2010 SONATA: HYUNDAIS TOP SELLING, FUEL-EFFICIENT, MID-SIZE SEDAN EXPANDS I-4 AVAILABILITY
08/20/2009
Hyundai
Gas price spikes over the past year have driven demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. But while customers look to save on fuel, they don't want to compromise on amenities. Answering the demand, Hyundai added an assembly plant in Alabama building a fuel-sipping 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to supply its No.1-selling car, the Sonata.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010 SONATA
Alabama-built 2.4-liter DOHC Theta II inline four-cylinder engine increases availability of popular I-4 equipped Sonatas
GLS trim now exclusively I4
SE and Limited models offer I4 and V6
3.3-liter DOHC Lambda V6 continues availability on SE and Limited models
The Hyundai Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, comfort, assured driving dynamics and an extensive list of standard features to appeal to a broad range of customers. The 2010 Sonata provides a uniquely appealing level of value and standard safety technology - including six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - in the mid-size segment. Hyundai's sales leader boasts features ranging from standard iPod(R)/USB auxiliary input jacks to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension.
CHOICE OF TWO POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
2010 Sonata Powertrains
Engine
Horsepower
Torque (lb-ft)
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City
Highway
Theta II 2.4L I4
175
168
22
32
Lambda 3.3L V6
249
229
19
29
The 2010 Sonata features the second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine, now built in Hyundai's new powertrain plant in Alabama, which began production in the summer of 2008. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers its power and acceleration with outstanding fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is more fuel-efficient than Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC(R). When equipped with the five-speed manual the Sonata I4 achieves a 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.
Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine was improved for 2009 for more performance and efficiency. It pumps out 249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The first member of Hyundai's "Lambda" V6 engine family, this refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on the intake camshaft and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. V6-powered Sonatas deliver 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.
All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Accord does not offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.
WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR IS A "CLASS ABOVE"
The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers thoroughly revamped the cockpit for 2009 to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a "flow-through" center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata's 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Accord.
NAVIGATION ADDED TO MORE MODELS. IPOD INTERFACE TO ALL
By popular demand, Hyundai's class-leading, factory-installed touch screen navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch screen and voice command technology is available on Limited models.
Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Sonata's inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods(R). When an iPod or a flash drive is connected through the USB port, which is located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle's six-speaker audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls.[1] This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself. Among the other refinements are dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. The front cupholders allow for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai's signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle's modern interior design.
SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharp handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, revalved, twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers, and a larger 26 mm. stabilizer bar. The system's lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushings are optimized to better absorb the shock from road impacts.
In back, a sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. Altogether, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a confident and controlled driving experience.
The high-performance Sonata SE is a more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling. The sport-tuned suspension features a 15 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate, unique strut valving at all four corners and 27 mm. front and 17 mm. rear stabilizer bars along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and tires.
All Sonatas also have quick-ratio steering for a crisp feel on turn in and Sonata's turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.
SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN
Sonata's exterior design delivers a substantial, refined elegance in the mid-size sedan segment. The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. Chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range offers a choice of seven colors. For 2010, Cocoa Black is available as well as a more vibrant red finish called Venetian Red.
UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
The 2010 Hyundai Sonata has earned the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata's strong body structure and advanced airbag technology. Sonata delivers an unsurpassed commitment to both active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.
The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.
In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.
THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS
From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2010 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of mid-size sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.
SONATA GLS
The 2010 Sonata GLS continues to provide value and a sizable price advantage compared with its four-cylinder competition. The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A sunroof is also available.
All Sonata models have offered standard ESC since May 2005. This is important, as NHTSA claims ESC is the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt. In comparison, while Toyota Camry has only recently matched Sonata with standard ESC on the refreshed 2010 Camry, nearly four years after Sonata made this commitment to active safety technology leadership.
Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional.
The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, ABS and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with iPod(R)/USB auxiliary input jacks, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column.
SONATA SE - I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE
The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC on both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.3L V6. Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with unique, handling-focused 215/55R17 all-season performance tires, rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special cloth seats with leather bolsters, and an eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. SE tires feature stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips.
Other standard features include automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer.
The 2010 Sonata Premium Package includes a touch screen navigation system with 240-watt audio and iPod(R)/USB auxiliary input jacks, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, auto-dimming mirror with compass and Homelink(R) and power tilt-and-slide sunroof.
SONATA LIMITED
The feature-packed Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for mid-size sedan buyers who want it all-at a great price. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and power sunroof. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass, premium scuff plates and exclusive 10-spoke wheels with 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option besides the engine choice is a navigation system. Sonata Limited four-cylinder and V6 models feature a five-speed automatic transmission with the added control of SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.
WARRANTY
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.