Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport that is, to me, clearly influenced by the Genesis inside and out. And for the money Genesis remains at the top of my list of affordable luxury sedans. Sonata continues to mature and is approaching the level of luxury of Genesis. Sonata offers prospective buyers more features and even a touch of luxury for less money than the competition. And if you have read my columns in the past you will have noticed Hyundai and sister company Kia are among my favorite car companies in the world today. I have toured one of Hyundai’s manufacturing facilities and it is impressive. But as important is the people who work for the company. There is something about emerging economic countries like South Korea who are still humble and try harder. Or perhaps the leaders have lost their edge as they are comfortable in the successes of their past. Case in point can be seen in the collapse of the Big three’s (GM, Ford and Chrysler) dominance of the 20th Century.
Remember the advertising campaign of Avis rent a car when they were fighting to compete with number one Hertz? Avis advertised, “We’re Number 2, we try harder”. After all these years I remember that more vividly than my attempt to remember my anniversary date even though my anniversary is far more important. Oh well. Sorry dear.
General Information: It is assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, USA, Parts – US/Canadian 46%, Korea 53%; Engine and transmission – USA Classification is Large cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Opinion:
Become a Safer Driver by Avoiding These Bad Driving Habits
Did you know that most auto accidents aren’t accidents at all? Most often, they are the result of driver error or inattention. Don’t make these dangerous driving mistakes.
Speeding – Slow down! Speeding is the most common bad driving habit and when combined with aggression, traffic congestion or driver inattention, it’s a dangerous one.
Stopping Suddenly – Avoid slamming on the brakes; you may catch the driver behind you unaware. Instead, focus ahead in order to anticipate potential hazards.
Running the Yellow – Never speed up when the light changes to yellow. If you have the option of stopping safely, slow down and come to a stop before the intersection.
Making Blind Turns – Always check your blind spot before making a lane change.
Ignoring Conditions – Always adjust your driving to road conditions. Wet or icy roads, poor visibility and heavy rain or snow can seriously impact your ability to steer clear of danger.
Lane Weaving – Drive in a predictable manner. Erratically darting in and out of lanes is a risky maneuver that confuses other drivers and causes collisions.
Failing to Signal – Let other drivers know what you intend to do by signaling your turns and lane changes.
Texting – Never send or read text messages while driving. Despite stricter distracted driving laws, many drivers are still guilty of taking their eyes off the road to check their phones.
Driving Drowsy or Drunk – Make it a rule to never drive drowsy or under the influence.
Tailgating – Make sure to leave enough distance between you and the car in front of you. Proper following distance in good weather is three seconds.
Handling & Performance:
Engines available include the 1.6 liter 4-cylinder Turbo that can deliver the best fuel economy, the 2.0 Turbocharged engine is peppier and the 2.4 liter seems to be the most popular with the 6-speed auto transmission. That’s the one I tested and it delivers quiet and seamless shifting and generally just a very comfortable ride.
Styling:
Beautiful.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Competitive with more for your money.
Conveniences and comfort:
Bluelink system is available on most Hyundai vehicles where trained operators are standing by to assist members in the event of an accident or other emergency help is needed. Automatic Collision Notification
Your vehicle will automatically call for help so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Consumer Recommendations:
Honda and Toyota have been best sellers primarily because they have been around for more time and have earned a perception of reliability at a reasonable price. Hyundai has been around in the U.S. for a few decades now and as more people experience this company’s cars I believe they will win over the masses.
In fact if you think those leaders are special because they are made in Japan you will find Japan’s notorious high cost of living is forcing change. Like the US and Europe they too have their cars built / assembled in Korea and China.
Test drive Hyundai and Kia – I believe you will be glad you did.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Sonata Sport $23,000, Chevrolet Malibu $23,000, Chrysler 200 $25,000, Honda Accord $24,000, Kia Optima $25,000 Mazda 6 $24,000, Nissan Altima $23,000, Volkswagen Passat $23,000.
Good News:
Great company, highly competitive and a great warranty. They are on the rise and therefore cheaper entry level pricing today won’t last forever.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 185 horsepower 4-cyl engine, dual continuous variable valve timing, 6-speed auto transmission with shift tronic, drive mode select, 17” alloy wheels, ABS with electronic BFD Brake Force Distribution and brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability management, front, side and side curtain and driver knee airbags, tire pressure monitor, LED daytime running lights, rearview camera, rear lip spoiler, auto light control, heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, blind spot detection, solar control widow glass, power windows and locks, cloth seating, power driver seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls, air conditioning, 6” touchscreen audio display, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with iPod / USB and aux input jacks, Sirius radio, bluetooth hands free phone system, Blue link telematics system.
Gas Stats:
$2.69/ Gal avg. February 13, 2015
for more information.
24 City and 35 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,175.