Overview:
This is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited. Well, if you read my column you know I’m not thrilled with Electric (EV) Vehicles. See opinion below for the why. That being said, the performance, look and feel and comfort this car delivers is still impressive. More important is that although it has a plug-in feature it also is a Hybrid with the comfort of knowing you still have a good old reliable gas engine to make the car of value. Electric only is not quite there yet and likely never will be if you consider history. Fact: in 1903 electric vehicles had a range of 100 miles and we still have not eclipsed that performance for most EV’s. Sad but true. The $140,000 plus Tesla EV is a case in point. You must spend that kind of money for an extra 100 miles of range. The boast 250 miles but only one thing is less useful than an electric car out of charge. TP that is wet.
Opinion:
More and more evidence from studies tell us the hype over all electric powered vehicles aren’t all they’re represented to be. The pollution to the planet is said to be no better than conventional internal combustion power plants. The panic “stuff” our government spews is a way for them to get you, the consumer, to pay for the development of new technology.
http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/electric-cars-green – Go to this link to read an article on the subject. “The Electric Cars aren’t Green – Myth debunked”. In short, “Electric cars have higher manufacturing emissions than normal cars. Electric cars also use electricity that has its own footprint. And put together these two factors are a ‘dirty little secret’ that negate any climate benefit of electric cars!
Do your own research and you’ll be informed about just another lie to get you to buy into the Myth. Is there no limit to the lengths to which people will go to advance their biased agenda? The corruption of our elected officials speaks to the decline of values and morals in today’s world.
General Information: It is assembled in Asan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Korea 92%; Engine and transmission – Korea;Classification is Midsize Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Elantra GT, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
Fast and a joy to drive. Sure the pollution is no better than existing propulsion of our cars. But if it’s just as good I like the great fuel economy.
Styling:
Lovely.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
A little pricey. You can do better with conventional cars where the fuel economy is nearly as good and the purchase cost is far lower. Then you have to consider potential negative issue of battery replacement. Example: a friend has a Toyota Prius that needs a new battery pack. Cost: upwards of $3,600. When does that become necessary? When you reach 100,000 miles you can expect the hammer to fall any time. So as the word gets out you’ll have difficulty selling it.
Conveniences and comfort:
Wonderful if cost is not an issue for you. Look at the features and you’ll see the most advanced including Smart Cruise Control and Lane Departure and Blind Spot warnings. If I can justify the cost I simply won’t own a car without such safety and convenience features.
Consumer Recommendations:
This is Hyundai. Not only does it have the best warranty in the industry this hybrid has a “Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty”.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid $39,000, Chevrolet Volt $38,000, Lincoln MKZ $37,000, Volkswagen Jetta $32,000, Ford Fusion Plug-in Hybrid $35,000, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid $36,000.
Good News:
Comfortable ride, great fuel economy, best warranty in the industry.
Bad News:
A bit pricey.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) 4-cylinder hybrid 202 combined horsepower engine, permanent magnet synchronous motor -50 KW, 9.8 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer Battery system, 120volt charge cable, 6-speed automatic transmission, stability management, traction control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with integrated regenerative braking, brake force distribution and brake assist, front front side impact, side curtain and driver knee airbags, forward collision warning and lane departure warnings, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera and rear parking sensors, 17” alloy wheels, rear spoiler, proximity key entry, push button start, leather heated and ventilated seating, power front seats with memory system for driver seat and side mirrors, heated steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls, 4.2: color LCD trip computer, smart cruise control with stop/start capability, electronic parking brake with automatic hold, navigation system with 8” touchscreen display, Infinity speakers, Sirius XM travel link, Bluetooth hands free phone system.
Gas Stats:
$2.45 Gal avg. February 15, 2016
for more information.
99 Electricity combined City / Highway, 40 Gasoline only City and Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $38,600.