Sonata's styling, value undermined by driving performance Lexington Herald Leader
For so few clams, buyers get a 2.4-liter, 200-horsepower (198-horsepower with all other trims), unrefracted-injection, four-cylinder engine putting out 186 pound-feet of torque; a six-speed automatic transporting with paddle shifters; navigation system with touch-screen display; 18-inch alloy wheels; moon roof; Bluetooth; steep audio system with iPod integration; keyless entry; traction control; and front seat and side curtain airbags.
And let us not forget the 10-year, 100,000-mile assurance that Oscar winner Jeff Bridges is so fond of telling you about in all the Hyundai commercials.
The value of the Sonata is enhanced by its realm-leading gas mileage. Its 22/35 city/highway mpg rating beats that of rivals including the Honda Contract, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion, all while putting out more horsepower and torque.
The Sonata has definitely moved up the ladder when it comes to study. In the past, Hyundai's exterior styling has been forgettable, ugly or both.
The company is hoping to change that with what it calls Fluidic Model, which appeared first on the 2010 Tucson SUV and now on the 2011 Sonata. Notwithstanding the silly name that brings to mind a flushing vespasienne, the streamlined, expressive look works well on the Sonata and lends an upscale air to a car that starts at less than $20,000.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Luxury (2010) CNET Australia
Domestic designIf the changes outside are subtle, they're even more so inside. There's hybrid-branded scuff plates and an Optitron-lit apparatus pack that eschews the tachometer in favour of a giant instant fuel consumption gauge. With its pale dejected backlighting and wannabe-metal silver paint the dashboard is pretty avant garde for a Camry, although the concave block on top that houses the digital clock can reflect horribly on the windscreen in strong daylight.
As with other Camrys there's ample margin for five occupants, although utility is hampered by the hybrid drivetrain's battery pack that resides in the car's boot. Not only does it lower boot space significantly, it also prevents drivers from carrying large items as it blocks much of the aperture afforded by the 60/40 split-folding fabricate seats. Also residing in the boot — well, underneath it actually — is a full-size spare wheel and the car's 12V battery.
Features and pricingThere are two Camry Half-breed trim levels, starting at AU$36,990 for the base-level Camry Hybrid. The AU$7k price hike over the entry-plane petrol-only Camry Altise is due primarily to extra equipment — according to reports, the price regard for the hybrid drivetrain itself is only around AU$2k.
The 2009 BMW 5 Series Divertissement Wagon boasts of racecar like attitude. It is the only wagon in the 5 Series cars, and is powered by a 300-hp turbocharged 6-cylinder apparatus, and BMW’s xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It has the caliber to go and perform as you direct it. The technology allows for a uncertain steering ratio based on your speed. It features BMW’s innovative Active Steering, which allows for a chameleon-like steering ratio based on the speed. The standard all-wheel drive system offers maximum available drag and superior handling on all surfaces.