On-board storage capacity is enormous, too. Two cupholders, one bottle holder, six storage cubbies and a two-tier covered console are all within the driver’s reach. Disorganized folks may find the excessive storage selection frustrating, but those of the more organized variety will love the numerous ways to store their stuff without cluttering their driving environment. Larger items fit into a monstrous trunk that includes a grab handle, and opens fully-- right from the remote.
Theta II
At the time of writing, Sonata was available solely with a new 2.4 litre 'Theta II' direct-injected four-cylinder engine. No V6 is available-- but the standard 198 horsepower output beats virtually all direct competitors by a few dozen ponies. Not only is the Theta II unit more powerful than its predecessor and current competition, buy Hyundai says it’s also better on fuel.
This new high-efficiency mill delivers output evenly across most of the rev range with a touch of added thrust at higher RPMs. It’s eager and pleasant when zipping the Sonata up to speed, though sound effects are very modest overall. With such bold styling and presence, many Sonata drivers will wish for a more authoritative aural response when their foot drops.
2011 sees Sonata kitted with a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of manual or automatic, depending on the trim level. The tester got the automatic-- and offered adequate or better performance where shift quality and overall power handling were concerned.
A manual mode was included, though it merely requests that a shift take place sometime in the near future. Enthusiast drivers won't likely find the manual mode entertaining enough to warrant its frequent use.
Cruising
Sonata's low wind and road-noise levels proved appreciable during highway cruising. After over 1,000 kilometres on the highways of central and southern Ontario, your writer found that velocities of over 120 km/h were required to coax unwelcomed levels of either into the cabin.
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| The new Sonata's energetic and modern cabin makes competitors like the Accord and Camry look somewhat more dull and utilitarian. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Theta II
At the time of writing, Sonata was available solely with a new 2.4 litre 'Theta II' direct-injected four-cylinder engine. No V6 is available-- but the standard 198 horsepower output beats virtually all direct competitors by a few dozen ponies. Not only is the Theta II unit more powerful than its predecessor and current competition, buy Hyundai says it’s also better on fuel.
This new high-efficiency mill delivers output evenly across most of the rev range with a touch of added thrust at higher RPMs. It’s eager and pleasant when zipping the Sonata up to speed, though sound effects are very modest overall. With such bold styling and presence, many Sonata drivers will wish for a more authoritative aural response when their foot drops.
2011 sees Sonata kitted with a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of manual or automatic, depending on the trim level. The tester got the automatic-- and offered adequate or better performance where shift quality and overall power handling were concerned.
A manual mode was included, though it merely requests that a shift take place sometime in the near future. Enthusiast drivers won't likely find the manual mode entertaining enough to warrant its frequent use.
Cruising
Sonata's low wind and road-noise levels proved appreciable during highway cruising. After over 1,000 kilometres on the highways of central and southern Ontario, your writer found that velocities of over 120 km/h were required to coax unwelcomed levels of either into the cabin.
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| The low-mileage tester rode softly and peacefully while turning in mileage of about 8.5L / 100km. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |