2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid -- Except One Rough Patch, One Smooth Ride

We left the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Ride and Drive scratching our heads.

First, we did not test production models of the sedan. Instead, we drove prototypes “closest to being production models” according to the Hyundai staff, explaining some of the fit and finish issues discovered by the press. We, for example, found large gaps between the center stack and the rest of the dash, especially on the passenger site. However, we’re confident such issues will be resolved once we obtain the production version in the near future as a media vehicle.

There were no issues with the engine, though. The 2.4-liter inline-four and accompanying electric motor is one of the most powerful among hybrid mid-sized sedans, generating 206 horsepower total. The figure dwarfs the Camry hybrid’s 187 horsepower and surpasses the Fusion hybrid (191 horsepower) and the Altima hybrid, which is its closest rival at 198 horsepower. Yet there’s no compromise in fuel economy: the Sonata hybrid get 36 mpg city, beating the Camry (31 mpg city) and Altima (35 mpg city) and only surpassed by the Fusion’s 41 mpg in the city. Interestingly, the Sonata is the lone hybrid whose highway fuel figure, at 40 mpg highway, is higher than its city mileage. This is a deliberate change, Hyundai said, reflecting Americans’ high freeway driving habits.

Another change is coupling the Sonata hybrid’s engine and electric motor to a conventional six-speed automatic. Most hybrids use continuously variable transmission, or CVT, and its “infinite” gear ratios for better fuel economy. Again, Hyundai said the change was deliberate, stating its fixed gears system preserved the sedan’s more sporty side. While (most of us) have no problem (much) with CVTs, we could immediately tell the difference in transmission and found the hybrid’s system to be almost silky smooth like those found in the regular and turbocharged models. 

Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6697285/opinion/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-except-one-rough-patch-one-smooth-ride/index.html

Hyundai Dealers

Search Engine Optimization by OnTop SEO Company
Add blog to our blog directory.