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2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

Hyundai is making its North American h

ybrid debut with the 2011 Sonata Hybrid. The hybrid drivetrain was entirely developed by the Korean automaker, and the lithium polymer batteries it uses should last the life of the car. Other highlights include improved aerodynamics and low-resistance tires. The Sonata Hybrid is available in a single trim level with one available options package.

Interior and trunk

The front seats are easy to access and very comfortable, with lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat. A tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and good head room and leg room, contribute to the enjoyable driving position. The doors open very wide - so wide that you have to lean way out to reach the handle to close them. Access to the rear is relatively easy, as long as you watch the rake of the roof. The bench-type seat is comfortable for just two, because of the floor tunnel and the shape of the middle section. Leg room is relatively generous, but head room is tight for people of average height or more. The seatback cannot be folded but it does have a ski pass-through. The hybrid battery pack reduces trunk space to 65% of the volume of the other

Sonata models. The trunk lid opens fairly wide.

Convenience and safety features

The cabin is well finished in good-quality materials. Soundproofing is adequate. There are several good storage spaces. Gauges and controls are well laid out except for the audio controls on the steering wheel; access is complicated because of the shape of the spokes. The radio station selection buttons on the dash are a bit small. Everything is lighted at night except the outside mirror controls and power lock controls. Starting at 24 o

C and above, the

air-conditioner is a bit underpowered. Placed under the edge of the hood, the wiper nozzles can easily be blocked by snow and ice.

Photo: Hyundai

Safety features include six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, and five head restraints, with active restraints in front. The three rear restraints do not adjust high enough for tall people. Visibility is very good except on a three-quarter-rear angle and towards the rear when backing up. The inside mirror creates a blind zone on a right angle for some drivers. The headlights are adequate in the low-beam position, but the high-beams lack range. In U.S. government crash tests, the Sonata Hybrid obtained four stars out of five for front-occupant protection in a frontal collision, and five stars for all-occupant protection in a side impact. It earned five stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Sonata a Good rating, its highest, for roof strength, for driver protection in a frontal offset collision, and for all-occupant protection in a side or rear collision.

Engine and transmission

The Sonata Hybrid is equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Total output is 206 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle moves along easily, and acceleration and pickup are adequate. The hybrid system is notable for the speed at which it recharges its lithium polymer batteries and because it can power the front wheels in electric mode at highway speed. These batteries hold their charge 25% longer than nickel batteries. Transitions between the two power modes are imperceptible. Thanks to the design of the electric motor, fuel economy ratings are conventional in that the Hybrid does better on the highway than in the city. During our test, we obtained an average of 7.5 L/100 km, whereas with the standard Sonata we obtained

9 L/100 km on the same roads, at the same speeds and at similar temperatures. In

terms of fuel efficiency, the Sonata Hybrid compares favourably with the much smaller

Fiat 500 (7.2 L/100 km during our test).

The six-speed automatic transmission always functions very smoothly. Unfortunately, downshifts are a bit slow. Its gears are well spaced, and it allows the vehicle to be driven off in second. Manual mode is relatively quick. The drivetrain can produce an irritating shudder, especially during warm-up.

On the road

The four-wheel independent suspension generally delivers a very smooth ride. Some bumps produce a firm reaction, sometimes accompanied by suspension noise. Road holding is good, but with enough lean in some curves to limit enthusiasm. A tad heavy, the electric assist steering is stable, precise and relatively quick. It provides very little road sensation. The brakes are powerful, with good fade resistance, but difficult to modulate, especially towards the end, which sometimes produces an abrupt stop.

Inspection

Our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the Sonata rests on a sturdy platform with good rust protection. The electric connections are well protected and wiring is well attached. The gasoline engine's overhead camshafts are chain driven.

Conclusion

The Sonata Hybrid is impressive for its efficient lithium polymer battery technology. If the batteries last as long as Hyundai claims, this may be the vehicle that will bring more drivers into the hybrid fold. For a long time, we've been writing that Hyundai is a fast learner. Now, thanks to its ingenious technical know-how, it can teach a few lessons of its own. PROS: comfortable front seating, efficient hybrid system, smooth automatic transmission, road comportment, fit and finish, good warranty CONS: drivetrain shudder, trunk capacity, three-quarter-rear and rear visibility, rear head room (tall people), steering-wheel controls need work, washer nozzles under edge of hood

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4-cylinder and electric motor

Horsepower: 206 hp at 6,000 rpm

Torque:

193 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Suspension: fully independent

Brakes: disc/disc

Wheelbase: 279.5 cm

Length: 482 cm

Width: 183.5 cm (without mirrors)

Height: 147 cm

Weight: 1,580 to 1,641 kg

Tires:

P205/65R16; P215/55R17

Maximum towing capacity: not recommended

Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags

Fuel consumption

Natural Resources Canada rating:

City: 5.5 L/100 km (51 mpg) Highway: 4.6 L/100 km (61 mpg) Test result: 7.5 L/100 km (37.5 mpg) Test temperature: 18°C to 27°C CO 2 emissions: 2,343 kg/20,000 km

Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres

Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline

Acceleration:

0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds

Competition: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota

Camry Hybrid

Warranty:

Full basic coverage: 5 years/100,000 km

Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km (some components: 8 years/160,000 km)

Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km

Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km

Emissions control system: 5 years/100,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module,

onboard diagnostic system).

Factory replacement parts:

Rear bumper: $809

Front brake disc: $62

Brake pads: $115

Muffler: $767

Front fender: $284

Price according to trim level: $31,564

Main options:

Premium package: $4,500

Price as tested: $31,564

Dealers:

Quebec: 56 Canada: 144

© June 2011. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec

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