subject: Hyundai Launches Most Important Car Manufacturer [print this page] Hyundai Launches Most Important Car Manufacturer
You're looking at the most important car that Hyundai will launch in the United States in this decade. While the Genesis luxury sedan from Hyundai changed the image, the new Sonata aims to make the Korean company the largest brand in the most competitive segment of the country - at the expense of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. "Words are the director of U.S. magazine Motor Trend Angus MacKenzie, and indicate the importance that the model will have to Korean manufacturer.
To attract buyers from the more traditional two sedans in the U.S., Hyundai had to go beyond a simple mechanical and cosmetic renovation. Therefore, it invested $ 370 million in the project. Thus, the sixth generation of Sonata practically rose from Category: rose 2.4 cm in length in the previous model and 6.6 inches in wheelbase. So it was with space and size of an Accord, though not as wide. Weight loss was also a priority of the project, obtained through the use of high strength steel, which permitted to save material. The result is a 1451 kg car - a Ford Fusion is the same size (4.83 cm) but weighs 1523 kilograms.
More of the scale, this forced regime eased fuel consumption, the new American concern. First Americans started to move from large SUVs and pickups for more compact models. Now the preference is increasingly on smaller and more efficient engines. What can explain the effort that the Koreans did to win the title of Sonata sedan more economic category, with 14.9 mpg on the highway and 9.35 mpg in town for the automatic version, according to EPA ( U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The merit also is the modern Theta II engine. Hyundai chose to stop offering a V6 in this segment to invest in a four-cylinder turbo 2400 cm3, with power equivalent to that of the V6 - other benefits of giving up the six-cylinders are weight reduction and increased space for passengers. To reach 198 horsepower and 25.4 mkgf, engineering Hyundai resorted to variable valve timing on intake and exhaust, gasoline direct injection, aluminum block and head, high compression ratio (11,3:1 ) and variable intake manifold. To complete the line, there will be a hybrid, which should arrive later this year, at the same time the 2.0 turbo.
In our test drive in New Orleans, soon realizes the power readily available at low revs, allowing the Sonata can accelerate from 0 to 96 mph in 7.8 seconds. The sedan, which has front suspension and rear multi-link double-A, has great handling on curvy roads but the electric power steering could be more communicative. But the turning radius is great (10.9 meters), better than a VW Golf (11 meters).
It is offered in three versions: the base GLS, with six-speed manual gearbox, the sporty SE and the top Limited. A six-speed automatic is standard on higher versions, with butterflies on the wheel.
The interior is surprisingly quiet, thanks in part to 25% thicker glass on the driver's window. The fittings parts and finish of material not only are better than one might expect of Hyundai, but also superior to many competing models. The seats are comfortable and visibility is good in all directions, despite the high belt line. The trunk of 464 liters is one of best in class, and the front has the feeling of space. But the rear seat is a little narrow if you want to carry three adults.
On a road trip from New Orleans, punctuated by stretches of asphalt damaged, the suspension was a very good job in absorbing the irregularities. This, coupled with good finish and quiet interior, made me feel as if in a car is more expensive than the Sonata.
But the best part of the Sonata is its price. In the United States he starts from $ 19 915, with six-speed manual exchange, ABS brakes with EBD and BAS, stability control, six airbags, electric heated mirrors, satellite radio with Bluetooth and iPod docking system. The Limited starts at $ 26,015 and includes air-conditioning outlets for rear seat and alloy wheels rim 17. The navigation system with camera reverse and premium Infinity sound add $ 2,100 to the account.
This recipe has proved so tempting that the Sonata was launched in March, is already successful sales. In April the authorized American cars were missing. The expectation of the brand was to close the month at 18,000 cars, up from 12,406 sold in April 2009. In Brazil, the Sonata only give the guys at the auto show in October, where you will find the first time in Brazilian soil their future rivals, Fusion, Accord, VW Jetta and the new Chevrolet Malibu.
