LOS ANGELES — On the heels of its global debut last month in Korea, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is being introduced to U.S. customers this week at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Besides its striking new sheet metal, the 2011 Sonata is perhaps most notable for what it lacks: an optional V6 engine.
On sale in January, the new Sonata will be sold initially with only a single four-cylinder engine — a new direct-injection 2.4-liter Theta II gasoline unit that is rated at 198 horsepower (200 hp on models with dual exhaust) and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed Shiftronic automatic gearbox with manual shift capability and, on the Sonata SE, paddle shifters. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings are 23/34 mpg with the manual and 23/35 with the automatic.
Hyundai says it will add a turbocharged 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine as an option next year, along with a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive variant with lithium polymer batteries. Details on both powertrains will be revealed next spring at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
The new Sonata has more interior room and more trunk space than its two major Japanese midsize rivals, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Standard features include electric power steering, electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The uplevel Sonata SE is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension, including stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, plus 18-inch wheels and tires.
Among the options are voice-activated touchscreen navigation and premium audio with iPod input.
Inside Line says: It shouldn't take long to gauge how American consumers will react to the absence of a six-cylinder engine option in the new Sonata. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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chrisluvjh says:
09:26 AM, 03/26/2010
"frank908 says:
04:48 AM, 12/04/2009
Again, Toyota and Honda need not worry. "
Again,noobs like you shld just stick to toyota and honda for ur whole life and watch other ppl enjoying their rides in hyundais.
stingray454 says:
09:16 AM, 12/10/2009
I must say, I'm no Hyundai fan, but this is a pretty good looking car! I hate 4-cylinders too, but 198hp is pretty stout. I like the new Buick Regal better, but this new Sonata is definitely competitive, and styled better than the Accord and Camry.
wikiwiki says:
08:50 AM, 12/08/2009
Great looking car. Sweet 4 cylinder. Looks like a really nice car to compete with Honda and Toyota. Go Hyundai.
rdm925 says:
08:34 PM, 12/05/2009
I would seriously consider this new Sonata if I wanted to replace my 2007 Mazda 6i 5-door. The value, style and warranty for the price would steal thew deal
the_pill says:
08:57 PM, 12/04/2009
The new 2011 Sonata has been on sale in South Korea for over a month and has been an unprecedented sales success. So far early impressions have been very positive here in the U.S. For 2010, Hyundai has earmarked $250 million dollars of marketing muscle to get the word out.
Both Japan's Toyota and Honda execs are on record expressing concerns regarding Hyundai's growing market share threat in the U.S.
And they have reasons to be particularly concerned because in a very down economy Hyundai has been able to not only expand sales but also grow market share. The market has shifted in Hyundai's favor and this all new redesign will definitely shake up the midsize family car segment to their advantage.
Regardless of what your opinion is of the Hyundai brand, this automaker is starting to breakout as a major competitive force that Japan's top automakers will now have to reckon with.
The new 2011 Sonata may very well become the top selling import family midsize sedan of 2010 in the U.S. and carve up even more market share for Hyundai while putting a tighter squeeze on the leading Asian competitors in this segment.
elementrace says:
07:49 PM, 12/04/2009
"It shouldn't take long to gauge how American consumers will react to the absence of a six-cylinder engine option in the new Sonata"
But aren't the 4 cylinder versions of the Accord and Camry the most popular in terms of sales (not in terms of the motoring press)?
"wow, how original. the body lines of a Chrysler Sebring. The grill from a Chrysler 200C Concept. The headlamps from a Toyota Solara and the lower fascia of a Ford Taurus. Wow they are good at coming up with nothing original. So far they've built a Sienna copy, a Scion copy, a Solara copy and a Civic copy. And all of it is overpriced crap built by people who make pennies a day."
Umm, if you took away all the badging I'd say that's a new Mercedes! Never complain about styling because A. Nobody EVER complains about Toyota "styling" B. manufacturers listen too much to the motoring press (eg the previous gen Honda Accord tailight design was changed, it wasn't ugly just different but the only ones who complained were the motoring press; the previous nose of the Subaru Tribeca although controversial it was much more interesting and had more character than the "Chrysler nose" it has now. If it had been on an Alfa it would have been "exotic"). Everyone influences everyone. Ever notice how the current Camry has similar character design traits to Bangle-ized BMW's with the shaped hood and trunk and side embelishments?
kingisback350 says:
05:49 AM, 12/04/2009
AMAZING SONATA!!! TOYOTA AND HONDA ARE DOOMED
frank908 says:
04:48 AM, 12/04/2009
Again, Toyota and Honda need not worry.
wetwilly says:
01:53 PM, 12/03/2009
Boy, the Hyundai haters are out today ...
"Toyota and Honda have nothing to worry about. "
I'm glad you think that, though Toyota's CEO - someone who has a bigger vested interest in such things than you - strongly disagrees. BTW, as much as you hate to admit it Riswick is right about the Sonata's interior, it's the best in the family sedan class.
"And all of it is overpriced crap built by people who make pennies a day."
So why don't you go whistleblow to the U.S. Labor Department? It's illegal to pay those Americans in Alabama (and now Georgia) who build Sonatas, Santa Fes, and Kias "pennies a day." I'll avoid a discussion about what the Mexicans who build Ford Fusions get paid.
alloway70 says:
08:29 AM, 12/03/2009
Too me it looks like an older Toyota Solara but with 4 doors. I liked the previous audi-esque look.