2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai will offer the 2011 Sonata in three trim levels, each offering a handful of optional equipment packages. For $750, the GLS automatic can be optioned with the Popular Equipment Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar, upgraded interior trim and automatic head lamps. Another $950 adds a navigation system and premium audio upgrade.

The GLS gives way to the SE, which adds a middling two horsepower but also 18-inch alloy wheels, unique dark chrome exterior touches, fog lights, dual exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension and steering combination, proximity entry with push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. The SE comes only with the automatic and starts at $22,595. An extra $2,600 adds a moonroof, navigation and premium audio.

From there, the Limited adds leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, automatic-dimming mirror with compass, CD changer, HD radio, upgraded audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, exterior mirror-mounted turn signals, upgraded interior trim and rear seat vents. The Limited comes with the standard 198-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and starts at $25,295. Another $2,100 adds a package that includes navigation, a rear backup camera and Infinity-branded speakers.

Styled at Hyundai’s Irvine, California, studio, the Sonata is a fresh design that takes some cues from the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen cc.

Slightly larger than the existing Sonata, the new car feels substantially roomier inside. Special attention has been paid to materials and design, which is substantially more upmarket than before.

Underhood, the Theta II gasoline direct-injection 2.4-liter four puts out 198 horsepower (bumped up to an even 200 ponies on the sportier SE trim level) and 184 lb-ft. of torque yet delivers an estimated class-leading 35 mpg on the highway with the optional six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard on the base GLS). Regardless of transmission, the Sonata is expected to be rated at 23 mpg in the city, but the manual will be rated at 34 mpg on the highway.

The 16-valve four-cylinder features continuously variable valve timing and variable induction and Hyundai says that some markets will get a PZEV variant. Unlike the outgoing model, Hyundai says it does not plan to offer a six-cylinder powertrain. The Sonata is the only volume player in the midsize family sedan market to offer just one powertrain, although a hybrid is said to be on the way.

Hyundai is especially proud of the trio of audio systems tailored to the 2011 Sonata. GLS and SE models get an AM/FM/CD player with six speakers and XM capability, but they will offer a Dimension-branded premium system with a touch-screen navigation. Limiteds come standard with the Dimension audio system and a CD changer but offer a 400-watt Infinity audio system.