First Test: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

MotorTrend

Executive Editor Edward Loh has all the test numbers on Hyundais new 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

Transcript

00:00 (upbeat music)

00:02 Behind me is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

00:23 Hyundai's attempt to take over the very competitive

00:26 mid-size family sedan segment.

00:28 Now, as you can see, it's a very sharp looking vehicle.

00:31 Hyundai designers have spent a lot of time

00:33 with what they call the Fluidic Sculpture Design Concept.

00:37 And as you can see, it's resulted

00:38 in a lot of very sharp creases.

00:39 It's a very interesting styling.

00:41 But it's not all about the styling either.

00:43 This Hyundai is jam-packed with loads of standard

00:46 and optional features,

00:47 including one of the largest interiors in the class,

00:49 standard features like electronic stability control,

00:52 Bluetooth, and an optional navigation system.

00:55 Now, under hood,

00:56 the Sonata has a 2.4 liter gas direct injection

00:59 four cylinder engine,

01:01 the only direct injection engine in its class.

01:04 This engine in standard trim makes 198 horsepower

01:07 and 184 pound feet of torque.

01:10 In the SE model we have,

01:11 it makes 200 horsepower and 186 power feet of torque.

01:15 But it's not all about the power.

01:17 Hyundai claims their Sonata gets

01:18 the best in class fuel economy,

01:21 35 miles per gallon on the highway

01:22 and 22 miles per gallon in the city

01:25 with a six speed automatic.

01:27 Sounds like a really strong performer.

01:28 Let's see how it goes at the track.

01:30 First up, acceleration.

01:34 The Sonata was able to hit 60 miles per hour

01:36 in only 8.1 seconds,

01:38 on its way to a quarter mile time of 16.2 seconds

01:41 at 88.6 miles per hour.

01:43 In terms of braking,

01:46 the Sonata was able to stop from 60 miles per hour

01:49 in 123 feet.

01:50 (tires screeching)

01:53 On our skid pad,

01:56 it managed to pull 0.82 G laterally

01:59 and ran our figure eight course in 27.8 seconds

02:03 at 0.62 average G.

02:05 So a strong showing by the 2011 Hyundai Sonata at the track.

02:12 But how will it stack up against the likes of Camry,

02:15 Accord, Fusion and Malibu?

02:17 We'll have that comparison test up very soon.

02:20 So stay tuned.

02:20 (upbeat music)

02:24 (upbeat music)

02:27 (whooshing)

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