2011 Hyundai Sonata YF Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata YF still offers excellent value-for-money, while adding a dose of style, quality and sophistication to every aspect of the car. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata YF deservedly shares the lead at the top of the class.

2011 Hyundai Sonata YF quick specs

Body Style	Sedan
Class	Large Family
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Hyundai Sonata YF ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the new-generation Hyundai Sonata shows off a prominent grille, a swooping curved roofline, a deep rising crease from front to back and a purposeful rear end. Part of Hyundai's “fluidic sculpture” design language, the design elements are stylish, artistic almost, giving the 2011 Hyundai Sonata excellent presence. Hyundai has obviously thrown caution to the wind, creating a “four-door coupe” sedan that could be borderline too radical for target customers in the large family sedan segment. Making a daring statement and striking a visual impact are no less important than appealing to the more conservative of us, it would seem.

Handling

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has improved by leaps and bounds when it comes to handling compared with its ponderous predecessor. Gone are the clumsy body movements from before, replaced by body control that is on par with the best in the class, thanks in large part to the firmer suspension tuning. Even with the tight body control and relatively sharp turn-in, however, diving for the corners is merely a confident rather than entertaining prospect; the light steering—great for city driving along with the small turn circle—does not provide enough feel for genuine involvement over a stretch of winding roads.

Comfort

The stiffer-than-before suspension still soaks up minor road imperfections with ease, although larger potholes and undulating roads can expose the suspension's shortcomings. The cabin remains refined at highway speeds, with no intrusive wind or road noise to speak of. Everything falls in place nicely when you get behind the wheel, too. From the comfortable seats and ample seat/steering adjustments, to the neat controls' layout, easy-to-navigate instruments and unhindered all-round visibility, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's cabin is one of the most ergonomical in the class.

Quality + Reliability

The interior certainly does not let down the attractive exterior, boasting a modern, sleek design and a wonderful ambience. There is an appropriate amount of chrome and brushed aluminium highlights, and the Volvo-inspired air-conditioning mode selector is a nice touch. Cabin quality is on the money, too. High-contact surfaces feel soft-to-the-touch, fit-and-finish are impressive, and every control operates with precision. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has one of the best—if not the best—cabin in the class. The carried-over engines should perform without hiccups, although the jury is still out on the all-new transmission.

Performance

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is powered by 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines from the Theta II family, each paired to Hyundai's first in-house developed, proprietary six-speed automatic transmission, which, the company claims, is 12 kg lighter and has 62 fewer parts compared with its five-speed predecessor. On the road, the 163 bhp, 198 Nm 2.0-litre and 176 bhp, 228 Nm 2.4-litre engines both need a heavy right foot to get going. But once up to speed, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata feels adequately powered; the engines, though lacking in character, did not leave us wanting for more power. The transmission shifts almost imperceptibly and manages to find the right gear every time.

Roominess

Copious amounts of head- and leg-room and well-shaped, comfortable seats are available for both front and rear occupants. In fact, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata provides as much legroom as the class-leading Honda Accord—an amount more than what we will ever need. The rear headroom is not affected by the sloping roofline, accommodating tall rear passengers with ease. Cubby holes and storage compartments are ideally positioned in the cabin, while the generous 464-litre boot space can be expanded via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Running Costs

Both engines are efficient, on paper at least, with fuel economy ratings of 13.2 km/litre and 12.5 km/litre for the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre, respectively. Servicing and maintenance costs are affordable, too. Like all Korean models, however, the Sonata's Hyundai badging would work against it in the resale market. Quite simply, despite their increasing appeal and consistent reliability, models from Hyundai and sister company Kia are still suffering steep depreciation—a key reason why not many Malaysians are giving Korean cars a try.

Value for Money

Hyundai is building on its success story with yet another sweet addition to its model lineup. Like its predecessor, the all-new Hyundai Sonata offers plenty of room and a lengthy equipment list for a price that undercuts key rivals Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But this time round, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata also handles significantly better than before, and possesses probably the most premium and ergonomical cabin in the class. And that is before considering the full-of-flair, arresting exterior, which should win more praises than criticisms. Granted, depreciation could be a concern, but seeing that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a well-priced class-leading car without a class-leading badge, there is every reason to recommend it.

Equipment

The 2.0 Standard-Spec version comes with 17" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, electric folding mirrors, full leather seats, steering wheel audio controls, iPod audio connectivity, rear air-conditioning vents, cruise control, dual front airbags, active headrests and ABS. The High-Spec versions add on panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and ESP with Hill Assist Control. The 2.4 High-Spec version further gets auto-leveling HID headlamps, power-adjustable front passenger's seat and automatic climate control.

Environment

In addition to being efficient, both engines are clean, emitting 180 grams/km and 190 grams/km for the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre, respectively. In fact, more powerful, more efficient and cleaner direct-injected versions of the same engines are available elsewhere. Hyundai has reservations about bringing those engines into Malaysia no thanks to our inferior fuel quality. With the current trend of going the route of direct injection and turbocharging, we could miss out on getting the best bang for the ringgit, unless the government acts soon.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata YF Review

2011 Hyundai Sonata YF at a glance