It hustles vigorously off-the-line and seldom wants for more oomph, except perhaps in some highway passing scenarios. Bear in mind the Sonata’s excellent fuel economy figures, and one soon relishes the power that can be produced while achieving a rating of 5.7L/100km (according to Hyundai) on the highway.
My highway consumption figure wasn’t quite as impressive. The on-board computer pegged my frugality at 7.0L/100km on the highway. Although I didn’t achieve the official highway rating, I easily managed the 9.4L/100km city rating. Even more impressive though is the 8.7L/100km city rating that accompanies the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Given the economy versus performance equation of the 4-cylinder powerplant, I can certainly understand why Hyundai deep-sixed the V6.
On the road
I mentioned this earlier but its worthy of emphasis: the inline-4 is nicely refined and remarkably smooth in its function. Thanks to the Sonata’s overall quiet operation, its cabin is as pleasing as any other in this segment—and easily more so.
The pleasures include well-controlled ride dynamics that strike a suitable balance between comfort and handling. The Sonata isn’t a plush-riding sedan but its rigid construction and fully independent suspension do a commendable job of taming the road without giving in to it. The car is nimble, agile and quick on its tires while remaining predictable and easy to control in all driving situations.
Although the Sonata is competent and composed on the road, I found its steering feedback to feel artificial and vague, not to mention springy. This quirkiness is probably due largely to Hyundai’s use of a motor-driven power steering setup, which augments fuel economy but diminishes road feel.
Hyundai’s up-tempo Sonata
The 2011 Sonata is more spacious inside than the curvature of its coupe-like roofline would convey, and the car is more operationally refined and powerful than its 4-banger engine would suggest. Plus, its cabin is notably stylish and well-equipped, even in base form.
This smart four-door should be on everyone’s list of modest mid-size sedans with plenty to offer. True to Hyundai’s word, “smart” is in.
My highway consumption figure wasn’t quite as impressive. The on-board computer pegged my frugality at 7.0L/100km on the highway. Although I didn’t achieve the official highway rating, I easily managed the 9.4L/100km city rating. Even more impressive though is the 8.7L/100km city rating that accompanies the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Given the economy versus performance equation of the 4-cylinder powerplant, I can certainly understand why Hyundai deep-sixed the V6.
On the road
I mentioned this earlier but its worthy of emphasis: the inline-4 is nicely refined and remarkably smooth in its function. Thanks to the Sonata’s overall quiet operation, its cabin is as pleasing as any other in this segment—and easily more so.
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| The car is nimble, agile and quick on its tires while remaining predictable and easy to control in all driving situations. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The pleasures include well-controlled ride dynamics that strike a suitable balance between comfort and handling. The Sonata isn’t a plush-riding sedan but its rigid construction and fully independent suspension do a commendable job of taming the road without giving in to it. The car is nimble, agile and quick on its tires while remaining predictable and easy to control in all driving situations.
Although the Sonata is competent and composed on the road, I found its steering feedback to feel artificial and vague, not to mention springy. This quirkiness is probably due largely to Hyundai’s use of a motor-driven power steering setup, which augments fuel economy but diminishes road feel.
Hyundai’s up-tempo Sonata
The 2011 Sonata is more spacious inside than the curvature of its coupe-like roofline would convey, and the car is more operationally refined and powerful than its 4-banger engine would suggest. Plus, its cabin is notably stylish and well-equipped, even in base form.
This smart four-door should be on everyone’s list of modest mid-size sedans with plenty to offer. True to Hyundai’s word, “smart” is in.
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