2011 Hyundai Sonata's Radical New Look

Today, Hyundai released two sketches of the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan. Orders are already being taken in Korea ahead of its official launch there on Sept. 10; the Sonata won’t hit the U.S. until 2010 as a 2011 model.

We expect to learn and see a lot more of the Sonata next week, but we do know that the Korean version will have a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The current Sonata has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed automatic transmission returning 22/32 mpg city/highway. This new engine looks to be more efficient. Electronic stability control will be standard across the line.

Other features and options include a panoramic sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and a push-button ignition.

The fastback look in these images seems a wild departure for the typically sedate Hyundai. One more image is below.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: Hyundai Hybrid Concept

• Looks like: The Hyundai Sonata sedan's innards
• Defining characteristics: A new hybrid powertrain and battery
• Ridiculous features: None
• Chance of being mass-produced: 100%

We’re not sure why Hyundai is calling this a concept, because it’s already said a Sonata Hybrid will hit dealerships in the U.S. in 2010. That’s big news not only because this will be Hyundai’s first hybrid in the U.S., but because it will use a lithium-polymer battery that’s unlike any nickel-metal-hydride-powered hybrid currently on the market, or any lithium-ion-powered hybrids planned for the near future.

Hyundai says the lithium-polymer battery is more efficient and lighter than other battery technologies, and that’s two things you might like in a fuel-efficient car. Plus, it’s less expensive to make than lithium-ion batteries. The battery is part of a system featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, regenerative braking, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor.

Hyundai hasn’t said what kind of fuel economy to expect from this system, but we assume it will be on par with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, if not better.

Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Headed to U.S.

Today, Hyundai announced it will sell a hybrid version of its popular Sonata sedan in the U.S., using a lithium ion battery to store electricity in the hybrid. The company did not announce a release date, but the new hybrid will debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November, so we’d guess it will go on sale in calendar year 2009.

The current four-cylinder version of the Sonata — which was redesigned for the 2009 model year — gets a very healthy 22/32 mpg city/highway. We’ve yet to see a lithium ion battery-powered hybrid on sale, though companies like Audi and GM have plans for products that use them.

Hyundai Announces Hybrid Sedan (Technoride)
2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review (Cars.com)  

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Mike Hanley already had the Hyundai Sonata high on his list of affordable midsize family sedans, but he was pleased to find the 2009 Sonata had improved in all the areas where he found the 2008 lacking. The interior styling is much improved, with cabin features and materials finally matching the quality of the car they're built into. Furthermore, when facing-down competitors, Hyundai has given the Sonata two key advantages: A low starting price and a highly favorable warranty. Read his full review at the link below.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Hyundai Azera, 2008 Mazda3

2009 Hyundai Sonata: Mike Hanley walks us through the Sonata's significant updates for 2009, including a revised exterior and redesigned cabin.

2008 Hyundai Azera: With a price tag under $25,000, Kelsey Mays finds this sedate sedan to be an excellent value.

2008 Mazda3: Although the Mazda3 hasn’t been upgraded for a few years, David Thomas says its interior has held up well.

View and share all of Cars.com’s videos via YouTube.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Gets $1,500 Incentive In Many Regions

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata was one of Cars.com’s Best Bets last year, and the 2009 Sonata improved on that foundation with solid updates this year. It got an updated, roomier cabin, more-powerful and efficient engines, and creature comforts like an optional navigation system and a standard USB port for MP3 players.

Buyers looking for a deal on the new Sonata can find it in Cars.com’s new regional incentives tool. While the advertised “national” incentive is $1,000, Hyundai is offering $1,500 cash back in major regions across the country: A glance at Cars.com’s listings shows $1,500 cash back in the Northeast, the Midwest, the South and the Northwest, as well as in California, Texas and Denver. Input your zip code to see if the offer is available in your area.

That cash back is complemented by other bonus incentives, including $500 for loyal Hyundai buyers. The incentives expire June 2.

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Our reader reviewer set out to buy a new car and figured he would go with a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but wanted to test-drive other vehicles in the midsize sedan segment. After taking the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata for a test drive, he was impressed enough to purchase one. A month into owning the car, he's very satisfied with his decision. Read the full review, and check out our own first-drive impressions. Post your own reader review here.

First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai's popular midsize Sonata sedan receives some significant updates for the 2009 model year. The changes are focused on where the car needed them most: the inside. I had a chance to drive the new model recently in the outskirts of Chicago and found that the changes are just what this model needed.

The 2009 Sonata gets an all-new dashboard design that can now go toe-to-toe with the best in the segment, like the Honda Accord, in terms of material quality and fit and finish. It's a vast improvement over the previous design, which was my primary complaint with the 2008 model.

Recall Alert: 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata

393,714 Hyundai Sonata sedans are being recalled due to an issue with the air bag system. The system isn’t defective per se, but the company has received complaints about how it works. Advanced air bag systems are supposed to be able to detect when small children are present in the front passenger seat, then deactivate the airbag from deploying in case of an accident.

In regards to children, the force of an airbag deploying is considered more dangerous than if an airbag had not deployed. However, there are complaints that the system is shutting off even when small adults are in the front seat. A small adult would be better served with the airbag deploying.

The recall will begin next month. Dealers will evaluate the systems and make necessary repairs. Owners can call Hyundai at 800-633-5151 for more information.

Hyundai Offers Cash Back, Financial Advice

It’s a tough economy. Things are scary out there, and it makes us not want to go outside too often. Don’t want to get caught in a “run” on the “bank,” whatever those things are.

Fortunately, Hyundai’s here to help, and not just by telling us where to spend our money. Of course it wants you to buy a 2008 Sonata, and is offering $3,000 cash back as encouragement to do so, but it’s also offering snippets of financial advice in its ads — the best ways to save that leftover incentive cash. Now that’s marketing. Beware, though: The ’08 Sonata differs from the updated 2009 version, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show this year and features some significant upgrades. Make sure to check out a comparison of the two models here, and read our coverage of the 2009 here. The 2009 is currently being offered with $1,000 cash back.

If the Sonata doesn’t tickle Hyundai buyers’ interest, the manufacturer is also giving $2,000 back on the Santa Fe and Azera, and between $1,000 and $1,500 on the rest of its inventory including $1,000 off the 2008 Veracruz crossover. All deals expire April 30.

All Manufacturer Incentives (Cars.com)
More Hyundai Sonata News (KickingTires)