Hyundai 2011 Sonata Hybrid Review

Hyundai 2011 Sonata Hybrid

Since introducing its glorious Genesis sedan in 2008, Hyundai has been hitting its competition exhausting. The sedan was followed by 2 a lot of haymakers: the sporty Genesis coupe and then the ultra-luxe Equus. currently Hyundai’s added a battery and electrical motor to the already spectacular Sonata. The result's a vehicle that puts the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrids in an exceedingly world of hurt.

The Sonata Hybrid can deliver a devastating blow to its opponents when it rolls into showrooms later this year. It’s roomier, softer and far a lot of handsome, with a hybrid system that cleverly balances fuel economy and value.

Hyundai’s awkwardly named Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system will run on battery power alone up to sixty two mph — a powerful feat that tops its competitors by wide margins. Once the engine takes over, it delivers thirty six mpg within the town and forty on the highway, beating the Camry Hybrid and giving the Fusion Hybrid a run for the money. Surprisingly, Hyundai accomplishes this with lots of off-the-shelf elements, keeping the price down. better of all, the Sonata hybrid’s sweeping lines, tasteful chrome accents and slick LED lights sets it with the exception of the sector.

Direct Hybrid Blue Drive offers the compact packaging of Honda’s Insight, however the all-electric operation of the Toyota and Ford hybrids. Like Honda, Hyundai sandwiches an electrical motor – 30-kilowatts (40 horsepower) during this case—between the engine and also the six-speed automatic. however in contrast to the Insight, Hyundai added a computer-controlled clutch between the engine and motor, permitting them to disengage that the Sonata hybrid will run on battery power alone.
The 166-horsepower four-banger is analogous to the engine within the remainder of the Sonata lineup, however it runs on what’s known as the Atkinson cycle, that essentially leaves the intake valves open longer than usual. That will increase fuel potency, however reduces torque. You won’t miss it, though. the electrical motor puts down 151 pound-feet of torque as soon as you hit the accelerator, that the Sonata hybrid has sensible off-the-line punch.

Hyundai is that the 1st automaker to use a lithium-polymer battery in an exceedingly hybrid. It’s smaller and lighter than the nickel-metal hydride packs Toyota and Ford use, and it packs a lot of energy into a smaller package. meaning it will hold its charge longer whereas leaving a good quantity of house within the trunk. It’s conjointly a lot of thermally economical, therefore it doesn’t would like an elaborate — and expensive — cooling system.

Sedate drivers can simply see fuel economy within the 40-mpg range; hypermiliers will get over fifty mpg. Even on hilly terrain — and with a couple of full-throttle starts — we have a tendency to managed a awfully respectable thirty eight.5 mpg. you'll be able to thank the Sonata hybrid’s eagerness to drive electrically. With a full charge, you’ll go an honest mile or therefore before the gas engine quietly kicks in to assist. you'll be able to place it back in electrical mode by coasting, or popping it into neutral briefly to shut off the engine. Moreover, the Sonata can keep electrical at freeway speeds, a feat no alternative hybrid will match.

Like the Fusion Hybrid, the Sonata includes a handy show that, among alternative things, encourages economical driving by turning it into a game. Show some restraint and drive with a live of eco-friendliness and you’ll earn points whereas watching somewhat globe flip inexperienced and blue. Mash the accelerator sort of a lunatic and it’ll flip brown. you furthermore may earn points that accumulate as long as you own the automotive. You won’t win any prizes, however you'll be able to brag to your Prius-driving friends regarding it.

With 206 horsepower from the engine-motor combo, acceleration is regarding constant as a daily Sonatas. Pay shut attention and you’ll feel, and hear, the engine take over from the electrical motor, however it isn’t really noticeable. The Sonata hybrid has the grabby, regenerative brakes common to hybrids, however you quickly get used to it.

Like its siblings, the hybrid is quiet at speed, and also the firm ride is snug and controlled. It’s no sport sedan, however handling is safe and predictable, which, very is what most people buying a mid-sized sedan wish.

The interior options constant low-gloss plastics, soft-touch dash, plentiful storage nooks and cozy seating because the remainder of the Sonata line. There’s a regular USB port and Bluetooth, in addition as power windows and doors, push-button ignition and a six-speaker audio system. The “premium package” adds leather, navi, a sunroof, a stronger stereo system and heated front and rear seats. this can be a automotive you'll be able to live with daily and with all the gadgets and glorious fuel economy, it truly makes an honest road-trip vehicle.

Hyundai hasn’t released pricing, if Hyundai stays true to make it’ll undercut the Camry and Fusion hybrids — each of that play within the $28,000 ballpark — by one or two thousand greenbacks. which could be the ultimate knockout punch that puts Hyundai’s competitors down for the count.