Hyundai Sonata, the new standard of competence and excellent design
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is as good or even better than what you've been hearing about it. When you slide behind the wheel of the 2015 Sonata you start to understand not only how good modern sedans have become, but how Hyundai has captured the high ground in this incredibly competitive segment. The 2015 Sonata goes about its business without drama and surprises you at every turn with its competence in important categories such as ride, handling, noise and most of all, fuel economy. The seats provide all day comfort, with headrests that are actually soft and comfortable while providing protection. After warming up, the engine is silent at idle. It is the first four cylinder car I have owned (and I've owned many over the past 30 years) where you feel absolutely no vibration through the steering wheel when the car is idling in gear. It accelerates smartly, with the engine's power characteristics well matched to the six speed automatic transmission. There is a three position driving mode switch that offers normal, eco and sport modes and it works very well. The sport mode gives more responsive pickup, with the transmission holding each gear longer to let the engine produce more power. On the other end of the spectrum, the Eco mode shifts into overdrive as quickly as possible to get eye-popping fuel mileage. We have consistently exceeded the EPA mileage ratings on this car, averaging nearly 40 mpg on several highway trips. While achieving that mileage you have time to relax behind the wheel and notice the lack of wind noise and even tire noise, except on certain types of pavement that would likely raise a racket even in a Rolls Royce. The Hyundai is one quiet car. You also notice the incredible roominess of the cabin; the clean, intuitive and thoroughly modern design of the instrument panel; the cool blue accent lighting that graces every control; and how every control is placed where it belongs. The ride is stable and the Hyundai soaks up bumps without rocking the boat like some other competitors do. It will surprise you when you hit your first tight curves and switchbacks and the car follows your direction calmly without wallowing or plowing through the curves. The longer we have the Sonata the more fun it is to drive. It's clear that Hyundai burned the midnight oil to redesign the Sonata and came up with a great mainstream sedan that does everything you ask of it. Competence and great design wrapped up in one car. The torch has been passed and the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is leading the pack.
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