C&D First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

[TJPark01]

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The fact that the all-new 200-horsepower 2011 Hyundai Sonata recently finished third in a seven-car comparison test doesn't really diminish its impact on the family-sedan segment. For starters, it beat the likes of Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima -- not a bad showing right out of the gates. Second, the Sonata's sophisticated "fluidic sculpture" design theme makes it a styling standout, prompting the competition's designers to race back to the drawing boards. Third, let's not forget that Hyundai's sporty four-door boasts the most standard horsepower and best fuel economy in its class, a combination that every automaker would love to claim. Lastly (as if the first few weren't enough), the Sonata lineup receives two imposing newcomers in the coming months -- the 274-horsepower 2.0-liter Sonata Turbo, which is out to prove the V-6 family hauler is obsolete, and the 209-horse, 39-mpg gas-electric Sonata Hybrid you see here.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...yundai_sonata_hybrid/index.html#ixzz0u91JP2tG

 

[jailer]

C&D First Drive ?? You mean Motortrend, TJ..

I think I would still rather have a tdi.

 

[Mark_888]

The fact that the all-new 200-horsepower 2011 Hyundai Sonata recently finished third in a seven-car comparison test doesn't really diminish its impact on the family-sedan segment. For starters, it beat the likes of Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima...

So who came in first and second?

 

[Mark_888]

So who came in first and second?

Never mind, I found the Motor Trend article comparing 4 cylinder sedans. Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion were first and second.

 

[YEH]

MT got a lot of flack for giving the Camry the top spot (considering that other auto publications, such as Edmunds, totally hate the Camry).

Thus far, the Sonata is regarded as best in class by C&D, Edmunds, Cars.com/USAToday and Consumer Reports (tied w/ Altima).