The Hyundai Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, comfort, assured driving dynamics and an extensive list of standard features to appeal to a broad range of customers. The 2010 Sonata provides a uniquely appealing level of value and standard safety technology – including six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – in the mid-size §egmènt. Hyundai’s sales leader boasts features ranging from standard iPod®/ÚSB auxiliary input jacks to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension.

Price: $18,700 – 26,550.
Invoice: $17,925 – 24,810.

Powertrains

The 2010 Sonata features the second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine, now built in Hyundai’s new powertrain plant in Alabama, which began production in the summer of 2008. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers its power and acceleration with outstanding fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is more fuel-efficient than Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. When equipped with the five-speed manual the Sonata I4 achieves a 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine 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.

Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine was improved for 2009 for more performance and efficiency. It pumps out 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 refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on the intake camshaft and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. V6-powered Sonatas deliver 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan §egmènt.

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. Accord does not 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.

RIDE AND HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharp handling and §teering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Úp 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 bushings are optimized to better absorb the shock from road impacts. In back, a sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. Altogether, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a confident and controlled driving experience.

The high-performance Sonata SE is a more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling. The 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 have quick-ratio §teering for a crisp feel on turn in and Sonata’s turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

NAVIGATION

By popular demand, Hyundai’s class-leading, factory-installed touch screen navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch screen and voice command technology is available on Limited models. Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and ÚSB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or a flash drive is connected through the ÚSB 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 §teering 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. Among the other refinements are dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. The front cupholders allow for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai’s signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle’s modern interior design.

INTERIOR

The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers thoroughly revamped the cockpit for 2009 to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. (concept carz) The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a ‘flow-through’ 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). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Accord.

EXTERIOR

Sonata’s exterior design delivers a substantial, refined elegance in the mid-size sedan §egmènt. 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. 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 colors. For 2010, Cocoa Black is available as well as a more vibrant red finish called Venetian Red.

PERFORMANCE AND VALUE

The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC on both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 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 §teering 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 §teering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips.

Other standard features include automatic headlights, §teering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping §teering wheel and a trip computer. The 2010 Sonata Premium Package includes a touch screen navigation system with 240-watt audio and iPod®/ÚSB auxiliary input jacks, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, auto-dimming mirror with compass and Homelink® and power tilt-and-slide sunroof.

SAFETY

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata has earned the Ú.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.

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/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, premium scuff plates and exclusive 10-spoke wheels with 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.

Hyundai today introduced its all-new 2011 Sonata at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the North American debut of the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the Ú.S. market.

Price: $19,195 – 27,045.
Invoice: $18,395 – 25,265.

DESIGN

Beginning with the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson projects, Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on Fluidic Sculpture. Fluidic Sculpture is a consistent, cohesive design language that will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom. In developing the initial Sonata sketches, Hyundai designers considered the interplay of natural, fluid elements with more rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant motion. Inspired by nature, Fluidic Sculpture injects sophistication and dynamic angles into the shape of a vehicle and now serves as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the new Sonata, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by 16-, 17- or 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The sophisticated look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance thanks to a flow-through center console and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

EFFICIENCY

The sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom and interior volume but, at 120.2 cubic feet, the Sonata has the most interior volume of its key competitors. It is so spacious, Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Large car, truly a ‘class above’ Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as Midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.4 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it a 9.3 percent advantage over the Camry, and a 17.1 percent advantage over Accord.

POWERTRAINS

The new Sonata will launch with Hyundai’s new Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Sonata is the first midsize sedan to adopt GDI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertain. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are ‘dished’ to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This powerplant will deliver best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class torque.

Sonata delivers an impressive 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway estimated fuel economy rating* with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Sonata achieves an estimated 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway fuel economy rating). The preliminary horsepower and torque ratings for the Theta II GDI are 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. In the SE trim which includes a standard dual exhaust, the engine delivers 200 horsepower. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine 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.

Next year, Hyundai will add a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring Hyundai’s breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack. Details about these powertrains will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Sonata’s innovative §egmènt first powertrain lineup is a key driver of Hyundai’s goal to be the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet.

TRANSMISSIONS

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Sonata extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle. Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic A6MF2 transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. The SE trim will also feature §teering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear being used. Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SÚVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed transmission on the market today.

For the customer, the new six-speed delivers a performance edge. In this application, it helps brings a nine percent gain in fuel economy (35 mpg* versus 32 mpg). The gearbox has no dipstick because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration. The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimize size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is found in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next often times cause fluctuation in the hydraulic pressure and affect shift precision and quality. The transmission featured in the Sonata cleverly integrates adjustment screws in the valves that enable each of the eight valves to be calibrated at the factory. This feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point which facilitates a high degree of precision and control needed to deliver fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rpm range.

RIDE AND HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with precise handling and §teering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Sonata uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems with increased travel for improved wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs, fade-resistant gas-charged dampers and stabilizer bars. The suspension has been optimized to keep the vehicle flat during corning and provide quick turn-in response. The rear suspension uses aluminum components to reduce weight and improve suspension performance. The GLS and Limited models also use advanced low-rolling resistance tires to improve fuel economy while maintaining good ride and handling performance.

The Sonata SE is an even more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling dynamics. The sport-tuned suspension features stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. Únique SE dampers, including monotube shocks in the rear are used to control the more aggressive suspension. Low profile 18-inch tires round out the unique chassis components of the Sonata SE.  All Sonatas have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power §teering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional §teering system. A quick-ratio §teering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Sonata’s turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

SAFETY

Sonata is built from the ground up with safety in mind, with a hot stamped ultra-high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag technology and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), delivering on Hyundai’s commitment to both active and passive safety technology leadership. The prior generation Sonata was the first midsize sedan with standard ESC when it launched in March of 2005. ESC was not standard equipment on Honda Accord until the 2008 model year and the 2010 model year for Toyota Camry. Once again every 2011 Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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 package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including 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.

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. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is projected to earn the NHTSA’s top rating of five-stars for front and side impacts. 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.