Although impressed with the performance of the boosted V6, I was more struck by its outstanding level of operational refinement. Little is heard from the polished performer unless it's asked to dispatch its full reserve of horses. Only then does its presence become more than a minimal auditory intrusion, all the while retaining its mechanical decorum.
And not to omit comment on raw performance, the Lambda powerplant sends its punch to the Sonata's front wheels through the administration of a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic manual mode.
Although I suspect the throttle-mapping of the 3.3-litre mill has intentionally placed a lot of oomph early in the pedal travel, this engine offers plenty of satisfying performance for those wanting a little kick under foot. Off-the-line acceleration is strong and linear while highway passing is sharp and decisive.
Ride dynamic is comfort focussed
Along with appreciating the Sonata's refined V6 engine, I enjoyed the smooth ride delivered by this spacious sedan. Its suspension is clearly calibrated to absorb road deformity, not hold the car flat during extreme cornering or braking. I did notice though, slight suspension noise generated by minor road imperfections; and I'm always a critic of such.
A fair bit of body-lean and nosedive will accompany aggressive maneuvers, which nonetheless are performed with suitable levels of competency and stability. A Sport Package is available for those seeking higher handling thresholds. And should there be further concern over pavement prowess, all V6-powered Sonatas receive an electronic stability program (ESC) and traction control (TCS) as standard equipment.
Plenty of comfort and safety comes standard
In addition to ESC, which is standard to all V6-powered Sonatas, a full suite of airbags including side and curtain airbags is provided as standard equipment across the 2009 Sonata lineup, as is antilock braking and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
My Limited trim Sonata spoiled me with leather seating, dual-zone climate control, Infinity premium audio, power seats, and the list goes on...
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| The base Sonata engine is a 4-cylinder affair, which for 2009 places 175-horsepower beneath the hood. |
And not to omit comment on raw performance, the Lambda powerplant sends its punch to the Sonata's front wheels through the administration of a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic manual mode.
Although I suspect the throttle-mapping of the 3.3-litre mill has intentionally placed a lot of oomph early in the pedal travel, this engine offers plenty of satisfying performance for those wanting a little kick under foot. Off-the-line acceleration is strong and linear while highway passing is sharp and decisive.
Ride dynamic is comfort focussed
Along with appreciating the Sonata's refined V6 engine, I enjoyed the smooth ride delivered by this spacious sedan. Its suspension is clearly calibrated to absorb road deformity, not hold the car flat during extreme cornering or braking. I did notice though, slight suspension noise generated by minor road imperfections; and I'm always a critic of such.
A fair bit of body-lean and nosedive will accompany aggressive maneuvers, which nonetheless are performed with suitable levels of competency and stability. A Sport Package is available for those seeking higher handling thresholds. And should there be further concern over pavement prowess, all V6-powered Sonatas receive an electronic stability program (ESC) and traction control (TCS) as standard equipment.
Plenty of comfort and safety comes standard
In addition to ESC, which is standard to all V6-powered Sonatas, a full suite of airbags including side and curtain airbags is provided as standard equipment across the 2009 Sonata lineup, as is antilock braking and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
My Limited trim Sonata spoiled me with leather seating, dual-zone climate control, Infinity premium audio, power seats, and the list goes on...
 |
| The suspension is clearly calibrated to absorb road deformity. |