Hyundai Earns "Best Deal" Honors In Cars.com Lifestyle Awards

2007 Hyundai Sonata And The Tucson Recognized As The "Best Deal For Small Families" And "Best Deal For Weekend Athletes"

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 01/25/2007 Cars.com recognized the Hyundai Sonata as the "Best Deal for Small Families" and the Hyundai Tucson as the "Best Deal for Weekend Athletes" in its first annual Lifestyle Awards.

Developed to recognize vehicles best suited for the lifestyle needs of today's car buyers, the Cars.com awards program honors the top "Best Deals" in a number of sub-categories. The awards are based on expert picks from Cars.com editors' experiences in dozens of test drives and their evaluation of criteria most important to shoppers in each respective lifestyle category.

The Hyundai Sonata received the "Best Deal for Small Families" accolade by combining advanced standard safety features and interior comfort at an affordable price. The Hyundai Sonata sets the benchmark for value and standard safety technology in the midsize segment as the only midsize sedan under $20,000 with lifesaving Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a standard feature. Every Sonata includes four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. With a well-crafted interior and striking style, the Sonata is a sophisticated choice for the value conscious consumer.

The Hyundai Tucson beat out the competition in the "Best Deal for Weekend Athletes" category with cargo versatility, value, quality and safety superiority. Versatility is a Tucson strong point. The standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. Single-lever operation and headrests that remain in place speed the conversion from passenger to cargo use. Another thoughtful touch: the front passenger seatback can fold flat either forward or backward, further adding to loading and cargo carrying versatility. To help secure cargo, there are three grocery bag hooks, six flush-mount metal tie-down anchor points and six cargo net mounting points. Tucson is ready to haul gear with an easy-to-clean composite load floor with a removable rear section. Underneath is an additional storage area and spare tire. Plenty of storage bins, compartments and eight cup holders are positioned throughout the interior, as are three 12-volt power points. Comfort and convenience features include a two-tier front storage console with a two-position padded armrest. The Tucson continues to rank high in quality and safety ratings with standard features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and six airbags.

"Automakers design vehicles to address the needs of specific consumer lifestyles, so it's rewarding to be recognized for meeting those demands," said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. "We also know that a large part of Hyundai's consumer appeal is our commitment to quality, standard safety technologies and extraordinary value, which both the Sonata and Tucson capture as well."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 755 dealerships nationwide.

CARS.COM

Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience.