After three months in the AutoWeek long-term fleet, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was seeing plenty of action--including a 1,400-mile road trip--and garnering praise for its turbo power, sporty sheetmetal and solid handling.
We started the quarter by fitting the Sonata with a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 winter tires that allowed us to flog the car after the break-in period. And flog it we did. It got a workout during the Detroit auto show and on a weekend jaunt to the west side of Michigan, and it headed farther west to Iowa, racking up more than 7,000 miles for the quarter.
Compliments abounded for the Sonata's 2.0-liter, 274-hp turbo-charged I4 with no noticeable turbo lag. The four-banger is strong throughout the revs range and sends power through the front wheels without creating lots of torque steer. One editor noted, “This is a heck of an engine, and if Hyundai's power claims are to be believed, I don't think anyone should be missing the V6 option.”
Staffers also noted the smoothness of the six-speed automatic, the overall improvements in the suspension and braking, the high quality of the cabin materials and the ease in using the infotainment interface, with its large, clear touch screen.
What don't we like? The seats, whose flat backs and short bottoms caused some discomfort. And the steering, which some editors found overweighted and stiff.
Overall, we're enjoying the Sonata, which is getting lots of looks wherever we go. “Not only is it a nice-driving, comfortable car, but it completely eradicates any lingering feelings of ‘Ugh, I'm driving a Hyundai.'” We look forward to more time in this upscale yet economical midsizer.
FIRST-QUARTER UPDATE 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T
AS-TESTED PRICE: $27,630
MILES DRIVEN: 7,161
FUEL ECONOMY: 25.6 mpg
FUEL COST: $930.82
DAYS OUT OF SERVICE: None
MAINTENANCE: Purchase and install winter tires ($864.34); 6,000-mile service, including oil change, rotate tires, multipoint inspection ($64.64); 3,000-mile scheduled service, including oil change, multipoint inspection ($35.49); repair windshield chip ($29.95)
