Hyundai readily admits it’s late to the navigation game. As recently as 2007, top-of-the-line models like the Veracruz and Azera didn’t have any system, while competitors offered it all the way down to their compact cars. That’s changed: The Veracruz, Santa Fe and Azera offer navigation for 2008, while the restyled Sonata features an even more advanced system for 2009.

The Sonata’s system is the real deal. At the Chicago Auto Show yesterday, I spoke with Patrick Newland, the engineer who designed it, and he said it’s a proprietary system that will make its way across Hyundai’s lineup in several years. Strictly speaking, the LG systems in other Hyundai models are a stopgap measure, Newland said. (The Genesis’ high-end system, meanwhile, is yet another, separate unit dedicated just to that car.)

I checked out Newland’s brainchild. It sits high in the Sonata’s dash on a 6.5-inch screen — not as big as the 8-inch screen in the Accord, but competitive with most others. The graphics are first-rate, with clear labels for streets and landmarks, though individual buildings aren’t outlined, as they are on Toyota’s navigation system. Newland says Hyundai put a premium on usability, and it shows: There’s a POI button on the main map to bring up points of interest, and under the Setup display there’s a full help menu with descriptions of each button. Should you need to find an intersection, the system allows you to input the city it’s in. That’s helpful. I’ve used systems without a city input, and if you can’t remember the exact name of each street (boulevard, lane or avenue?) you can get stuck with every 3rd and Main from here to Cleveland.

The system uses a touch-screen, and it’s pretty adept at figuring out what you’re trying to do. I wish Hyundai had placed a few more shortcut buttons along the side, though. Honda is a champion of this, as most of its navigation systems employ a joystick to scroll the map. The Sonata’s system works like most others, so you have to hold your finger on the map to move around. Sigh.

On the audio menus, the radio presets display their stations, so instead of 1 through 6 you have 93.1, 104.3, etc. That’s nice, especially if you forget your presets like I do. On satellite radio, you can punch in exactly which station you want with a number pad instead of having to browse a list of 100-plus channels. (If you prefer, you can do that, too.)

Unfortunately, Hyundai doesn’t break out the radio presets onto hard buttons above or below the screen, so setting a station requires holding your finger down on the on-screen button. Other systems that do this prove especially vexing – if you’re driving and hit a bump, you’re back to whatever old station was there.

All told, this isn’t a bad start. I’m looking forward to seeing how well the system routes us around Chicago. Some of my favorite ones have become hopelessly befuddled with foul weather or tricky one-way roads — and if the system can’t get you where you need to go, all those tidy graphics start to look a lot less friendly.

Source: KickingTires

2009 Hyundai Sonata’s New Touch-Screen Display Enhances XM Radio Listening Experience

CHICAGO, Feb. 6 — XM, the nation’s leading provider of satellite radio, announced today that 2009 Hyundai Sonata buyers will experience an enhanced XM radio listening experience through the vehicles available color, touch-screen navigation display. The Sonata’s navigation display, unveiled today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, will make for a richer XM listening experience.

The brand-new display on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata allows listeners can use the high-resolution touch-screen display to easily scan through XM’s more than 170 channels of entertainment. The display will feature sophisticated graphics, making it easy to glance at the XM channel name, song title, artist name, and category to select music, sports, talk, news, comedy or traffic and weather.

“XM fans will truly appreciate the enhanced user experience through the Hyundai Sonata’s new touch-screen display. Now, listening to XM Radio in the vehicle is richer and easier than ever before,” said Joe Verbrugge, senior vice president, automotive partnerships and international operations, XM Satellite Radio.

XM has been standard on all Sonata models since 2007. Every Hyundai equipped with XM Satellite Radio also comes with a three-month complimentary subscription.

This is the first time a navigation system has been incorporated into the Sonata.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata will be on display throughout the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

About XM

XM is America’s number one satellite radio. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM’s 2008 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children’s and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2008. XM’s industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit www.xmradio.com.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio’s service, the Company’s dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-1-07. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio’s Investor Relations Department. Programming is subject to change.

Hyundai Motor America Announces 2009 Sonata Pricing

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Hyundai Motor America Announces 2009 Sonata Pricing

Chicago, 02/06/2008 — Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the refreshed 2009 Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting even more horsepower and improved fuel economy. The 2009 Sonata is now on sale at Hyundai dealerships.

Model	Engine	Transmission	MSRP with freight
Sonata GLS	2.4-liter I4	5-speed manual	$18,795
Sonata GLS	2.4-liter I4	5-speed automatic	$19,995
Sonata GLS	2.4-liter I4 PZEV	5-speed automatic	$19,995
Sonata GLS	3.3-liter V6	5-speed automatic	$22,245
Sonata SE	2.4-liter I4	5-speed manual	$21,195
Sonata SE	3.3-liter V6	5-speed automatic	$23,845
Sonata Limited	2.4-liter I4	5-speed automatic	$24,645
Sonata Limited	2.4-liter I4 PZEV	5-speed automatic	$24,645
Sonata Limited	3.3-liter V6	5-speed automatic	$26,345

“You’d expect that all of these changes and new content would lead to startling new price points for the Sonata,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “But that’s not Hyundai’s business model. With a starting price of just $18,795, including delivery, the 2009 Sonata is very well equipped to compete with the best mid-size sedans on quality, craftsmanship, capability…and of course, value.”

The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai’s sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata’s continued leadership in safety – it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.

The new, second-generation Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration. Fuel economy numbers are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing.

Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). This newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai’s five-speed SHIFTRONIC 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.

The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a “class above” Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars).

Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Other refinements include dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.

The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata’s exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance. The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models.

On the safety side, 2009 Sonata’s front collision performance has been improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. Every Sonata also has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment along with six standard airbags. The braking technology package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 780 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Fuel-Efficient 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Arrives In United States

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Fuel-Efficient 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Arrives In United States

CHICAGO, February 6, 2008 — Hyundai Motor America took the wraps off its Elantra Touring five-door compact at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. Making its United States debut, the all-new 2009 Elantra Touring is a sportier, more functional variant of Hyundai’s popular Elantra sedan, and is slated to hit dealerships in the winter of 2008. Elantra Touring is based on the i30 CW model that was designed for the European market.

“The all-new Elantra Touring is a fun-to-drive, functional five-door,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra Touring provides buyers a unique offering in the compact segment, raising the bar as Hyundai likes to do in value, safety and quality.”

The Elantra Touring, with its modern, sleek styling and fun-to-drive qualities, was developed by Hyundai in response to the growing demand for stylish and functional five-door vehicles, sales of which doubled from 2001 to 2006. Five-door vehicle sales are projected to be strong into the next decade. The Elantra Touring will also be the first five-door compact to offer standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), in addition to a host of other class-leading safety technologies. As with all Hyundai vehicles, the Elantra Touring was designed and manufactured to meet the most stringent quality standards in the industry, exemplifying Hyundai’s quality leadership position worldwide.

ASSERTIVE EXTERIOR DESIGN

Flowing curves and strong character lines highlight the broad stance and long wheelbase of the Elantra Touring. The clearly defined, unbroken, rising beltline unifies the vehicle’s functional proportions. The effect is an exciting shape that provides a dynamic impression of performance and capability. Elantra Touring has a low coefficient of drag for optimal fuel efficiency at highway speeds and minimal interior noise. Up front, the pronounced dual air intakes flow smoothly into the hood and A-pillar lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels complete the modern design.

ROOMY AND REFINED INTERIOR

The long wheelbase and generous width of the Elantra Touring, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, have produced an interior that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. Elantra Touring has the most interior volume (passenger volume plus cargo space) of any five-door in its class at 125.5 cubic feet. In fact, Elantra Touring’s cargo capacity is 65.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, more cargo space than many larger wagons and crossovers.

The Elantra Touring was conceived from the beginning as a driver’s car. The clarity of the instruments, standard B&M Racing sport shifter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a supportive eight-way adjustable driver’s seat all contribute to a superior driving experience. For extra clarity, Hyundai’s signature blue LCD lighting technology has been used for the central information display and gauge cluster. Two-tone interior trim, with special attention to the upholstery fabrics and materials, delivers a more premium feel. Black and beige are the two interior color choices.

The Elantra Touring is the first compact five-door to offer XM Satellite Radio® and USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs as standard equipment. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, which is located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself. The center storage compartment location of the USB assures that iPods can be safely stowed out of sight.

The roomy and functional interior is also a quiet place to be. Based on internal tests, Elantra Touring has four decibels lower road noise levels than Mazda3 five-door.

INTELLIGENT ERGONOMICS

With its leading-edge designs, Hyundai has proven through the years that vehicles do not need to be large to feel spacious, nor carry a premium price when offering intelligently designed interior cabins. The Elantra Touring is just the latest expression of this thoughtful approach, incorporating conveniently located steering wheel audio/cruise controls and column stalks, easy-to-reach heating and air conditioning knobs, as well as conveniently positioned power windows and mirror controls. Even the positioning and precise feel of the automatic gearshift has been optimized. The integrated 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/CD/MP3 audio system, map pockets and other storage areas round out the car’s conveniently and intelligently designed interior space.

Sporty front seats, designed to complement the athletic driving dynamics of the vehicle, and carefully contoured rear seats, provide long distance comfort and support. Hyundai engineers focused not just on the seats’ form and function, but also on the stitching, materials and bolstering. The front driver seat is fully height adjustable and includes lumbar support. The result is seating fit for the spirited driving that Elantra Touring inspires.

IMPRESSIVE PACKAGE EFFICIENCY

The Elantra Touring’s exterior dimensions (176.2 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 59.8 inches high) make it a great fit in the compact five-door segment, while its long wheelbase (106.3 inches) means that Elantra Touring offers class-leading interior volume. Elantra Touring features outstanding front legroom and front and rear shoulder room. In addition, every Elantra Touring has 60/40 split folding rear seats that fold when needed for added storage, functionality and practicality.

The Elantra Touring matches best-in-class passenger volume with best-in-class cargo capacity. There is a useful 24.3 cubic feet of luggage space with rear seats upright and a cavernous 65.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. As in any Hyundai, the utility and convenience in the Elantra Touring has not been overlooked, with a stow-and-go removable luggage cover that stores conveniently out-of-site under the trunk area compartment. An optional restraining net is also offered.

The Elantra Touring includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglass holder, two front and two rear cupholders, door bottle holders, dash storage, central console storage, front storage tray, front seatback pockets and a cargo area under-floor storage. For tailgaters, the cargo area also has a power-retained 12-volt outlet, where the vehicle does not have to be turned on, for consumers who desire an outlet to plug in their portable electronic devices.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Elantra Touring is powered by the same fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, in line four-cylinder found in the Elantra sedan. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power band, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Elantra Touring is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

TRANSMITTING THE POWER

Hyundai understands that performance means more than just engine output, which is why transmission choices have been optimized for real driving satisfaction.

An ergonomically located gear shift with a SHIFTRONIC® manual feature controls the Elantra Touring’s four-speed automatic transmission, delivering confident mode selection and quicker, easier, more precise manual overrides. A unique-in-segment B&M Racing sport shifter delivers smooth, short-throw shift control for the standard five-speed manual transmission.

AGILE STEERING, SUSPENSION AND BRAKING

The Hyundai Elantra Touring offers a dynamic driving experience. A MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension have been fitted to perfectly complement the body structure’s high rigidity. Ventilated 11.8-inch front and solid 10.3-inch rear discs with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) provide excellent stopping power with added handling control.

Elantra Touring delivers high performance steering and adds unique springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and dampers. Elantra Touring features a 24 percent stiffer front spring rate, a 39 percent stiffer rear spring rate, a larger front stabilizer bar (24 mm) and larger rear stabilizer bar (21mm) than the Elantra sedan. Both 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, with low and ultra-low profile tires, add visual impact and extra grip to the Elantra Touring’s sporty dynamics. The result is a car that simply demands to be driven.

Elantra Touring steering character is another key driver of its sporty driving nature. Hyundai chassis engineers focused on delivering an agile feel, with direct responses to driver inputs. That spirit translates to a fun-to-drive character in everyday driving situations. And all drivers will appreciate Elantra Touring’s nimble turning diameter – at 34.2 feet it is better than Rabbit’s 35.8 feet and Caliber’s 37.2 feet.

UNSURPASSED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Like every Hyundai, top-tier safety was a key development goal for the Elantra Touring, which is fully equipped to protect driver and passengers. In terms of passive safety, it features dual front, side and curtain airbags, for a total of six protective airbags in the vehicle. The Elantra Touring also features active front headrests, seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt reminders. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 52 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also according to the IIHS, active front head restraints improve rear crash protection.

These passive safety technologies are fully grounded in a state-of-the-art body structure, which includes deformable zones, occupant protection cell and three-way load distribution technology. Further rigidity has been achieved with reinforced A pillars, strengthened bulkhead, front and side members, and strengthened B and C pillars.

The Elantra Touring comes standard with Electronic Stability Control, one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies. ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. It then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer. NHTSA studies show passenger cars equipped with ESC experience 30 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes. Santa Fe, Veracruz, Tucson, Sonata, Azera, Elantra SE, Entourage and Genesis are all equipped with standard ESC. Approximately 73 percent of Hyundai vehicles offered in 2008 come equipped with standard ESC – a commitment to this sophisticated and effective automotive safety technology that is unmatched by any other popular automotive brand.

In developing and refining the safety features of the Elantra Touring, Hyundai employed advanced design systems and sophisticated computer simulation, combined with intensive component testing. This is a process used in development of all Hyundai vehicles. From drawing board to prototype testing to final product development, Hyundai uses this extensive process to assure that all its vehicles – including the Elantra Touring – meet or exceed government safety standards, as well as the expectations of vehicle buyers.

THE GOOD STUFF COMES STANDARD

Elantra Touring builds on Hyundai’s reputation for offering loads of standard equipment, offering air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors, door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and plenty of storage compartments. For audiophiles, an integrated 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, USB input and auxiliary input jack are standard. The Premium-Sport package adds a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires.

AMERICA’S BEST WARRANTY

The 2009 Elantra Touring is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Elantra Touring buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

2009 Sonata: Transformed From The Inside Out For a More Premium And Fuel-Efficient Mid-Size Sedan Experience

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2009 Sonata: Transformed From The Inside Out For a More Premium And Fuel-Efficient Mid-Size Sedan Experience

CHICAGO, February 6, 2008 – As gas prices and competition in the mid-size sedan segment surge, Hyundai is introducing its refreshed Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting both improved fuel economy and horsepower. The 2009 Sonata will be available at Hyundai dealers later this month.

CHOICE OF TWO MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai’s second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 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®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine

Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been improved for more performance and efficiency. It now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). The first member of Hyundai’s “Lambda” V6 engine family, this newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai’s five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. 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.

A NEW, WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS STILL A “CLASS ABOVE”

Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.

More contrast has been added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and for the first time ever, Cocoa Brown is available. The front cupholders are also upgraded for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai’s signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle’s modern interior design.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharper handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, revalved, twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers, and a larger 26 mm stabilizer bar. The system’s lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.

In back, a new sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. The rear spring rates have been increased by five percent, shocks revalved and the sway bar thickened from 15 mm to 16 mm. All together, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a more dynamic driving experience.

The high-performance Sonata SE becomes an even more exciting and willing partner for enthusiastic drivers with its own unique sport-tuned suspension. The new sport-tuned suspension features a 15 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate, unique strut valving at all four corners and 27 mm front and 17 mm rear stabilizer bars along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and tires.

All Sonatas also now have quicker ratio steering for a crisp feel on turn in.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN

The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata’s exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance.

The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range offers a choice of seven new colors.

UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

On the safety side, 2009 Sonata’s front collision performance has been further improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. The Hyundai Sonata is expected to earn the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata’s strong body structure and advanced airbag technology. Sonata delivers an unsurpassed commitment to both active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.

The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. Other 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.

THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2009 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of mid-size sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

SONATA GLS

The 2009 Sonata GLS continues to provide value and a sizable price advantage compared with its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2008 Honda Accord and 2008 Toyota Camry. All Sonata models have offered standard ESC since May 2005. This is important, as NHTSA claims ESC is the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt. In comparison, Toyota still offers ESC only as an option on the 2008 Camry, while Honda Accord has only recently matched Sonata with standard ESC on the new 2008 Accord, more than two years after Sonata made this commitment to active safety technology leadership.

Sonata features a new, sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a new five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional.

The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, ABS and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column.

The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A sunroof is also available.

SONATA SE – I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE

The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a smooth-shifting B&M Racing five-speed manual transmission (2.4L four-cylinder) or optional five-speed automatic (3.3L V6). Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with unique, handling-focused 215/55R17 all-season performance tires, rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special cloth seats with leather bolsters, and an eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support. SE tires feature stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips.

Other standard features include automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED

The feature-packed Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for mid-size sedan buyers who want it all-at a great price. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and power sunroof. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option besides the engine choice is a navigation system. Sonata Limited four-cylinder and V6 models feature a five-speed automatic transmission with the added control of SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.

WARRANTY

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.