2011 Hyundai Sonata GL Sedan 4-Door 2.4L

Detailed item info Model OverviewThe new Sonata lineup is 4-cylinder-only for 2011. with the optional V6 engine no longer available. This all-new 198-horsepower. 2. 4-liter 4-cylinder is the only engine. with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Though the manual transmission is only available on the base-model GLS. Fuel economy is stellar no matter which transmission. The manual-transmission model gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg city. 35 highway while the automatic models get 22/35. The engine's direct-injection design aids that. along with improved aerodynamics and an overall curb weight that's lighter than most other mid-size sedans. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also an all-new unit offering a wide span of gear ratios for good performance as well as fuel economy. The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has a rather conventional suspension layout. with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link. independent arrangement in back. along with front and rear stabilizer bars to help bring sporty handling along with a good. well damped ride. All Sonatas have front-wheel drive. GLS and Limited models get low-rolling-resistance tires aimed at improving fuel economy. while the SE gets stickier low-profile tires and a firmer suspension tuning. Appearance-wise. the Sonata is completely new from every angle. inside and out. with a more flowing. curvaceous design throughout (Hyundai calls it Fluidic Sculpture). The new waterfall grill design dips low in front and a prominent body-side crease flows upward into the rear lights. The interior design "wraps around" the front occupants and flows through to the back. bringing climate-control vents. while the instrument panel itself follows a new. straightforward control layout that puts entertainment and navigation controls up high with large climate controls just below. Front and backseat appointments are plenty spacious for five adults--including enough space for taller adults in back. In addition to the base GLS. two other Sonata automatic-only models of the Sonata are offered: the sporty SE and the especially luxurious Limited. The three models of the Sonata also get quite different interior appointments; lower-level Sonata models get a textured plastic material for the dash and doors. while SE models get more metallic trim and Limited models get woodgrain or piano-black trims. SE models add steering-wheel paddle-shifters and Limited models get a sport-shift mode for the transmission. GLS models get a very generous array of standard equipment. including keyless entry. cruise control. air conditioning. tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment. steering-wheel controls. power windows. locks. mirrors and split folding rear seatbacks. SE models add sport seats. leather steering-wheel and shifter trim and push button start. plus fog lamps. "hyper silver alloy" wheels. performance tires and a chrome-tipped exhaust. At the top of the range. the Limited gets a long list of additional features. such as a sunroof. heated leather seats (front and back). heated mirrors. dual-zone automatic climate control and rear-seat heat ducts. All Sonata models get a USB interface as well as an iPod connector. plus XM satellite radio and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. A 3-month trial subscription for XM is included. A new wide-screen navigation system is optional on the SE and Limited. featuring real-time XM NavTraffic along with weather. stock. and sports information. Also included with the system are Bluetooth audio streaming capability and 8 GB of flash memory for storing music files. Safety features are strong in the 2011 Sonata. All models get active head restraints for front occupants and include front side airbags. full-length side-curtain bags. electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.