Power, please!
While the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is new for 2009, the 175 horsepower are barely enough to move the 1,493-kg Sonata. Accelerations are sluggish and the engine proves unpleasantly loud when pushed. The 5-speed transmission is adequate at best. If you select the 4-cylinder model to save fuel, you should still expect to keep a light foot on the throttle and avoid dense traffic.
The steering is wonderfully precise and a nice complement to the car's stability and handling. Visibility is great thanks to generously-sized windows and mirrors. Of course, the Sonata also benefits from a number of driving aids and safety devices, including six standard airbags.
Competition
In reality, the Hyundai Sonata has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to other entry-level midsize sedans. Actually, it's now one of the key players in this market segment, along with the Honda Accord LX ($25,090), Toyota Camry LE ($23,400), Chevrolet Malibu LS ($22,995) and Ford Fusion SE ($23,899).
Obviously, there are sportier models, like the Mazda6 GS ($24,498), Nissan Altima 2.5S ($24,498) and Volkswagen Passat ($27,475). Other competitors are flying more under the radar: the Saturn Aura XE ($24,240), Mitsubishi Galant ES ($23,998), Pontiac G6 ($23,395), Kia Magentis LX ($21,895), Chrysler Sebring ($22,995) and Dodge Avenger ($21,995).
No matter who the opponent is, the Sonata always has an edge, whether it's value, driving dynamics, room or warranty. Looks like Hyundai has found a winning formula.
Wrap-up
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata GL is designed for reasonable drivers who don't necessarily seek big thrills from point A to point B. With the four-cylinder engine under the hood, they should not have high expectations with regard to performance.
One thing's for sure: the Sonata lives up to Hyundai's reputation for delivering more bang for the buck than the competition. No similarly-priced rival boasts more equipment than this Korean hero.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
While the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is new for 2009, the 175 horsepower are barely enough to move the 1,493-kg Sonata. Accelerations are sluggish and the engine proves unpleasantly loud when pushed. The 5-speed transmission is adequate at best. If you select the 4-cylinder model to save fuel, you should still expect to keep a light foot on the throttle and avoid dense traffic.
 |
| The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developping 175 horsepower is new for 2009. |
The steering is wonderfully precise and a nice complement to the car's stability and handling. Visibility is great thanks to generously-sized windows and mirrors. Of course, the Sonata also benefits from a number of driving aids and safety devices, including six standard airbags.
Competition
In reality, the Hyundai Sonata has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to other entry-level midsize sedans. Actually, it's now one of the key players in this market segment, along with the Honda Accord LX ($25,090), Toyota Camry LE ($23,400), Chevrolet Malibu LS ($22,995) and Ford Fusion SE ($23,899).
Obviously, there are sportier models, like the Mazda6 GS ($24,498), Nissan Altima 2.5S ($24,498) and Volkswagen Passat ($27,475). Other competitors are flying more under the radar: the Saturn Aura XE ($24,240), Mitsubishi Galant ES ($23,998), Pontiac G6 ($23,395), Kia Magentis LX ($21,895), Chrysler Sebring ($22,995) and Dodge Avenger ($21,995).
No matter who the opponent is, the Sonata always has an edge, whether it's value, driving dynamics, room or warranty. Looks like Hyundai has found a winning formula.
Wrap-up
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata GL is designed for reasonable drivers who don't necessarily seek big thrills from point A to point B. With the four-cylinder engine under the hood, they should not have high expectations with regard to performance.
One thing's for sure: the Sonata lives up to Hyundai's reputation for delivering more bang for the buck than the competition. No similarly-priced rival boasts more equipment than this Korean hero.
 |
| The 2009 Hyundai Sonata GL is designed for reasonable drivers. |
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Article Gallery