The always-commendable, value-packed Hyundai Sonata has never been flashy or spectacular. Seriously, this Korean midsize sedan’s conservative styling and lack of distinctive qualities used to make it an outcast. With fast-growing resources and promising advancements, though, the automaker was able to turn things around and deliver a killer blow in the form of the next-generation 2011 Hyundai Sonata.
If you haven’t seen it already, you should definitely stop by a Hyundai dealer because, as far as aesthetics are concerned, the new model is without the shadow of a doubt one of the year’s most stunning affordable products. And driving dynamics are much improved, too!
What I’m getting at is that the Sonata represents the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the 2011 model year.
Classy
Don’t even bother arguing otherwise: the design of the new Hyundai Sonata is simply gorgeous and unique. From every angle, the car looks silky smooth and organic. The swooping roofline, stretched angles and tapered headlight clusters add to its classy European flavour.
While no single detail particularly stands out or displays originality (some are inspired from German models, others from the Japanese), the sleek Sonata brings them all together in a harmonious, lavish-looking package. In fact, take a couple of steps back and you’ll likely see it as an entry-level luxury sedan instead of a mere family sedan.
Even better, the interior proves just as refreshing and elegant, with modern colours, textures and layouts in lieu of the same old boring designs found in most competitors (hello Toyota Camry!). Unfortunately, material selection fails to live up to that styling promise. Those hard plastics generate much creaking as soon as you push the car a little too enthusiastically and may very well undermine the durability of the otherwise remarkably-built Sonata.
The seats in this exceptional driving environment are comfortable, easy to adjust for ideal positioning and ample enough for five people. As evidenced in our Midsize Sedan Comparison, they can easily accommodate a group of bulky auto journalists.
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| The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited proves to be a real gem that midsize sedan buyers definitely have to put atop their shopping list. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
If you haven’t seen it already, you should definitely stop by a Hyundai dealer because, as far as aesthetics are concerned, the new model is without the shadow of a doubt one of the year’s most stunning affordable products. And driving dynamics are much improved, too!
What I’m getting at is that the Sonata represents the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the 2011 model year.
Classy
Don’t even bother arguing otherwise: the design of the new Hyundai Sonata is simply gorgeous and unique. From every angle, the car looks silky smooth and organic. The swooping roofline, stretched angles and tapered headlight clusters add to its classy European flavour.
While no single detail particularly stands out or displays originality (some are inspired from German models, others from the Japanese), the sleek Sonata brings them all together in a harmonious, lavish-looking package. In fact, take a couple of steps back and you’ll likely see it as an entry-level luxury sedan instead of a mere family sedan.
Even better, the interior proves just as refreshing and elegant, with modern colours, textures and layouts in lieu of the same old boring designs found in most competitors (hello Toyota Camry!). Unfortunately, material selection fails to live up to that styling promise. Those hard plastics generate much creaking as soon as you push the car a little too enthusiastically and may very well undermine the durability of the otherwise remarkably-built Sonata.
The seats in this exceptional driving environment are comfortable, easy to adjust for ideal positioning and ample enough for five people. As evidenced in our Midsize Sedan Comparison, they can easily accommodate a group of bulky auto journalists.
 |
| The interior proves just as refreshing and elegant, with modern colours, textures and layouts in lieu of the same old boring designs found in most competitors. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |