The New Hyundai Sonate SE 2011

2011 Hyundai Sonata

I am not big on writing car reviews, but once in a while a car comes along that completely defies the norm. It doesn't happen much, maybe once in 30 or 40 years, but such a car is on the road now. Before I start this article, let me tell you that I have owed this brand of car in the past and while it was dependable and a great bargain, it was not a head turner. I am now the proud owner of the brand and model that I am about to tell you about. You have probably seen favorable reviews on this car on the Internet already, but now I am going to tell you about the car from an owner's standpoint. The car I am talking about is the new Hyundai Sonata SE. That is the 2011 model.

First of all it has to be the prettiest car on the road. When I say pretty, I am not only comparing it to other cars in its class, I am comparing it to ALL cars. The GLS, which is the lowest model, is extremely stylish, but the SE has almost all the bells and whistles. It has a chrome grill, chrome door handles, eighteen inch wheels and tires with those special wheels that cost about $500 apiece. The chrome extends to inside the car as well. There are even chrome tipped dual exhausts on the car. The outside has a look of flowing, even when it is standing still. The paint job is incredible and Hyundai states that their paint job is better than Mercedes, and after seeing it I have to agree with them. The paint just dazzles the eyes in any of the color choices.

Before I describe the interior first let me explain that I ordered the optional navigation system. This is a story in itself. The car is so new and so different that even the sales people didn't realize the capabilities of this system and I found out by reading the book. The navigation system is not just a navigation system, it also controls the radio, AM, FM and XM through the same panel, along with the CD player and phone. Now you may wonder what I mean when I say controls? It turns out that the accessories on the car, besides being manually controlled are voice controlled. Yes voice controlled. Sometimes when you buy an new device you will see that it might have a heavy learning curve listed. This means that it takes awhile to learn how to use it. There is a heavy learning curve to figure out how to use the voice controls. There are all sorts of commands you have to learn before mastering the system, but it is certainly well worth it and you can always operate the systems manually anyway. Here is an example of how to enter and say a command. There is a button on the left side of the steering wheel that you press that brings up a small window on the front of the navigation screen and a voice asks you for a command. If you would say Radio, the radio will turn on to the last mode and station you were listening to. If you are in navigation mode you can say Go Home and the route to your home will come up and direct you home. If you have a bluetooth phone and connect it to the system, which is fairly easy using the console's touch screen, you can now command you phone with your voice.

The inside of the car is not in the Hyundai, Toyota, Honda class anymore. A strange thing has happened, Hyundai has built its ordinary car in such a way that all you can compare it to is a Lexus, Infinity, BMW or Mercedes. Yes it is that nice inside and the materials seem to be that good. Here is what the SE comes with as standard equipment:
A huge warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles on the drive train along with other warranties and 5 years of unlimited roadside assistance. Electronic Stability Control, Power Breaks with ABS and disks, air bags all around the inside of the car, active front head restraints, seat belt pre tensioners, tire pressure monitor on the instrument panel, daytime running lights, the new Gasoline Direct Injection 2.4 4 cylinder engine that puts out 200 hp, continuous valve timing, a six speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual shifting on the steering wheel, sport tuned suspension and steering, 18 inch alloy wheels and large tires, chrome tipped dual exhaust, front fog lights, proximity keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power side mirrors that are heated, leather trimmed seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, folding rear seats, multigrain interior accents, tilt and telescope steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, air conditioning, AM FM XM CD and Mp3 systems with 6 speakers, the XM radio reception is free for 90 days, Ipod input jack, integrated hands free bluetooth phone system, advanced trip computer with custom settings and Eco indicator, EZ lane change assist with 3 blinks and a full tank of gas.

The navigation package that I got adds the following extras:
It is called the navigation and sunroof package. You get a power sunroof that tilts and slides, a navigation system with a high resolution screen. The audio system is upgraded to a premium system with a sub-woofer and voice control of accessories. You also get carpeted floor mats and an Ipod cable. I also got a cargo net.

The inside is as striking as the outside. The seats are very comfortable and the lumbar support in the power driver seat is the best that I have ever had and is fully adjustable. The gas mileage is listed as 35 highway and 23 city, which is incredible for a car with this many horses. The ride is a little stiffer than an ordinary Sonata because of the sport package, but it is not bad and the handling is the best I have ever experienced in one of these cars. Being able to tilt the sunroof up slightly is a nice touch, while not a new one. All the handles on the inside of the car are chrome also. When you buy the car you are given 2 remotes, of course only one is necessary. There is never a need to take it out of your pocket since the car locks work on proximity. That means the car looks for the remote and if it finds it on you, it will allow you to open the doors and trunk. When you get inside the car, there is only a button to start it. If you have the remote on you, it will allow you to start the car by pressing the button when your foot is on the brake. To turn off the car you have to press the button again with your foot on the brake. It is easy to forget that the engine is running since it is so quiet.

Driving the car is quite an experience. It is pretty smooth, handles well, and the 4 cylinder engine feels more like a six with acceleration under 8 seconds to 60 miles per hour. I have read all different figures for this, but everyone agrees that it is somewhere from 8 to 7 seconds. For a family the acceleration is more than adequate and quite brisk. For those that want more, a supercharged version of the 4 cylinder engine is coming out that puts out 250 hp and is said to give about the same miles per gallon.

Hyundai has outdone themselves. Why would a company turn their best seller into a Lexus or Infinity at such a low price? What will it do to their Genesis luxury model sales? I have a theory about that. I believe that the Genesis was not selling well and the company used that platform to develop the accessories that they put onto the Sonata in the hope of taking over the mid size market and by the looks of things, they have a very good chance. Anyone that sees this car that still thinks that Hyundai is an inferior car will be shocked out of their gourd. Good work Hyundai and I am sure your market share has to increase. By the way, this just might force Honda and Toyota to rethink their prices and options.