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

Sisters – and parents – enjoying their Elantras

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Sisters – and parents – enjoying their Elantras

The family bought two Hyundais and finds them comfortable and economical.

MUNCIE — An accident that left a Hyundai Elantra a total loss ultimately led a local family to buy two new ones.

The crash occurred this past February when another driver lost control at an icy intersection and struck a 2004 Elantra being driven by Bailey Hall, a senior at Central High School. The car had been bought for Bailey and her sister, Kyle, by the girls’ mother, Cate McClellan, and stepfather, Arno Wittig.

Cate is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Indiana. Arno is a professor emeritus of psychological science at Ball State University.

In researching several cars he considered as replacements for the wrecked one, Arno found the 2008 Elantra offers many of the same advantages that led him to buy the 2004, and it has some extra features and updated styling.

“Consumer Reports rates the 2008 Elantra as the best sedan of its size,” he said. “I also found in looking at several cars that for someone my height — 6’2” — the rearview mirror often interferes with outward visibility, but this is not the case in the Elantra.

“Cate and I decided to get two of them — one for the girls to drive and one for us,” Arno said.

They purchased the pair of 2008 Elantras at Gaddis Hyundai in Muncie.

Because Kyle attends Indiana University and is often away at school, Bailey has been the main driver of the family’s red Elantra. She said she appreciates the car’s comfort and trunk space, as well as its audio system.

“It’s comfortable and easy to maneuver,” she said. “I have enjoyed the three free months of XM radio, and I like that the audio system has a connection for an iPod.”

Cate and Arno like the satellite radio feature of their Elantra, as well, and are considering buying subscriptions for both cars when the free trial period ends.

Bailey said she nearly lives out of her car as she drives it to school, athletic events and other extracurricular activities.

“I think I have half of my bedroom in the trunk,” she said.

Kyle does get some time behind the wheel, too: Recently, she drove the Elantra to Charleston, S.C., and found it comfortable and efficient, using only two and one-half tanks of gas for the round trip.

Arno said the white Elantra he and Cate drive has been economical, as well.

“The worst gas mileage we’ve had is 29.9 miles per gallon,” he said. “The best is almost 37 miles per gallon.”

Even though the family also owns a van, the Elantra’s superior fuel economy makes it more desirable for long drives, Cate said.

“We can take the Hyundai to Bloomington and back on a half-tank of gas — and there’s plenty of room in back for our 40 pound dog,” she said. “Either one, or both, of the back seats can be folded down to increase the trunk space.”

With the back seats up, the car carries four adults comfortably, Cate added.

Completely redesigned last year, the Elantra is now classified as a mid-size car, even though its fuel economy ratings and sticker price are more like those of compact models, said Jim Raines, sales representative at Gaddis Hyundai.

“With mileage ratings well into the 30s, Five-Star safety ratings, a 100,000-mile warranty and a range of features not usually found on cars even close to this price, there’s a lot of value in the Elantra,” he said. “It has features to appeal to the younger driver and the savvy, experienced driver alike.”

By KEN WICKLIFFE – For The Star Press – May 18, 2008
The Star Press

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE Road Test

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As I was walking out of the grocery store, I noticed someone walking up to my Hyundai Elantra SE test car. That’s nothing out of the ordinary, right? Wrong. I was a little confused when this person pulled out their keys and attempted to open the car, so I stopped walking and just watched. Granted it was about 9 o’clock at night so it was dark, but not so dark that you couldn’t see where you were going. I figured he must have mistaken my car for his, or he was trying to break in and steal my Fibre1 bars that were sitting in plain view! But then again, I didn’t know what to think.

I then approached my car and asked him if I could help him. He stood there, in confusion as to what I was asking him. Finally he clued in. His Mercedes C230 was parked right beside mine. Both cars were a similar shade of silver with cool rims, but other than that there were no other physical similarities I could draw upon. He, embarrassed, apologized and asked what kind of car he walked up to. I told him it was an ’08 Hyundai Elantra. To that he replied, “Really? That’s a Hyundai? Well, the Koreans are definitely doing something right! And I see you like Fibre1 bars. Good call.” We laughed about it, and went our separate ways.

While I was driving home, I was thinking about the words exchanged in the Safeway parking lot. Not the words about the Fibre1 bars, but Hyundai doing “something right” with their cars. Actually, Hyundai has been doing a lot ‘right’ over the last few years that I’ve been a journalist. Not only did Hyundai implement the 24/7 program a couple of years ago – a program that consisted of launching 7 new products in 24 months; hence the 24/7 name – but the Korean auto manufacturer has continually been upping the safety standards, build quality, refinement and overall appeal of its vehicles. The new Elantra is an example of the above characteristics.

Starting at a mere $13,625, the 4-door Elantra sedan offers its driver a comfortable cabin, a 5-speed manual transmission and a 16-valve, DOHC, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Up the price tag to $16,325 and you’ve got the Elantra SE. It not only comes with keyless entry and power door locks, mirrors and windows, but air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped around P205/55R16 tires, redundant audio controls on the steering wheel, dual front airbags, fog lights, front and rear disc brakes with ABS, EBD and BA (brake assist), a rear spoiler, and the list goes on. Throw in an amazing 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive warranty that incorporates a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and life gets even better.

Looking at the Elantra, it’s not hard to see why Mr. Parking Lot was impressed with it. The four-door sedan has clean, tight lines on the outside and in. Its body-style is fresh and upbeat (the Elantra went through a metamorphosis for the 2007 model year), but also mature enough to appeal to both the young and not-so-young. Underneath its unmistakable continental silver exterior paint scheme is a steel cage with side-impact door beams and built-in front and rear crumple zones to enhance safety.

On the inside, along with those airbags the Elantra’s cabin is spacious and refined, with a total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet that includes 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space. I particularly liked how the interior is set up. The placement of the buttons and gauges are ergonomically-friendly and the elevated driver’s seating position allowed me to have a good view of what was going on around me. The cloth-upholstered yet heated front seats also made my mornings a little warmer, especially since the weather on the Wet Coa… I mean West Coast hasn’t been very Spring-esque lately. Nevertheless, the gloomy sky didn’t get my spirits down when driving to and from work or wherever life and the Elantra took me. The suspension setup, with gas-charged MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar up front and a rear multi-link system with a stabilizer bar in the rear was just peachy for everyday driving, absorbent enough over rough inner city roads while still capable of managing corners with verve. Rear seat passengers enjoyed it too, as there’s a lot of room back there. Parents will appreciate the LATCH child safety seat anchors tucked between the lower cushion and backrest of each rear window seat.

Whether it’s everyday driving to and from work, or to the gym, or for that matter the grocery store, the Elantra has a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. So, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to operate the car, or buy it. Not too shabby.

Overall I quite liked the Elantra. I did find, however, that when putting the 5-speed manual transmission into reverse it was sometimes a little fussy. I couldn’t always shift from first to reverse directly. I had to push in the clutch, shift from first into neutral, let up the clutch and then push the clutch in again to slot the shift lever into reverse. My boyfriend liked to call this a ‘safety’ feature. I liked to call it a pain in the butt. After all, men are from Mars! Just kidding. This only happened occasionally so I’m pretty sure it was an isolated case, as I haven’t incurred this problem in any of the other Hyundai’s I’ve driven.

Gearbox niggles aside, it’s quite a testament to me to see the growth of Hyundai Motor Corp. in such a positive direction. From the first time I drove the base model Accent to when I drove the top-of-the-line Santa Fe, the cars just keep getting better. While the Elantra SE is no Mercedes C230, literally, it is a finely-tuned piece of Korean engineering that even luxury car owners can be impressed with. And with all of the options and features, not to mention good looks inside and out, the Elantra is a luxury vehicle in its own right.

Source: Automobile.com

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

Hyundai Santa Fe and Entourage Named Best Cars for Retirees by Forbes.com

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Vehicles Help Mature Drivers Be Independent and Stay Behind the Wheel Longer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/06/2008 — Hyundai Santa Fe and the Entourage were recognized by Forbes.com (www.Forbes.com) as two of the “Best Cars for Retirees” based on features that help mature drivers stay behind the wheel longer.

In order to determine the list of “Best Cars for Retirees” Forbes.com factored in NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test ratings, AAA’s suggestions from “Smart Features for Mature Drivers” guide and additional features that appeal to mature drivers.

According to Forbes.com, “The Hyundai Santa Fe was chosen specifically for its driver lumbar support to help ease back discomfort, and Hyundai Entourage was chosen based on its power-adjustable foot pedals that help drivers remain a safe distance from steering wheel-mounted airbags.”

“Santa Fe and Entourage are great examples of Hyundai’s continued commitment to providing affordable vehicles with standard life-saving technologies and convenience features,” said Mike Nino, manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “These vehicles combine the safety and comfort drivers are looking for with sophistication and style.”

The Entourage and Santa Fe come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, six standard airbags, including side air curtains for all three rows of available seating and four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which automatically equalizes the braking force to the front and rear axles, based on the vehicle loading conditions. Both vehicles come standard with active front-seat head restraints which help prevent whiplash in the case of an accident.

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 790 dealerships nationwide.

Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to Develop Next Generation of In-Car Infotainment

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New partnership will globalize innovative in-car infotainment.

SEOUL, South Korea – May 6, 2008 – Today, Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai–Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul.

Together, Microsoft and HKAG will deliver new and innovative solutions based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of in-car technology to Hyundai–Kia drivers worldwide.

“These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car,” Thall said. “Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology. We’re now aligned to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.”

“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance infotainment solutions to our customers,” Lee said. “The advanced capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto software platform an attractive solution for us.”

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

The next-generation infotainment systems are comparable to mini-PCs. Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates, an innovation to existing in-car multimedia technology.

The Hyundai–Kia Automotive Group’s adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform increases Microsoft’s presence in the Asian car market and enhances the global automotive business. The engineering and marketing teams of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., will be working directly with counterparts at HKAG in Seoul to support this goal. Microsoft Auto-powered systems are currently available in Fiat Auto Group vehicles in Europe and South America and Ford Motor Co. vehicles in North America.

In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai–Kia, along with the Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-establish an automotive IT innovation center with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.

Microsoft Automotive Business Unit

The Microsoft Automotive Business Unit is a dedicated partner to the auto industry, providing innovative technologies and flexible software platforms to help deliver simple, more reliable and cost-effective in-car infotainment systems. Developed closely with automakers and automotive suppliers, the award-winning Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive software platforms connect drivers with a wide range of devices, services and technology while on the go, including hands-free communication, mobile device integration, customized navigation and high-fidelity digital entertainment. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsautomotive/default.mspx.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Azera Stuns with Finesse

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Azera stuns with finesse

Usually when someone comments on the car I’m driving, it’s a high-end luxury car or some kind of sporty roadster. But last week, the guy who was helping me out with my groceries said: “You have a nice car, ma’am.”

I was driving a Hyundai Azera.

He was stunned it was a Hyundai, I was stunned he called me ma’am. Really? Me? Ma’am? Hmmm. But I digress.

Whenever I mentioned the “H” word during the test week, the stunned reaction was common. People would take a second look at the Hyundai badging with a perplexed expression, then they would turn to me and ask: “When did that happen?”

My answer: While no one was paying attention.

If you haven’t looked at Hyundai lately, now would be a good time. With a luxurious crossover like the Veracruz and a nice midsize sedan like the Sonata, Hyundai is a brand on the move with incredibly affordable pricing.

The Azera was new for the 2006 model year, and, in fact, much of Hyundai’s lineup was refreshed that same year. The design got a little sleeker. Fit-and-finish has been a constant improvement. Not to mention “America’s Best Warranty” that comes with every vehicle. And while no one was looking, Hyundai became a contender.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the 2008 Azera. Standard features include power adjustable front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, automatic climate controls and a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that delivers 234 horsepower. This large, elegant sedan that looks like it should compete in the BMW 5-Series, Lexus ES, Audi A6 range has a base price of …wait for it … $25,295.

The test vehicle was a Limited model with standard leather seats, XM Satellite Radio, premium Infinity sound system, sun roof, heated front seats and an up-level 3.8-liter V-6 engine that delivers 263 horsepower. Without looking at the sticker sheet, I would have placed it in the $40K range including options like navigation, adjustable foot pedals and rain sensing wipers. I was stunned (there’s that word again) that the base price of the test vehicle was a mere $29,245. With the Ultimate Navigation Package ($2,750) and carpeted floor mats ($100), the final MSRP was $32,095. Absolutely, well, stunning.

Really, look at a photo that includes the grille on the Azera. Take your pinky and cover up the circle H emblem. Now, imagine a circle L in its place. It’s not a huge stretch.

The outside of the Azera speaks for itself. With long lean lines, a dual exhaust and sparkling taillights, the exterior has a high-end look and feel that gives people pause when they see the word Hyundai.

The interior of the Limited test vehicle was just as nice. I liked the buff-colored leather seats that were soft but not squishy. The wood accents were rich, and the touch points within the Azera were solid. The test vehicle had the optional navigation system, which was well integrated within the center stack. If you have the extra money to spend for this option, I’d definitely recommend it as the system works well, and I’m not a fan of the base level audio and HVAC controls.

Even though this is a large sedan with a length of 192.7 inches, I felt very comfortable in the driver’s seat. With the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and the power adjustable seats, I was able to find a great driving position that afforded an excellent view of the road. I didn’t even need to use the adjustable pedals that came with the Ultimate Navigation Package.

Front legroom is a generous 43.7 inches, and rear legroom is 38.2 inches. So, behind my driving position an NBA player could probably fit in the back seat comfortably. Behind an average adult, you’re looking at a couple of average-sized adults in the backseat.

The ride and handling of the test vehicle was more luxurious and less sporty. It was a soft and comfortable ride that didn’t jar too much over the Chicago potholes. The 263 horsepower in the Limited test vehicle was quite nice with great bursts of speed in passing mode and quick off-the-start acceleration when leaving a stop. I thought the Azera moved very well through traffic, and it was highly maneuverable in traffic. The Azera was easy to parallel park and easy to back into my parking space.

Because of the luxurious ride, the handling in the Azera tended to be a bit soft. So, when I hit the sweeping curve of the Ohio feeder ramp, rather than hunkering down and biting into the carousel, the Azera felt a bit heavy.

I had a few skeptical passengers during the test week because of the very fact that the Azera was in the Hyundai family. However, after a ride in the test vehicle, they were won over by the style and the price.

Through perseverance and a plethora of standard features, Hyundai plods along steadily, moving up the automaker food chain and becoming a brand to be reckoned with. I haven’t driven a Hyundai I didn’t like, and I’m looking forward to the Genesis and Genesis Coupe on the horizon. In the meantime, if you want a lux car with out the lux price, Azera should be on your list to test drive.

May 1, 2008
BY JILL CIMINILLO SearchChicago – Autos Editor

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.

G. Chambers Williams III: Hyundai’s Santa Fe upgraded to a midsize

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Crossovers are the family vehicles of choice for many new-car buyers in these days of record fuel prices, and one of the best is the Hyundai Santa Fe, which entered its second generation just last year.

In the makeover, the Santa Fe was upgraded to a midsize model from its previous compact size.

With the redesign, the Santa Fe now has a third-row seat and room for seven people, which puts it up against the segment-leading Toyota Highlander and other popular midsize crossovers with three rows, including the Honda Pilot.

It earns the “crossover” designation because of its unibody construction that combines the body and frame in one piece, giving the Santa Fe the ride and handling characteristics of a sedan rather than a truck.

The new model replaced a compact Santa Fe that already had been a hit. It was well-built, affordable, stylish and easy on gas.

Hyundai didn’t abandon the compact segment, though, as it also offers the Tucson, introduced for 2005, which actually is in the same segment as the previous generation of the Santa Fe; the Santa Fe was just slightly larger and better-equipped, giving it a higher price.

This newest Santa Fe is 184.1 inches long, 7 inches longer than its predecessor. It’s also an inch wider and almost 2 inches taller. Its track is 2.9 inches wider, which makes it wider than the tracks of the Highlander and Explorer.

Even though it is larger, the new Santa Fe starts at $21,150 (plus $695 freight) for the base GLS model with front-wheel drive and five-passenger seating. To get the third row, you have to move up to the midlevel SE model, which begins at $24,150.

Or you can go all out and choose the top-of-the-line Limited model, which has a base price of $28,100 with front-wheel drive or, as in the case of our test vehicle, $29,600 with all-wheel-drive.

With a few extras, our tester’s sticker price went up to $32,165 (with freight), but it’s really not necessary to spend that much to have a nice Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe was the first production vehicle created by Hyundai’s new U.S. design center in Irvine, Calif. The center’s mission, Hyundai said, was to design a vehicle “to meet American consumers’ demand for safety, style, sophistication and performance.”

Benchmark for the new Santa Fe wasn’t the Highlander and Pilot; instead, it was vehicles such as the Lexus RX and Acura MDX, which are the premium versions of the Highlander and Pilot, and the Volvo XC90.

The Santa Fe’s safety features include electronic stability control, anti-whiplash active head restraints, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats.

The side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. Some of the Santa Fe’s competitors offer this feature as an option.

Electronic stability control also is standard on all versions. This system is designed to help maintain vehicle stability in extreme maneuvers to help prevent rollovers. This is a feature that is appearing as standard equipment on many of the newer vehicles and can help lower death rates from SUV accidents substantially.

The 2.7-liter V-6 engine is rated at 185 horsepower and 183 foot-pounds of torque, which should be adequate for most people’s everyday needs.

For a lot more zip, though, with nearly the same fuel economy, the 3.3-liter V-6 in the uplevel models, including our Limited, is the best choice. It cranks out 242 horsepower and 226 foot-pounds of torque.

Those engines represent increases of 15 horsepower from the 2.7-liter engine in the 2006 model, and 42 horsepower from the 3.5-liter V-6 that was optional in the ’06 — with better fuel economy for the larger engine despite the huge spike in power.

EPA ratings are 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the base GLS model with the 2.7 engine and 17 city/24 highway for the models with the 3.3-liter.

The 2.7-liter model comes with a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic is an additional $1,300.

With the 3.3-liter engine, a five-speed automatic is standard. Both of the automatics come with the Shiftronic feature, which allows the driver to shift manually (without having to use a clutch).

Two-wheel drive is standard, but the electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is optional. It automatically sends power to the wheels offering the best traction. The driver also can activate a new center differential lock that splits power 50-50 between the front and rear axles regardless of which wheels have the best traction. This can help move the vehicle better in some off-road situations.

Don’t count on doing any serious off-road driving, however. The all-wheel-drive system does not have low-range gearing.

The Santa Fe’s new exterior design has a more aggressive look that includes a new grille and headlights. The body is more aerodynamic, with a lower coefficient of drag. That’s the measure of wind resistance; and the lower the resistance, the better a vehicle’s fuel economy.

Although the vehicle is shorter than the Lexus RX, there is more head, leg and shoulder room in the first two rows of seats. The RX doesn’t offer a third row of seating.

In the Santa Fe, the third-row seat has a 50/50 split and can be folded flat to increase cargo space. The middle seats, with a 60/40 split, can be folded, too, creating a cargo area of 78.2 cubic feet. With the second and third rows of seats in place, though, cargo space is just 10 cubic feet.

Three trim levels are offered: the base GLS, midlevel SE and Limited. But even the GLS is well-equipped, except for the absence of the third seat, and has more standard equipment for thousands of dollars less than a Highlander.

GLS models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, 112-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, rocker panel moldings, heated power side mirrors, power windows and door locks with remote, roof rack with sliding cross rails, tire-pressure monitoring system, air conditioning, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Options include the four-speed automatic transmission and a Premium Package ($2,100), which adds a power tilt/slide glass sunroof and heated front seats, among other extras.

Moving up to the SE model brings the 3.3-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, front fog lights and steering wheel audio controls.

To get the third seat and rear air conditioning, buyers must choose the SE Touring Package ($1,500).

The SE Premium Package ($1,850) adds a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, heated front seats and universal garage/gate opener.

Limited models come with everything found on the SE, plus leather seats, heated front seats, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual zone automatic climate control with outside temperature display, and the universal garage/gate opener, among other things.

Special exterior touches on the Limited include a chrome grille and exterior door handles, and a body-color rear spoiler. A power tilt/slide glass sunroof is standard.

The Limited also comes with a 605-watt Infinity audio system with 10 speakers, 115-volt power outlet and power front passenger seat.

Our vehicle came with the optional navigation system ($1,750), as well as carpeted floor mats ($120).

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

The package: Midsize, five-door, five- or seven-passenger, V-6 powered, front- or all-wheel-drive crossover utility.

Negatives: Can get pricey in the top model with all the options.

Length: 184.1 inches.

Curb weight: 3,727-4,022 pounds.

Engines: 2.7-liter or 3.3-liter V-6.

Transmissions: Five-speed manual, four- or five-speed automatic.

Power/torque: 185 HP/183 foot-pounds (2.7-liter); 242 HP/226 foot-pounds (3.3-liter).

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain, all rows.

Cargo volume: 10 cubic feet (third seat in place); 34.2 cubic feet (third seat absent or folded).

Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 pounds.

Fuel capacity/type: 19.8 gallons/unleaded regular.

EPA fuel economy: 18 miles per gallon city/24 (2.7-liter); 17/24 (3.3-liter).

Major competitors: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Dodge Journey.

Base price range: $21,150-$29,600 plus $695 freight.

Price as tested: $32,165 (Limited all-wheel drive, including freight and options).

On the Road rating: 8.8 (of a possible 10).

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

G. Chambers Williams
San Antonio Express-News

Motor Mouth: Hyundai Santa Fe Mimics Pricier Models

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At the risk of sounding like a hopeless rube, I’ll confess that I mistook a Hyundai for a BMW last week. The error was fleeting, but still surprising. BMW makes premium-class vehicles designed to pamper, flatter and entertain people who enjoy active driving. By contrast, many people still consider Hyundai an economy brand.

The gaffe occurred when I caught my first, rapid glimpse of the model I would be test driving for this report. “Oh, nice, a BMW X3,” I thought. The X3 is the smaller of two “sport-activity vehicles” sold by the German automaker. Starting at $38,775, it aims to combine the athletic road maneuvers for which BMW is renowned, with the hauling utility and all-weather security of an SUV.

But a closer look revealed that my test model was a Hyundai Santa Fe. The medium-sized SUV is a crossover (a sport utility body built on a car-like foundation, rather than a truck frame). It carries a suggested retail price of $21,690 for a front-drive model in standard trim. All-wheel-drive versions start at $23,390.

The Santa Fe deceived me with its wide, stable stance, its poised rear haunches, its blunted nose, wrapped front corners and, especially, its subtly arched, black-railed roof. The vehicle also looked very well finished, painted a silver-blue that shone deeply and lustrously in the sunlight. Before taking a moment to examine it, I thought I was approaching a wagon much more expensive than the Santa Fe turns out to be.

The brief masquerade last week doesn’t diminish the X3. Unquestionably, BMW makes a desirable vehicle. But the incident says a lot about Hyundai.

No doubt the handsomely assertive aspect of the Santa Fe, along with its gloss of craft and quality, help account for its enduring appeal. Hyundai, which builds Santa Fe in Alabama, introduced the current version as a 2007 model. The redesigned SUV performed well its first year, attracting buyers when the overall car market was turning south. Last year, Santa Fe sales increased 45 percent over 2006. But through the first three months of this year, Santa Fe sales are down about 17 percent nationally, according to Hyundai Motor America, the California-based U.S. arm of the Korean auto maker. But keep in mind that demand for just about every vehicle is falling this year.

The best indication that Santa Fe is carving out an audience comes from the growing number I notice sharing our roads. Salem Ford Hyundai in Salem, N.H., has a hard time keeping them in stock, reported Nancy Rodriguez, the dealership’s Hyundai sales manager.

“My inventory has gotten low” after a few months of strong demand, she said. At the moment, Hyundai is buffing the SUV’s appeal with low finance rates and rebates, she explained.

Rodriguez boasted that Salem Ford Hyundai beats even the best manufacturer offers, because it operates as a no-haggle, one-price dealer that sells all models for $300 over their own net price. She said the net price is typically lower than the vaunted invoice price, which is the amount car makers charge dealers before tacking on dealer profit. The net price includes additional discounts a car company gives a dealer.

To illustrate, she noted that the sticker price for a fully loaded Santa Fe Limited model pushes toward $34,000. “After my discounts and my rebate, you’re looking at $28,600. For everything: leather, sunroof, rear DVD entertainment center. Everything. If you start looking at other SUVs with that equipment, you’re up in the $40s,” she said.

The standard equipment built into Santa Fe helps make it attractive to motorists, said Rodriguez. A basic Santa Fe GLS comes with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, doors and mirrors, four-wheel disc brakes, tinted glass, tire-pressure monitoring and alloy wheels. The base model is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 mated to a manual transmission. The higher level, SE and Limited versions get a 3.3-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.

Safety equipment built into every Santa Fe includes advanced anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, and air bags all around, including side-curtain air bags.

Indeed, Rodriguez noted that Santa Fe’s safety standing increases its appeal to families. The SUV earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s top, five-star crash test rating for front and side collisions. It is also a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which gave the award to only 20 other models this year.

Another big family pleaser is the fold-down, third-row seat, which converts five-passenger Santa Fe into a seven-seat SUV, said the sales manager. Hyundai added the feature as an extra-cost option this year. The majority of Santa Fe buyers at the Salem dealer choose it, said Rodriguez.

The Santa Fe Limited I drove included the third seat. But for the SUV’s biggest test, I folded it flat to utilize the full rear cargo floor. It very handily held the dog crate for a 10-month-old, hyperactive whippet named Sonya. The cargo bay still had room for a cooler and weekend travel bags. Up front, Santa Fe comfortably accommodated three adults for a two-day, 1,000-mile dash.

I would have liked better fuel economy than the 22 miles per gallon Santa Fe delivered. (Its official, EPA fuel-use estimates are 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.) But a smaller vehicle, with better fuel economy, may not have treated Donna, Erik and me so well. The road-trip ride was supple and quiet. Seats readily adjusted to accommodate changing drivers. The back seat provided lots of space to snooze in reasonable comfort between shifts behind the wheel. The navigation system was cooperative when we needed it. The comfort and entertainment controls were intuitively easy to operate an important factor.

Would I take the Hyundai Santa Fe over the BMW X3 I first mistook it to be?

BMW is a premium brand, so it carries more status and prestige than mass-market models. An upscale image has value for people who want it, so they willingly pay more for products that convey such an image. That intangible value accounts for part of the price difference between the vehicles. There are other differences, too. I would examine them all. My choice, like yours, would depend on which brought me the most personal benefits — both tangible and intangible — for the dollar.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Vehicle type: front- and all-wheel-drive, 5- and 7-passenger, midsize SUV

Price range: $21,690 to $30,340 (plus options)

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic warranty; 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain warranty; 7 years/unlimited miles corrosion warranty; 5 years/unlimited miles roadside assistance

Base engine: 2.7-liter V6

Power: 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm; 183 lb.-ft. torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Fuel economy: 17 mpg city; 24 mpg highway

Wheelbase: 106 inches

Length: 184 inches

Width: 74 inches

Height: 68 inches

Weight: 3,727 pounds

Fuel capacity: 19.8 gallons

Turning circle: 35.8 feet

By Jeffrey Zygmont
Motor Mouth
Eagle Tribune