Monday, July 18, 2011

The Auto Channel - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited Turbo Review - What's Not To Like?

by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel


It was really hard to find any fault with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T test car and if I did it would be a nitpick. I had a week of drive time with the Sonata which included a week-end road trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor, Michigan and back. I was happy to be in a car, a sedan, and not a truck for this trip. There was no blizzard, no heavy rain, I wasn’t hauling a lot of stuff, just my wife and I off to a family gathering.

The 3 1/2 hour drive to Ann Arbor is interstate all the way with most of it being in Michigan that has a 70 mph speed limit. To keep up with traffic one needs to go faster than that; and, I keep up with traffic. The EPA Highway MPG rating for the 2.0T is 33mpg. I’m not a hyper-miler. I go for quickest driving time. Both coming and going the Sonata got between 34 and 35 mpg. Impressive! The Sonata 2.0T’s EPA City rating is 22 mpg city.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2011 Sonata produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1750-4500 rpm with regular fuel (that’s regular; no premium required). I had occasion to do some passing…you know those LLBs – Left Lane Bandits who don’t move over…and more quickly than I expected I approached the 3-figure readings on the speedometer.

The transmission is a six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control that shifted very smoothly and seamlessly. Having six gears enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while also delivering strong acceleration. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters make for some fun driving. With MacPherson strut front suspension, independent multi-link rear suspension, disc brakes at all wheels, 18 inch wheels fitted with P225/45R18 tires, the 3400lb. curb weight Sonata is one joy to drive.

All Sonatas use ultra-high-strength steel, resulting in world-class body rigidity, yet it is lighter than most midsize sedans, and offers more interior room. Noteworthy is that the Sonata is EPA classified as a Large Car, one class above competitors like Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu. The low 0.28 CD not only makes for great low fuel consumption but also quiet driving. The absence of wind and also tire noise was very pleasing, The 16.4 cubic foot trunk makes for easy luggage carrying and the 18.5 gal. fuel tank will let you easily travel over 600 miles with any stop along the way being for driver relief and not car refueling.

The 2.0T is available in SE trim level priced at $24,145 or Limited trim level at $27, 045. My Limited test car had the optional Navigation Package ($2100) that includes a rear backup camera and brought the total price with shipping to exactly $30,000.

Read More: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/11/540122-2011-hyundai-sonata-review-what-s-not-to-like.html

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