By far, the wildly styled Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has been the best-selling model of Korean automaker Hyundai. Hyundai has sold 225,961 Sonata(s) in 2011. Sonata Hybrid sports a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It can deliver up to 209 horsepower combining its power with a 30-kilowatt electric motor. Its fuel economy is 37 or 40 city or highway mpg (2.5 gals per 100 miles). The eco-friendly Sonata Hybrid has been a popular choice for car buyers throughout 2011, and 2012.
Design
Hybrid Sonata features an exquisite exterior with a big front air dam. It has distinct headlights and taillights, and fine side skirts, that make it more aerodynamic. Its sloping roof somewhat resembles Mercedes Benz CLS class. With 104 cubic feet of space inside, it offers greater passenger volume than its competitors such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. Sonata Hybrid car comes with standard 16-inch steel wheels, however, you can order 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels too.
Features
The engine of Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is capable of conserving energy and enhancing fuel economy. For instance, Sonata Hybrid comes with the ability to automatically shut down the engine when the car is immobile, and restart it when pressed on the accelerator. Sonata Hybrid sports six-speed Hyundai automatic (or manual) transmission with the electric oil pump, which is economical and gives to a better shifting experience.
Blue Drive
Sonata Hybrid features Blue Drive technologies in Hybrid Sonata to reduce emissions and reduce fuel consumption. Hybrid Sonata has lithium-polymer batteries, which are more resistant to temperature changes, and have a slower discharge rate. Lithium-polymer batteries are much thinner, and lighter than conventional car batteries.
Car Electronics
The steering wheel has a good look and feel. The seats are comfortable for a long drive. Sonata Hybrid comes with an LCD screen that displays the electricity mode, energy flow between drive-train components, battery power, and charge status, average and instant mpg, along with other conventional parameters. The car electronics features include a standard radio transmitter, Blue Link telemetric, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and iPod inputs and touchscreen navigation.
Driving Safety
Sonata Hybrid has six airbags, and active front head restraints. It sports anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and electronic stability system with traction control.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is available at a price range of $19,000 – $27,000. The original Sonata offers more mpg at a lower price, but the hybrid offers a better look and feel.