Hyundai aims to take a bigger share of the midsized car market with a freshened 2009 Sonata that delivers more power and better fuel economy from improved four-and six-cylinder engines.
In addition, the interior of the Sonata has been given a makeover.
The Sonata was redesigned for the 2006 model year. Normally, the automaker would not make extensive changes after only three years, said John Krafcik, product development vice president for Hyundai Motor America. But he said soaring gasoline prices and strong competition in the midsized segment pushed the move.
“We spent a substantial amount of money,” Krafcik said. “We did substantial surgery on this car in a short period of time.”
Hyundai has begun shipping the 2009 models to dealers with a base price of $18,795, including $675 for shipping. Hyundai hopes to sell 140,000 to 150,000 Sonatas annually, with the entry-level GLS accounting for 57 percent of the sales.
Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine debuts on the Sonata. It delivers 175 horsepower and 168 foot-pounds of torque, up 13 hp and 4 foot-pounds.
A five-speed automatic transmission replaces the four-speed automatic on the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy on the four-cylinder automatic is 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, up from 21/30. That's better mileage than the segment's sales leaders, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The V-6 engine has been tweaked to deliver 249 hp and 229 foot-pounds of torque, up 15 hp and 3 foot-pounds.
Fuel economy for city driving remains the same at 19 mpg; highway mileage is up 1 mpg to 29. That's the same as the Accord's V-6 and better than the Camry's V-6 highway mileage, 28 mpg.
Sales of the Sonata, Hyundai's volume leader, fell 18.6 percent to 24,431 units through March. The Sonata needs to pick up if the brand is to reach its 500,000 sales goal this year.
“Sonata is very important to us,” Krafcik said. “We had a shortage of four-cylinder engines last year, but we have plenty this year, so we should meet sales.”
The 2009 model comes in three trim lines: the GLS, SE and Limited. The SE has a new sport-tuned suspension.
The redesigned interior includes a new center console and instrument panel. The Sonata also comes with bigger front and rear seats.
USB iPod auxiliary inputs are standard on all trim levels. A navigation system will be available for the first time, but only on the Limited version. The exterior has a new grille, bumpers, lights and wheels. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.
