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By 
Paul Eisenstein, Executive Editor
Beauty, it’s often said, is only skin deep. The 2009 remake of Hyundai’s mid-size Sonata might lead you to re-think that saying. Though the automaker has made a few modest, cosmetic changes to its mid-market sedan, most of the significant updates are to be found under the exterior sheetmetal.
“We wanted to make sure we were setting the benchmark high enough,” explains Hyundai’s
A close inspection will reveal a few exterior tweaks, including revised headlamps, front fascia and grille, but the major dollars spent on this upgrade went into the cabin redesign.
The instrument panel is unexpectedly refined, with the subtle details that are normally seen on luxury products. (Hyundai has adopted a production technique, technically known as “slush molding,” that permits much more sophisticated texturing and shaping of the IP surface. The cabin makes extensive use of satin silver and chrome detailing, accenting even small switches such as the redundant audio controls on the steering wheel.
The center stack is illuminated with a rich blue back-lighting that also adds an unexpectedly elegant touch to the package. For the first time, buyers can order Sonata with a built-in navigation system, which features a large, high-resolution color display and XM satellite radio – a three-month subscription to the service is complimentary.
“Our goal,” says Krafcik, “was to deliver a car that was clearly better than people’s expectations.”
Hyundai also made some notable improvements to the ’09 Sonata’s powertrain offerings. The 2.4-liter in-line-four gets an eight-percent bump in horsepower, to 175. At the same time, it gets an extra mile per gallon fuel economy, at 22 city, 32 highway. That’s better than both the comparable Camry and Accord models.
The “heavily massaged” V-6 sees its output jump from 234 to 249 horsepower, while mileage also jumps 1 mpg, to 19/29.
Krafcik anticipates that 70 percent of Sonata buyers will opt for the smaller, more fuel-efficient engine.
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Comments (6 total):
very nice
By dan | Posted: 15/6/2008
looks pretty nice
Pleasantly Surprised
By Viola | Posted: 20/6/2008
I have had the 2009 Hyundai Sonata for almost a month. I am a former Honda Accord owner; I can barley recongize the difference in the drive, it drives great. It is a very good looking car; the gas mileage is good. The interior size is good, lot of leg room both up front and in back. I have a 4 cylinder car, it has a lot a features for a car that is not top of the line. It comes with XM Satellite, Ipod, MP3 player and serial bus in the hidden storage area. It has a nice sound system. I have a beige interior, but the neat thing is that the floor area is a deep chocolate. The controls are easy to operate. Small complaints, the side mirrors do not fold in, the trunk will unlock but not go up enough to avoid having to lift with a free hand while carrying groceries. Although I am mostly pleased with this vehicle, if I could afford it I would buy the top of the line sonata, because if the scaled down Sonata has all these feature, I would imagine the top of the line version will blow me away.
Just Bought
By Jason | Posted: 3/7/2008
I just bought the '09 Sonata, great price but dont settle for the 2000 dollar rebate, I got double the rebate!
n
By yosef | Posted: 9/7/2008
Hi, I am Yosef Azizpor and I'm a student in university. I designed and invented one new type of device (system) for exchange of color according to desire of car owner in minimum time with the best efficiency that was invented without use of painting system that we can use it over car body in a few minutes unlike present painting system and provide variety of color simply for and with lowest amount for maker and owner of cars that it is a wish for them. Also I want to complete several design and invention, too. If you are interest, I can cooperate with you and also sell this invention device for you.
ir
By yosef | Posted: 14/7/2008
Hi. I’m very thankful of you for your answer. If you are tendency to cooperate or buy this invention “a system for changing of car color” And to see of details and function quality of this system, we can put an appointment with together directly or with their agency in Iran. I haven’t financial ability for coming to your country unless you support me. Mane companies of car maker want to cooperate with them but I’m interested to your country and your cars, there fore I’ve selected to cooperate with you for this present invention and other designs and my ideas. I hope by the grace of God and friendly cooperation of you can invent the best sincerely yours. Yousef azizpor
iran
By yosef | Posted: 14/7/2008
Hi. I’m very thankful of you for your answer. If you are tendency to cooperate or buy this invention “a system for changing of car color” And to see of details and function quality of this system, we can put an appointment with together directly or with their agency in Iran. I haven’t financial ability for coming to your country unless you support me. Mane companies of car maker want to cooperate with them but I’m interested to your country and your cars, there fore I’ve selected to cooperate with you for this present invention and other designs and my ideas. I hope by the grace of God and friendly cooperation of you can invent the best sincerely yours. Yousef azizpor
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