The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has been on sale in America for about four and half years, and shares its drive train and some design elements with the KIA Optima Hybrid.  The two cars combine to occupy second place (in America) in hybrid sales to Toyota’s Prius.  The Hyundai has more conventional styling than a Prius, and in fact is an attractive sedan.  I received one for testing last week; a Starlight Silver unit with a gray leather interior.

The M.S.R.P. for my 2016 test unit was $35,765.00, freight included, and it was the top-of-the-line Limited model.  The options on the loaded Limited were a panoramic sunroof package ($4,500.00), carpeted floor mats ($125.00), and first aid kit/floor mats/wheel locks ($215.00).  Standard equipment on this model included heated front and rear seats, the leather (seating, steering wheel, and shift knob), 400-watt Infinity 8-speaker stereo, backup camera, navigation with 8” screen, power driver’s seat and eco-spoke alloy wheels.  Also on hand was tilt/telescope steering column, satellite radio, radar cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, pushbutton starter, keyless entry, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, navigation system, blind spot monitor, and heated mirrors with lighted signal stripes.

The hybrid power setup in the Sonata starts with a 2.0 liter, four cylinder gas engine and adds a permanent-magnet AC electric motor (total system power is 193 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm).  The car accelerates from zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds.  A six speed automatic transmission with a manual mode delivers power to the front wheel drive sedan.  EPA mileage ratings for the Sonata are 39 city/43 highway, 41 overall, and the fuel tank holds 15.85 gallons of regular gasoline.

As I mentioned, the Limited Hyundai is rather good-looking, with bold chrome strips on all four sides, chrome door handles, racy lighting on all corners, and two-toned “eco-spoke” gray alloy 17” wheels fitted with P215/55R17  Kumho Solus KH25 all season radials.  The Starlight Silver paint had some metallic in the finish, and the panoramic sun roof was evident from outside the car.

I spent a lot of time driving the Sonata around northern Colorado, and the ride was great.  Wind noise was minimal, and passing and accelerating from a light was a snap.  One thing that was quite balky was the gas gauge, which barely moved in a downward direction.

Weight of the Sonata is 3,560 lbs., not much for a hybrid.  The company uses a 270 volt lithium-polymer battery pack (warrantied for life), something normally found employed in a plug-in vehicle.  Thus, it is in the trunk, yet the trunk holds 13.3 cubic feet of luggage.  Wheelbase of the car is 110.4”, length is 191.1”, width is 73.4”, and the height is 57.9”.  With the battery in the trunk, the passenger volume is maintained at 106.1 cubic feet, like the Hyundai gas-powered sedan.

At the asking price of $35,765.00, I feel the Sonata Hybrid deserves a hard look from a perspective hybrid car shopper.  It’s attractive, roomy, fuel efficient, and well-appointed.

The Hyundai Genesis, the company’s full-size entry-luxury offering, has been built since 2008, and is currently in its second-generation configuration.  For 2015, the automobile was extensively re-designed and somewhat enlarged, and such a vehicle is what I was presented to test this last week.  The unit was painted Pamplona red (maroon) metallic and was fitted with a leather beige interior.  STI-Denver was the press firm that delivered it to my home.

During the week, I drove the car extensively, including all around Denver looking at condos with my family.  Thus, I got to drive on several of the streets and freeways in Colorado’s biggest city, and was pleased with the handling and highway manners of the Genesis.  I found the shifting of the eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic to be a pleasure, and acceleration is good – reportedly zero to 60 in about 6 seconds with the 311 horsepower V-6 providing the grunt.  Paddle shifters on the Genesis peek out from each side of the steering wheel and work fine with dashboard updates on current gear selection.

The suspension setup is tuned by famed auto-maker Lotus, and the new model reflects the enhanced engineering that has been added.  I understand that springs, bushings, motor mounts – even the power steering – were effected by Lotus.  Guidance at highway speed is very good, and handling on the grooved-cement surface on Interstate 25 works out great, thanks in part to the 245/45R18 Hankook Ventus S1 Noble mud & snow radials.  The tires surround two-toned, fifteen-spoke premium alloy wheels.  Road noise seems to be pretty much at a minimum, and a lot of Colorado sunshine can flow in thanks to the panoramic sunroof.  A shade can be deployed to keep it darkened in the Hyundai, and sunshades are on hand for all three rear windows – electric in the rear glass.

The Genesis styling for 2015 is something that the firm is proud of, I’m sure.  I liked the looks, my friends and relatives did, and the automotive press has been quite impressed, as well.  An ample amount of chrome is installed on all sides, and the taillights look at lot like the Lexus GS (I know well – they were both sitting here for a time in my driveway).  The manufacturer has styled the Genesis with a large, Fusion-style (Jag?), nickel-finished grill with six big horizontal bars.  Stainless steel exhaust finishers are out back and the entire roof and fin on top are blacked-out.

The Genesis contains a lot of technology inside this five-passenger, rear-wheel drive sedan when equipped with the Signature, Tech, and Ultimate packages, as they are marketed by Hyundai.  Examples include lane departure warning, imminent collision warning, radar smart cruise control, blind spot monitor to include an icon in the head-up display in the windshield (icons, actually – one for each rear corner), navigation system with 8″ screen, and lane-keep assist.  Also inside the Genesis are the usual heated and air conditioned seats, electric tilt/telescope, Lexicon stereo, memory seating, and pushbutton starter.  Outside, the trunk opens when the operator stands behind the car (in possession of a key) for three seconds.  I liked the seating up front and my passengers in Denver were pleased in all of the other seat locations.

There is no doubt that the Genesis will be a hit in this new configuration.  At under $50,000.00, it is a great value for those willing to give up the four rings, tri-star, or the propellor emblem on the hood and trunk of their car.  I had a blast driving the Genesis, and can recommend it to prospective shoppers.

WINDOW STICKER – M.S.R.P. $49,950.00, including $4,000.00 for Signature package, $3,500.00 for Tech package, $3,500.00 for Ultimate package, and $950.00 for freight.

 

 

Hyundai, founded in 1967, is the fourth largest auto manufacturer on the planet.  The company owns Kia, and its own Elantra model was chosen North American car of the year in 2012.  The Elantra is the model of Hyundai I tested this past week and it was the two-door Coupe SE, painted Atlantic blue.  It had black leather interior with manually adjustable front buckets and seating for five.

The compact SE Coupe I drove had in it a 1.8 liter, four cylinder, 145 horsepower engine with 130 lb. ft. of torque.  It was mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode.  It’s a front-drive car and can go zero to 60 in about 8.5 seconds, and top speed is reportedly 121 mph.  Fuel economy ratings are 27-city and 37-highway, with my observation coming in at 26 mpg.  The SE Coupe has four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and 17” pretty five-spoke alloy wheels.  They are surrounded by Hankook P215/45R17 Optimo mud and snow tires.

Strong points?  Well, styling, for one.  The four-door version of the Elantra looks OK, and this Coupe looks particularly attractive.  Fog lights are up front, lighting is present on the outside mirrors, dual bright finish exhaust tips peek out from under the rear fascia, and a rear spoiler is attached to the trunk.  Head- and tail-lights are large and extend onto the sides of the fenders, and the grill is black and bold.  I pushed the button on the key fob to open the trunk and was a little startled at the size of it.  This car would make a nice hatchback, but nonetheless the trunk space is ample at 14.8 cubic feet.  Plus, the back seat folds down in two parts.

Another strong point is the handling and turning radius of the SE.  Ride and  road noise are acceptable, as well.  The Coupe is a little longer than its four-door mate at 178.7”, height is only 56.5”, and weight comes in at 2,816 lbs.  Driving this Hyundai was actually a little more pleasurable as the week went on.

Total M.S.R.P. of the SE was $23,965, with options on board including technology package ($2,350), carpeted floor mats ($95), and freight ($775).  The technology package included a navigation system with 7” screen, backup camera, proximity keyless entry, pushbutton starter, automatic headlights, and 360 watt premium stereo with satellite radio.  Other equipment present included moon roof, power windows (two sides), tilt/telescope, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

I’ve tested two Hyundais, and both have been good, with this one getting the most looks out on the street.