For the first time ever, the launch of the latest Hyundai Sonata is a really, really big deal. Packed with new technologies and design cues, Hyundai’s latest is destined to power away from the norm in the family sedan market. For 2011, it's got the Accord and Camry dangerously dead in its sights.
Styled with Europe’s best in mind
This year, those sights take form as a pair of projector lamps which flank a giant grille decked out in more fake chrome than the front row of a Soulja Boy concert. This high-class face caps off what's become an impressively chiselled and sophisticated new body.
It’s a highly upscale look indeed-- but not a truly unique one. Some will see hints of the Mercedes CLS, Audi A5 and VW Passat CC in the Sonata's curvy panels and tightly creased lines. European car fanatics will disapprove of the similarities, but Hyundai shoppers will appreciate the higher visual price tag imparted. Bling for the buck factor here is undeniable.
Heavy-hitting interior with too much storage
Sonata's new interior isn't on the bland bandwagon, either. First-time visitors to the cabin quickly noted the large selection of textures and colours, as well as a higher-than-average level of attention to detail. Even the door panels are covered with no less than 4 different textures and 5 different colours that intersect one another for a rich and classy look.
Not by mistake, the new Sonata's energetic and modern cabin makes competitors like the Accord and Camry look somewhat more dull and utilitarian. It's even got an Acura-like instrument cluster and a Volvo-esque climate control mode selector. The GLS-trimmed tester also included a partially leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, and the same Bluetooth system that's standard across the entire model range.
There's plenty of room in either row of seating for 2 adults, and your five-foot-ten, 220-lb. correspondent could sit comfortably behind someone of identical proportions in relative comfort.
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| The 2011 Sonata GLS excels in virtually all aspects relating to functionality, style, equipment and efficiency. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Styled with Europe’s best in mind
This year, those sights take form as a pair of projector lamps which flank a giant grille decked out in more fake chrome than the front row of a Soulja Boy concert. This high-class face caps off what's become an impressively chiselled and sophisticated new body.
It’s a highly upscale look indeed-- but not a truly unique one. Some will see hints of the Mercedes CLS, Audi A5 and VW Passat CC in the Sonata's curvy panels and tightly creased lines. European car fanatics will disapprove of the similarities, but Hyundai shoppers will appreciate the higher visual price tag imparted. Bling for the buck factor here is undeniable.
Heavy-hitting interior with too much storage
Sonata's new interior isn't on the bland bandwagon, either. First-time visitors to the cabin quickly noted the large selection of textures and colours, as well as a higher-than-average level of attention to detail. Even the door panels are covered with no less than 4 different textures and 5 different colours that intersect one another for a rich and classy look.
Not by mistake, the new Sonata's energetic and modern cabin makes competitors like the Accord and Camry look somewhat more dull and utilitarian. It's even got an Acura-like instrument cluster and a Volvo-esque climate control mode selector. The GLS-trimmed tester also included a partially leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, and the same Bluetooth system that's standard across the entire model range.
There's plenty of room in either row of seating for 2 adults, and your five-foot-ten, 220-lb. correspondent could sit comfortably behind someone of identical proportions in relative comfort.
 |
| Even the door panels are covered with no less than 4 different textures and 5 different colours that intersect one another for a rich and classy look. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |