2009 Hyundai Sonata V6 Limited Review (video)

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2009 Hyundai Sonata V6 Limited Review (video)
by Marc Bouchard / Auto123.com
We can be as open-minded and enthusiastic as we like, older car aficionados still remember the trials and tribulations of Korean manufacturer Hyundai's first arrival in the Americas: the infamous but no less popular Pony topping the list of our grievances. This no doubt accounts for the fact that when we're thinking of buying a new car, the name Hyundai doesn't come spontaneously to mind. Neither does Kia, for that matter.

It is genuinely difficult to find a better compromise in this class.

Which is admittedly too bad, as those early days are long gone. Current Korean vehicles, despite the claims of some supposedly expert Sunday drivers, are increasingly better assembled, increasingly reliable and, above all, offer virtually unbeatable value. And the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is probably the best example of this.

Dated design
I have to mention a reservation from the get-go, however: even if the quality of the vehicles is increasing exponentially, the same can't be said for their style. The Sonata's exterior, for instance, has only been very lightly retouched for 2009. This is rather regrettable, as it could give secret agents lessons in inconspicuousness.

The interior gets more or less the same treatment. It's been slightly remodelled, but on the whole the design is exemplary in its sobriety and without eccentricities. In the end, this might be exactly what a typical buyer of this sedan is looking for: a quiet interior that is impeccably assembled using good quality materials. Even our tester's wood trim was remarkable.

Space and more space
A distinguishing mark of the Hyundai Sonata, the interior space is generous. So generous, in fact, that in Canada it's considered a mid-size sedan, but our neighbours down south rank it among its full-size brethren.
This generosity ensures leg and head room rarely seen in this class. Passengers have free access to the rear seats with having to squeeze together, while front riders are equally well treated.

Even the trunk offers cargo capacity well beyond the norm and proved capable of accommodating days' worth of family baggage without seeming stuffed to the brim.

A distinguishing mark of the Hyundai Sonata, the interior space is generous.

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Inspired by Nature.

Influences are all around us. We absorb them, then we create.

What can be more compelling than taking your design cue from the orchid?

Refined and elegant, the pure contours and effortless grace of this most precious of creations were the natural inspiration for the Hyundai Sonata. With its gently undulating silhouette and distinctive, sweeping character lines, this is automotive design distilled down to fluid, innate beauty. And as with all successful design concepts, nothing is superfluous. Looking, touching, driving, you know you're in the presence of something unique.

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata
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The Crossover, Realized.

Hyundai's definitive crossover utility vehicle.

Designed to de-stress you.

Before the SUV came the wagon. Its basic purpose: to carry more cargo than a sedan while using similar amounts of space and natural resources. The SUV gained popularity in the '90s because it satisfied a desire for increased room and ruggedness, and offered the all-weather security of four-wheel drive.

The Santa Fe stands for style.

We presented our interior designers with a formidable challenge: to complement the Santa Fe's upscale exterior styling with an equally impressive interior. They started by making every effort to ensure the generous technological content was easy to use, then chose materials, colors and textures you'd expect in a luxury brand. Their overarching goal: that every Santa Fe owner experience a refined and well-equipped vehicle.

Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe
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Leading, not following.

Hyundai's stylish, all-new crossover utility vehicle.

To think outside the box, we first threw away the box.

Designed and engineered at Hyundai's Frankfurt design centre, the Tucson's European origins are evident in its aggressive, stable stance. The styling of its sculpted hood, wrap-around headlights and rear roof spoiler further set it apart from every other CUV on the road.

Hyundai's stylish, all-new crossover utility vehicle.

The Tucson is the CUV that does it all. A great alternative to a minivan or an SUV, it's the right size for daily use around the city, with space for five people and enough cargo room for a long weekend away. And if that weekend trip leads you down a few slippery or snowy roads, you'll love Tucson's available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that delivers a 50/50 torque split to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction.

Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson
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Morning greets the New Elantra.

A little style and a lot of substance in a very efficient package.

Advertise your I.Q., not your income.

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Elantra makes room for your next generation and more with added cabin space, a bigger trunk and a longer wheelbase for greater passenger comfort. It promises stepped-up performance with greater power, more sophisticated styling, improved handling and enhanced fuel economy. The Elantra has upgraded to a 1.6CVVT gasoline engine and added safety features such as ESP, front side and curtain airbags and active headrests. Elantra opens the door to new possibilities.

It is, dare we say, luxurious.

A statement which might sound immodest, until you browse the Hyundai Elantra's many standard features: power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, dual power heated side mirrors, tilt steering wheel and driver seat with 6-way adjustment.

Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra
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Get a lot of a car for a little money.

Enjoy reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability in one small package.

Curb appeal makes it attractive, but roominess, affordability and MPG make it irresistible.

When you're looking for a new small car, you want the best you can get for the money. With that in mind, it's tough to do better than the Accent Sedan.

Hides its practicality well.

The Accent 4-door is a stylish car that stands out from its boxier, clunkier competitors. A sculpted hood, aerodynamic body, and chrome accented grille, complement the bodycolor door handles, side mirrors and bodyside details, to make sure this car stands out in any parking lot.

Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent
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