New Reveal : 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Introduction:
Writing about main-stream mid-size family sedans is actually easy, and that's simply because they are all nearly identical. The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and even the new Chevrolet Malibu are all somewhat copies of each other. Hyundai was doing the same trick with their Sonata. Now though, with Hyundai aiming on luxury brands, like what they have done in their new Genesis, the all-new 2011 Sonata gets a new character, but still quite sensible underneath.

Exterior Design:
You like it, right? Yes, that is the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and it finally looks appealing! Whereas in the older days, a Sonata was a copy of an Accord, the new Sonata with its new "fluidic scupture" style theme, it's now more like a Volkswagen Passat CC. The 4-door coupe roof-line is straight out of the CC, and the headlights and taillights are stretched like in the CC. We have to say; trying to compete with Volkswagen in design is actually not such a bad thing.

Interior Design:

With the interior, Hyundai also raised the bar for their quality, and wanting to aim of those with Lexus and Infiniti. This is clearly evident in the center navigation screen, which seems taken off from the Infiniti G37. On the other hand, the whole design of the interior, does have a Lexus look to it. Again, it's great that Hyundai are raising the standards for main-stream front-wheel-drive mid-size family sedans, and we hope the interior actually feels as good as it looks.

Drivetrain:
Hyundai engineers want to be clever about the powertrain. They don't want those coupish-looks, and the luxury-state interior, to be "spoiled" off by a big gas-guzzling engine, because that's not what customers want nowadays. In its home market and Europe, the 2011 Sonata will have a 2.0L 4-cylinder base engine. The rest of us, will be the 2.4L Theta II GDI petrol engine, which will develop around 180 hp. Hyundai didn't announce the V6 version of this Sonata, but they claim they're working on it. All engine are hatched to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill-start Assist Control. and Brake Assist System come as standard.

Pricing:
As Hyundai is launching the new 2011 Sonata in Korea, prices start at 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won ($17,600 to $21,450 U.S.D). Hyundai said that it expected to sell 450,000 units annually in all markets.

Source : [Hyundai]

Others @ Frankfurt

After we featured the biggies from Frankfurt like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen, it's time to see what some other automakers showed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here goes:

- 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir: This is not the production MiTo GTA hot-hatch, but it's actually close. This Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir may look like any MiTo, but Alfa say this will set the foundation of small turbocharged compact hatchbacks. So, what this is MiTo good at? The Quadrifoglio Verde basically gives the MiTo a sporty outfit, which is a pack of 17" satin titanium-finished wheels, darkened headlights and mirrors, sporty interior with bucket seats, and Alfa's latest DNA suspension controls. On the technical side, the 1.4 MultiAir engine, which in essence, is a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, that makes 170 hp. Alfa Romeo showrooms will be recieving MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde editions soon.
- 2010 Aston Martin Rapide: It's finally, in its final production form - the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. As Aston have promised, the 2010 Rapide looks like the concept we saw back in 2006. So, is still looks like a 4-door DB9, which is actually a good thing. This Rapide is not just a looker though; it's a full-on sports-sedan. Therefore, it packs a hand-built 470 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque 6.0L V12, and it has a 750 liters of luggage space when the seats are folded. While the driver has a 6-speed Touchtronic transmission tp play with, the rear-seats are offered with indiviual tv screens. In essence, this is a pure Aston supercar, that will easily handle a family roadtrip; just like that new Porsche Panamera. First deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin's 125 dealership network.
- 2011 Bentley Mulsanne: It's the all-new Grand Bentley, or at least that's what we knew it. Among Bentley's exciting line-up, where does this Mulsanne fit? Well, for starters, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is the replacement for the beloved Arnage. What's more, Bentley say that this Mulsanne is a classic revival of the 1930 Bentley 8-Liter. Most notable design cue are the quad LED headlights that echo the classic 8-Liter, and the whole style showcases some Bentley heritage, with newly modern design. Same theory goes to the interior as well. Because, where the dashboard features the classic glossy wood, it also has a 14-speaker audio system, and other high-tech luxury equipment. Under that long hood, sits the grand-old 6¾L V8 engine, which was originally used in the 1968 Rolls Royce Phantom. However, with new modern twin-turbochargers, and a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne gets 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque; and all that power is going to the rear-wheels only. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will hit showrooms in mid 2010, with prices start at around $300,000.
-2010 Brabus E V12: For anyone who haven't heard of Brabus, they are those crazy German tuning company, specialized for cranking-up Mercedes', and can tune-up a C-Class up to 730 hp! This time around, Brabus got their hands on the new E-Class, and look what they have done to it: full aerodynamic bodykit, with a rear-spoiler and Speed Spads rocker panel for the rear-wheels, matte-black paint on every exterior panel, lowered suspension, and oh, a twin-turbocharged 6.3L V12. Numbers don't get better than this - 800 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque; with an electronic torque-limiter, there's still 811 lb-ft of torque to play with. Acceleration too, is way beyond any production super sedan, and even hyper-cars! 60 mph comes in 3.7 seconds, 125 mph in just 9.9 seconds, and 186 mph comes at 23.9 seconds. Top speed? That's 230 mph! However, Brabus say that for tire safety reasons, it's better not to go any faster than 217 mph on public roads. So yes, Brabus are some crazy German auto-tuning company! It's probably you'll never see an E V12, simply because it will be limited to only 10 units, with pricing going for 498,000 Euros.
- 2009 Bugatti Galibier Concept: We saw the teasers, heard the rumors, and even got some speculation renders; but non prepare this: the highly-anticipated 4-door Bugatti Galibier Concept. Though it says that it's a concept, the production version is come very soon, with the same platform, and same engine. Key features to the design, are the chrome door and front-fender panels, and 8 exhaust pipes out back. Inside, it offers 4 seats, with total luxury, wood-inserted dashboard and center console, and a LCD navigation system. The platform features all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size. The engine originally comes from the legendary Veryon, so an 8.0L W16 engine; but, instead of turbocharging, the Galibier Concept gets a two stage supercharger. No officials numbers yet, but Bugatti said that this will be the fastest production 4-door sedan in the automotive world, with a top sped of 217 mph.
- 2011 Citroen DS3: Joining the retro compact superminis from the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, is this DS3. It channels some of the iconic cues of the '60s DS, and also offers a wide range of paint colors. DS3 is offered with diesel and petrol engines, but top-spec DS3 comes with a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder, with 150 hp. The new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010.
- 2009 Citroen REVOLTe Concept: This is another Citroen that also aims on retro styling, and modern technology. This REVOLTe Concept is heavily inspired by the iconic 1979 Citroen 2CV, which is sort of the first real eco-friendly car. So coming to the exterior design, the whole shape is reminiscent to the 2CV, but in a very modern design (sort of like the new Dodge Challenger). Like the original 2CV, the REVOLTe Concept is being showcased as a pure enviromental compact-city car. So it's got a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which basically can be setup on normal hybrid-drive, or run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode. No info yet on whether the REVOLTe Concept comes to production, but we might see something close in the near future.
- 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia: This will be the replacement to thebeloved F430. It's got an all-new design, a new platform, a new engine, and a new transmission. Powered by a new direct-injection 4.5L V8, which produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft, the 458 Italia will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and will go towards 202 mph. The new 458 is also supported with a new 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. Ferrari F1 also got a new setup for the E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS systems. Coming to your near-by Ferrari dealer in 2010, as 2011 model year.
- 2009 Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari: This Fiat 500 may seem like a compact city car, but it's in fact a super hatchback. This Ferrari-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth gets Ferrari kit inside and out, like 4 exhaust pipes with Ferrari Scuderia strips, and a Ferrari F1-style racing seats with a paddle-shift transmission. Even power is uprated from the 500 Abarth; so now, the turbocharged 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder makes 180 hp. 60 mph should come in less than 7 seconds. For anyone who wants a cheap feel of a Ferrari, this 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari will be in showrooms soon.
- 2011 Ford C-MAX: While this may look like somewhat near to the Ford iosis MAX Concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it is in-fact, the production version and new Ford C-Max. This 7-seater minivan is actually based on a stretched wheel-base of the new Ford Focus. Although this C-Max offers hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality, it still looks very sporty. In fact, the sporty-looks are supported with an all-new 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With turbocharging and direct-injection, Ford claim that this 1.6 will offer V6 power, with 4-cylinder economy. The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010, and will be the first C-Max to be sold worldwide.
- 2011 Hyundai ix35: While this ix35 is actually the replacement of the old Tucson, it's an entirly new vehicle. Compared to its predecessor, the new ix35 looks much more upscale inside-and-out. Hyundai are also trying to make some sort of trademark design; therefore, the ix35 looks like the Veracruz's smaller brother. Concerning powertrains, ix35 comes in a 166 hp 2.0L engine, or a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4 with 170 hp. Standard equipment start with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Hyundai revealed that the 2011 ix35 will be manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. 2011 Hyundai ix35 will be available in dealerships beginning of 2010, with prices start at around $22,000.
- 2009 Hyundai ix-Metro Concept: Hyundai's new Global Design Team have created a concept study, which like all new concepts, is a showcase to enviromently-friendly compacts. Hyundai say that the ix-Metro offers all the practicality, robustness and versatility of a CUV in a stylishly sophisticated package. However, with a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, this gets outstanding fuel-mileage, and yet the whole cars weighs 950 kilograms, so it can be nippy as well. To benefit most space out of this small comapct, the GDT have adopted a conventional 'suicide door' configuration. ix-Metro is just a concept study, and it's to be kept as a study; so, no production here.
- 2010 Kia Sorento: This is how Kia is tackling with modern 7-seater SUVs, the new 2010 Sorento. In the looks department, Kia has went for a simple conservative look for the Sorento. So there aren't any fens or bulges sticking out of the body, which is a good thing. Kia has also went great lengths into making this new Sorento into a much better cross-over than the out-going Sorento. So now, the new Sorento is actually based on the highly-priased Hyundai Veracruz. Getting to the powertrain, engines vary from 194 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, to a high-output 3.5L V6 with 277 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is already on sale in its home market, and Kia plans to sell 140,000 units from 2010.
- 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster: It's a convertible Lamborghini Reventon. The Reventon coupe is considered as one of the most expensive and exclusive supercars. Well, the Reventon Roadster is even more expensive, and more exclusive. The Reventon Roadster keeps the same looks as the coupe variant, and which also keeps the same structural rigidity and all-wheel-drive system. Reventon Roadster is actually powered by a 670 hp 6.5L V12 out of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. 60 mph comes up after 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205 mph. Each Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes), which less than 20 units will be made, and sold for "Lamborghini friends and collectors." Deliveries will begin October 2009.
- 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Lexus is trying to aim their new products to younger-aged buyers, to improve badge-image. So while this may be a concept for now, it will come to production plant in a few years. This Lexus LF-Ch Concept hatchback is a showcase, to what Lexus is planning to make a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. The Lexus LF-Ch Concept features a full-on hybrid system, so that it can run on fully EV mode for some time. Despite being a hybrid, Lexus claim that the LF-Ch Concept has a sporty driving characteristics. To determine on whether the LF-Ch would go into production, Lexus is running online serveys, to see if people are having a good impression on this the new Lexus hatch.
- 2011 Maserati GranCabrio: The GranCabrio is the convertible GranTurismo. So it means that it shares the same looks as the GranTurismo, and also the same drive-train. The tractable roof is cloth, and will operate within few seconds. GranCabrio is a little heavier than GranTurismo, because Maserati had to had strengthen beams. However, GranCabrio is only offered with a 440 hp 4.7L V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GranCabrio will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and crack 184 mph. All that, plus, the beautiful Italian V8 exhaust note is directly channeled through the cabin. Maserati also claims that this is the largest 4-seater production convertible.
- 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept: This is a concept study, that Mazda say will consider in the future if fans and customers are interested. This MX-5 Superlight Concept is a speedster MX-5 Miata. So no roof, no windshield, no driver aids; plus, a total curb weight of only 940 kilograms. The MX-5 Superlight Concept tries to import those old days of the '40s - '50s Formula-One cars, but with hints of newly modern MX-5 cues. Power comes from a 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder, with 126 hp. While that might not sound as much, this is just a pure racing automobile. So it may not be super fast, but it's certainly a fun job.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C: This is a moment we have all been waiting for; an all-new McLaren. However, even McLaren say, that this MP4-12C won't be as legandary as their 240 mph F1, and won't be even a successor. The MP4-12C is in fact, a daily-driver McLaren supercar. So McLaren are getting in the mix, with a modest-looking British supercar. The interior too, is very tpical with quite supercar material, like carbon-fiber on the door instruments, center console, and dashboard, with a navigation system. Power comes with a McLaren-built twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8, packing 600 hp and driven through the rear-wheels via a McLaren 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch transmission (SSG). The brakes and chassis on the MP4-12C have been designed with the McLaren Formula-One team, and even shares some parts with the Formula-One car. Nonetheless, to make this McLaren a drivable supercar, the new engine is consided the most fuel-efficient engine ever. As it produces 600 hp, and actually has the lowest CO2 emission among competitors. Competition comes from Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.
- 2009 Mini Coupe Concept: While Mini say that this a concept, this Mini Coupe Concept is actually a production-capable car, and will see production next year. The Mini Coupe Concept is loosly based on a Mini Cooper hatchback, but in a new roof style, and the emulation of the rear-seats, to make this Coupe Concept a 2-seater. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 211 hp, through a 6-speed manual and a front-wheel-drive chassis. The Mini Coupe is set to be a rival to the base Audi TT.
- 2011 Peugeot RCZ: When Peugeot showcased the 308 RC Z Concept back in 2007, it wasn't taken so seriously. However now, it's here, in-full production, and it doesn't seem altered from that concept we all liked. The new RCZ coupe lives-up strong as a coupe, as it features aggressive face, wide wheel-arches, and the famous bubble roof. Peugeot mostly used the word "passion" when designing this car from inside-and-out. Even the interior looks so supercar-like, as the feeling inside is tight and only has 2-seats. However, all these impressions are not so with the drivetrain. Peugeot say that while this looks wonderful, it shouldn't be spoiled with a dangerous engine or a hard-edge driving characteristics. So, the RCZ is actually powered by a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 200 hp, and transferring power to an all-wheel-drive chassis. Therefore, it can be easily be driven like any car on the road, and yet look one of the most exclusive. RCZ should be in European markets in mid 2010.
- 2009 Renault Fluence ZE Concept: This is not is just any Renault Fluence. This Fluence may have the concept name for now, but it is expected that the new ZE Concept will follow the Fluence's range of petrol and diesel engines soon. So what is the ZE really? You guessed it; an all-electric drive version! Renault chose the Fluence platform, as it's their benchmark mid-size sedan. Therefore, it gets all the family business done, and yet features the electric moveability. For the electric-drive, Renault have used the commonly-used Lithium-ion battery-pack, which produces 95 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Driving-range is allowed for 100 miles, and recharging takes roughly 4 hours, but 80% of the battery is recharged within 20 minutes only. If Renault can really transfer this technology onto the real Fluennce, and with a resnoable price, we think it can be a hit.
- 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost: The production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX, here it is, in a new Ghost name. This "baby-Rolls" is set to be more afforable than a Phantom, but yet offer pure Rolls-Royce elegance. While it's still looks like a Rolls, the Ghost is in fact, based on the new BMW 7-Series. So the Ghost might be even sporty! Nevertheless, it's powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12, developing 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. Orders have already been taken, with prices range between 200,000 and 300,000 euros. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin hood.

- 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: While this is an all-new Saab, it's in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab. The 9-5's exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. Beneath that body, lives GM's Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. Engines vary from diesel and petrol, though the 2010 9-5 is best with the new twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic and Haldex all-wheel drive system.

- 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: For all who live in the Middle East, know that there are two versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser; there's the original Land Cruiser, and the slightly-smaller Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado has remained since 2002 unchanged, so this 2010 is getting Toyota's latest make-up in design, and drive-trains. As usual, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force for the exterior. A reshaped front fascia and new tail-lights, make the Prado look very close to the Land Cruiser. This third-generation Toyota Prado will get Toyota's new engines. Base model should get a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, and up-scale model will get a more powerful 4.0L V6. In the Middle East, the Pardo is already on sale, with prices going around 130,000 Saudi Riyals ($34,930 U.S.D).

That's all what Frankfurt has showed us. The Motor Show was great! We would like to appologize lastly for our somewhat late coverage; we had a lot of technical issues. Lastly, down below, is a full-on picture gallery of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, provided by NetCarShow.com

Report : Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi end engine manufacturing alliance!

It seems that after the merge of Chrysler and Fiat, Chrysler has to end any deals they had in the past. First notice, that Chrysler have ended collaboration with Nissan, into producing the Armada and Titan. Well, here's more "out-of-deal" collaboration.

Back in 2005, all Chrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi have allied together, to create the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA), which eventually manufactured fuel-efficeint 4-cylinder engines that were avilable in all Chrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi products. However, it was announced by Chrysler, that both Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company, have sold their interests in the manufacturing alliance to the Chrysler Group. “Going forward, GEMA and its employees will continue to build state-of-the-art engines for Chrysler Group’s line of exciting, fuel efficient vehicles,” Chrysler said in a statement.

Nonetheless, GEMA will now build engines for Chrysler vehicles only, including the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, the Jeep Compass, and the Jeep Patriot.

Source : [Chrysler]

Report : 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan most awarded car of 2009

As we just recieved our own award, this report came in. It seems the folks at Hyundai have been recieving awards for thir luxury Genesis sedan. In fact, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan didn't only win the 2009 North American Car of the Year award, the Genesis was honored 20 more awards as well. That in truth, makes the Genesis sedan "the most awarded car of 2009."

“As the awards accumulated, we realized not only how well designed the Genesis was, but how far the Hyundai brand had come,” said Scott Margason, director of Product & Strategic Planning for Hyundai. “Consumers and automotive industry influencers really embraced the idea of Hyundai producing a luxury product.”

Refresher:

- 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan: So what's makes the Genesis special? Well, it's a bargain full-size luxury car, that won't be embaressed against a BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Lexus LS. It supports all the latest and most modern luxury gizmos, and runs through a rear-drive platform. The entry-level 2009 Hyundai Genesis is powered by a 290 hp 3.8L V6, while the top-range Genesis carries a 375 hp 4.6L V8. Prices start at $32,250 and max-out at $42,000 for a fully loaded Genesis.

Source: [Hyundai]

2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Awards:

1. 2009 North America Car of the Year

2. Motor Trend – America’s Top 40 New Cars

3. J.D. Power and Associates – Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) – Most appealing midsize premium car

4. J.D. Power and Associates – Vehicle Launch Index (VLI) – Highest ranked 2009 all-new or redesigned vehicle

5. The Car Book 2009 – Best Bet (intermediate category)

6. About.com – Best New Car7. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – Best New Model (sedans $30,000-$45,000)

8. NADAguides.com – Car of the Month (April)

9. NADAguides.com – Top 5 Luxury Cars

10. NADAguides.com – Best Car Buy – Top luxury cars under $35,000

11. Autotropolis.com – Car of the Year

12. Cars.com – Car of the Year

13. On Wheels – Car of the Year

14. AutoPacific – Ideal Vehicle Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category

15. AutoPacific -Vehicle Satisfaction Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category

16. Consumer Reports – Top-Rated Vehicle (upscale sedan category)

17. Consumer Digest – Best Buy (luxury segment)

18. MyRide/Autobytel – Car of the Year

19. Ward’s Auto World – 10 Best Engines (4.6 liter Tau V8)

20. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Canadian Car of the Year

21. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Luxury Vehicle Under $50,000

New Reveal : 2011 Hyundai Tucson ix

Introduction:
This is the second-generation Hyundai Tucson. However, with Hyundai's new brand-naming, it's now the Tucson ix in the Korean market, ix35 in Europe, and Tucson in the rest of the world. So what's the real change apart from the name? Well, almost everything is new, and this 2011 Tucson is much more up-scale than the first-generation.
Exterior Design:
Automakers like Hyundai haven't yet got distinctive "trademark designing". Nevertheless, they still try to make their own unique design. The new Tucson ix carries over much of the 'swoopy' styling of the ix-onic Concept, from the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. However, unlike its originated concept, the new Tucson ix features much more sculptured lines, that actually make it busy. While its a "love it or hate it" look, it's surely more upscale and better-looking than the first-generation Tucson, and also relates to the Veracruz crossover. Overall, the pronounced look, is a plus point.
Interior Design:
This is where the Korean automaker actually improved dramatically over the several years. While the first Tucson was pretty much a dreary place to be, now this new Tucson ix's interior is cleaner, more dynamic, and seem pleasant. The sculptured look from the outside, is carried over to the center air-vents, and center multi-media system inside. Plus, Hyundai hopes to market this Tucson ix as a luxury, with added extra goodies, like a panoramic sunroof, and a back-up camera. Although this Tucson ix is bigger than its predecessor, it still only has two rows of seats; putting it with the large mix of the compact crossover segment.
Drivetrain:
At launch, Hyundai will offer the new Tucson ix with two petrol engines, and one diesel-powered. Petrol engines start with a 2.0L Theta-II 4-cylinder engine, which produces 166 hp and achieves 28 mpg, while the optional turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine packs 170 hp. The Tucson ix is also available with a 2.0L diesel "R" model, that makes 184 hp and gets a fuel economy rating of 36 mpg. All engines are fitted to a 6-speed automatic as standard, with an optional 6-speed manual, with front-wheel-drive as base, and all-wheel-drive is added as an option. Safety features like a stability-program, Downhill Brake Control and Hill-Start Assist Control come as standard.
Production & Prices:

Although we still have to wait for Tucson ix's live debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show for more details on pricing, Hyundai revealed that the 2011 Tucson ix will be manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. In the Korean market, Hyundai is pricing the 2011 Tucson ix at a start of 21 million won (about $23,700 U.S. Dollar). However, it is expected that worldwide pricing would be a little cheaper. 2011 Hyundai Tucson ix will be available in dealerships beginning of 2010.

Source : [Hyundai]

Review : 2009 Hyundai Sonata : The Korean sedan-fighter has matched up with the Japanese rivals, even better! [w/VIDEO]

Pros:
· Great interior
· Supportive entertainment system
· Smooth transmission with responsive Shift Tronic mode
· Comfortable ride
Cons:
· Slow throttle response
· Annoying squeak coming from the rear-window
· Numb steering

Introduction:

Oh yes, this is our first Motor Gears review. It’s not a supercar, or a muscle convertible; it’s just another front-wheel-drive mid-size family sedan from Asia. It seems that this segments is so common, that nearly all families do need to have an economy sedan. To be honest, they do offer lots of space, practicality, reliability, all with some sportiness and a sleek design. From this class, we got to take the 2009 Hyundai Sonata for a couple of days, and walked it though the tests, to see how it fairs against the other mid-sizers benchmarks from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

Hyundai’s Luxury Approach In The Exterior Design:
Looking at the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, some has changed from this generation when it first debut in 2006. The new front-fascia has larger projector headlights, and also a larger 3-bar chrome grille. The new headlights and grille give this Sonata, a very settle look, even more luxurious. The power-dome hood is noticeable, and it fits nicely in the Sonata’s body-shell.

Although we got to get the very base 2009 Sonata, the cover wheels look clean. Out back, the Sonata still features those Honda Accord look-alike taillights. Though that was back in 2005. Now, they look just fine. Overall, the sleek design of the 2009 Sonata is headed towards luxury rather than the edgy sporty design. Personally, this looks way better than the complication of the new Accord.

An Interior That Will Keep All The Family Happy:
Getting inside, the 2009 Sonata gets an all-new interior compared to last year’s model. A new cockpit, revised seats, and even a new multimedia system are key features to the 2009 Sonata’s interior. Now, the new design of the cockpit looks very elegant, with materials used that look and feel top-nosh with the other Japanese rivals. The new seats are OK, but nothing special here.

Specialty here is the new multimedia system, hooked up right on the dashboard. The CD player plays MP3, and can surf through files and folders, just like any file-manager. It also supports a USB flash-drive, and the AUX-jack reads though all kinds of MP3 players, and even phones. So just plug-in the phone, and there is a hands-free phone system, that’s usually available only on premium cars. What’s impressive, that Hyundai offers this on the base model as standard, while the other Japanese demand extra money to put it on the car, and some don’t offer this at all.

Of course, like any mid-sizer, it offers capacious room for the people at the back. Oh, let’s not forget the trunk. All the numbers can be read on the internet, but all there is to it, that it’s really big and deep. It looks like the Koreans at Hyundai have come-up with an interior for this Sonata that brutally embarrasses Toyota’s interior designers and engineers. We have to say, the interior is really a plus point for this Hyundai.

Drives And Rides Like A Luxury, But Not A Sportscar:
Before I write about how it drives and how it feels through the cockpit, let’s open the hood and see what’s beneath. There’s either two options, a base 4-cylinder and a powerful V6. Of course, we only got to get the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Though, it not such a bad thing, since most consumer these days are heading towards economy, compromising power. Like modern engines, it features direct-injection, variable-valve-timing, and all reliability. Our test-car had more than 20,000 kilometers on the trip-computer, and everything around the engine seems perfect. Now, since this is the Middle East, the engine is full of dust and seem to look like a mess. Nonetheless, it develops 175 horsepower, and 168 pounds-feet of torque. This is right on top with the competition, and also more powerful than a Camry.

New for 2009, the 4-pot Sonata gets a new 5-speed automatic. This transmission is actually brilliant. Not only the ratios are perfectly smooth, but it also does a great job of keeping the car as quiet and yet smooth as possible. Next to the “D” gear, the + and – gears are for the “shift-it-yourself” ShiftTronic mode. It’s simple to use (just up for up-shift and down for down-shift), and responsive. Best place to use it is on a highway, for an over-take. So by clicking down a couple of gears, it blips the throttles, and the car accelerates away.

It’s time to put the pedal-to-the-metal, and count some numbers. We noticed the throttle response is somewhat a little slow, but at high rpms, it gives out a sweet-sounding “tunerish” engine note. Despite that there weren’t any race-tracks in the area, we had to improvised. On the iPhone, there’s a performance-measurement program called Pocket Dyno, which uses the iPhone’s accurate accelerometer. It measures 0 - 60 mph, drag-time slip, braking, and even wheel-horsepower if the weight is plugged. So here are the numbers:

0 – 60 mph: 8.9 seconds (8.7 seconds using ShiftTronic)
Quarter-Mile: 16.7 seconds @ 89.4 mph
Acceleration Force: 0.5 G
Wheel-Horsepower: 160 Front-Wheel-Horsepower

Braking power is forced by 4-disc brakes all around, and they’re good to brake from 60 mph in 124 feet. Though the brakes do fade away quickly when excessive braking, while the brake travel becomes evident. We were most impressed with the quarter-mile number, and braking distance. However, the brakes could have been better, and we expected 60 mph to come a little faster.

Heading to the city center, we found something surprising. The Sonata is actually quite comfortable around the city’s rough roads, and it’s not that marshmallow comfort, it’s somewhat like European-cars comfort. However, at overspeed, the road and wind noise becomes high, and there’s an annoying squeak that comes from the rear-window.As for suspension and handling, most mid-sizers do have the same suspension units, but surely different tweaks and setups. For the Sonata, Hyundai fitted the usual control-arm upfront, and multilink at the rear, but Hyundai went for a soft setup unlike Honda and Nissan. While we like the soft ride, the steering feels perfectly fine on the city’s roads. That’s why we again headed to some twisty roads to really find-out what’s beneath that body. On the twisty road, we found that the Sonata’s steering didn’t give much feedback, and in fact, it was a bit numb. Maybe the Altima would have fared better.

Conclusion:
So we parked it, started to get some pictures on my DSLR camera, and got thinking, is this Sonata a hit on the Japanese rivals or a miss? Well, Hyundai actually made a great job with the Sonata. Not only is it better-looking and better-made than a Camry, it’s better equipped with goodies than an Accord, and has a better transmission than Altima’s CVT; all for significantly less money than the Japanese ask! This is an easy beat against the Camry, but maybe the Sonata still has to work more with the Accord and Altima for next-generation Sonata. If it wasn’t for some glitches, like the slow throttle response, annoying rear-window squeak, and the numb handling, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata would have the royal of the front-wheel-drive mid-size family sedan. Funny isn’t it, that not so long ago, everybody laughed at Hyundai and their miserable work. Now though, that laugh has turned into a respectable smile.

Written By: Zeyad Bakri

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