“That’s a Hyundai?”
I’ve heard this statement from the media and consumers so many times it is almost becoming a cliche. During our week with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, I heard it even more often and with more emphasis. Someone even asked me what model of Mercedes I was driving!
To say Hyundai has come a long way over the past 3 decades would be a rather large understatement. At a time when designers are scrambling to find ways to make the mid level sedan stand out from the competition, the stylists at Hyundai have managed to pen a design that not only stands out, but stands above the segment. Our GL model tester wore steel wheels with hubcaps, but with the optional alloys, the Sonata could easily pass for a car that sells for double the $24,249 sticker.
The interior styling is as crisp and modern as the exterior, with attractive surfaces that fit well and have a quality feel. There is none of the hard edged plastic that is prevalent in some of the traditional domestic models in the same segment.
As a mid level model, the seating is clad in rather plain but nice enough fabric. Where the Sonata sets itself apart though is in the interior space. One passenger who was well over 6” tall, commented that the back seat had far more legroom than his full size Benz. In fact, there was a good 4” between his knees and the front seat back. It goes without saying that there is more than enough space for 3 kids to be comfortable back there.
I often find that cloth seats don’t offer enough support for my bad back on a long drive. I drove the Sonata from Toronto to Ottawa and my back felt great when I arrived.
North American consumers often choose SUV’s over sedans because of the utility factor. In other word, many sedans just don’t have enough cargo space. The trunk in the Sonata is huge and the opening is large enough to actually make the space useable.
The 2011 Sonata is powered by a 2.4l 4 cylinder that is mated to a 6 speed automatic that shifts so smoothly that it almost feels like a CVT. While not an outright performance sedan, the Sonata moves along smartly and there is more than enough oomph for most drivers.
On the road, the Sonata is confident and stable, handling Ontario’s rather challenging highways with ease. NVH engineers have done their homework on this one, as the Sonata’s interior is art gallery quiet, which allows one to enjoy their favourite road tunes to their fullest.
Many entry level vehicles skimp on the features, forcing consumers to choose more expensive option groups to get the features that many of us consider must haves these days. Hyundai has obviously put some thought into the content Canadians expect, as the Sonata is full of goodies. The audio system includes XM satellite, CD, iPod/mp3 input and most importantly, bluetooth connectivity. Power windows, locks and air conditioning are all standard, as is keyless remote with security system.
The mid-level sedan segment offers some curious choices. A similarly equipped Mazda6 lists for $23,195. At $1,100 less than the Hyundai, it is a natural competitor. Having driven both in the same trim level, I have to say I would be hard pressed to make a choice. I think the Sonata’s styling would win me over. At the other end of the scale are the Camry and Accord which are priced at between $700 to $1,200 higher than the Sonata and many of the conveniences that the Mazda and Hyundai offer are optional or not even offered. Most glaring here for me is that bluetooth isn’t offered on the Accord LX. In today’s world, that is just unacceptable.
With the 2011 Sonata, Hyundai is bringing style, comfort, utility and value to the family sedan market. Consumers who are in the market for this type of car owe it to themselves to put old biases aside and visit the local Hyundai dealership. They may just find they utter that same cliche.
About Gary Grant
