First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata - Korean bred, redesigned in America

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai, Driving

Click for a high res gallery of the new Sonata

In recent months, Hyundai has made a big splash with the introductions of the Genesis sedan and coupe. While those two models will likely do wonders for Hyundai's street cred, they will definitely be niche players when it comes to volume. Among passenger cars in the US market, the midsize segment has been the highest volume category for nearly two decades. Since the mid-nineties, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have been the primary players with everyone else having been an also-ran. In recent years, however, Hyundai's entrant in the segment, the Sonata, has put up an increasingly aggressive challenge to the big dogs. The current generation Hyundai Sonata debuted for the 2006 model year and the company unwrapped its mid-cycle refresh back in February at the Chicago Auto Show.

The 2009 Sonatas have been in production since before the Chicago debut and they should be in stock at Hyundai stores around the country now. We went out to the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) outside of Ann Arbor, MI for a tour of the facility where the new Sonata was created and then set out for a couple of hours to see how it behaves in the real world. Find out if the new Sonata is for you after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Sonata - Korean bred, redesigned in America

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[GrandPrix08]

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Well, honestly, I do not see much difference than the previous version. I saw a couple of them on the road, but I don't like the new grille, and the headlights is, meh.... I rode in one of the floor models at the show, but to me, it's not really a car for me.

The new interior is also not that new, considerring that it burrowed much from what Veracruz has. Well, there is a rumor that we will see completely redesigned, NEW sonata next year for 2010 model year, I guess this facelift will be good for now.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I actually like the new Sonata quite a bit. The interior is very welcoming - especially for the price.. The exterior changes - well, I'm liking them too.. Hard to beat for the price.. Looks are always subjective. Some people are going to love this car - and some are not.

 

[GrandPrix08]

Another thing is that, for the sonata, Hyundai will have to do something about that rental fleet sales. I heard that most of sonatas were sold to the fleets, and there were rumors of 08 sonatas having too much inventories sitting at the dealerships without being sold. Hopely, the 09's do much better since they now have better front seats and all. Will be interesting to see how they do before the major re-design that is rumorred to be slated for 2010 model year.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I was surprised to find that Sonata's weren't selling to the public very well. I test drove one and thought it was a very competent family sedan.

I wonder what the redesign is going to be like.. They get more luxurious with every redesign..