Hyundai

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: efficient family sedan defined

Redesigned last year, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata has only a few minor changes from 2015, and it remains an increasingly popular family sedan in one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. New standard items for 2016, include: A seven-inch touchscreen except on the top-line range-Limited 2.0T (which continues to have an 8-inch screen). Both systems feature smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rearview camera and automatic headlights are now also standard on all trims. An automatic emergency braking system debuts on the Limited 2.0T and the full lineup has had its suspension tweaked for improved handling. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is marketed as a five-passenger sedan, but it’s better

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PREVIEW: 2017 Hyundai Elantra defines when more is less

The Hyundai Elantra, the South Korean manufacturer’s best-selling car, will begin its sixth generation in 2017 with a starting price $100 less than the 2016 model. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will be available in SE, Eco and Limited trims. The SE comes standard with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transition. The MSRP is $17,150 for the manual transmission option and $18,150 for the automatic transmission. The Limited trim, which features leather upholstery as well as additional safety and technology features, has an MSRP of $22,350. The Eco trim pricing has not been announced. A sport model will debut later in 2016. Elantra’s base SE trim is available with a Popular Equipment package

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Hyundai paces top-8 best new car warranties

Hyundai claims it offers “America’a Best Warranty” throughout its lineup of vehicles, the entry level Accent to the top-line Equus. It’s hard to argue with the claim. Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warrant is five years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hyundai adds a seven-year unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty. It covers rust and corrosion from interior and exterior body panels of the original sheet metal. And there is also a five-year, unlimited-mile, 24-hour roadside-assistance service including battery jump-starts, flat-tire changing, lock-out assistance and towing. Finally, the battery in hybrid Hyundai vehicles has a lifetime warranty. All Hyundai warranty details are transferable to future vehicle owners except the powertrain warranty. The new owner gets a five-year, 60,000-mile

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Super Bowl hype begins as Hyundai reveals ad campaign

Let the Super Bowl hype begin. Hyundai will do its share. In its first year as an official NFL sponsor the carmaker will have four commercials televised before, during the broadcast and at haltime of Super Bowl 50 next February. Hyundai, a long-time Super Bowl advertiser, will run two in-game 30-second spots before halftime, with the new creative appearing during the first and second quarter of the game. Hyundai also secured the coveted pre-kick slot and will run a new 60-second ad as viewers are primed for the start of The Big Game. The pre-game show will also feature another all-new 60-second Hyundai spot. Hyundai did not advertise in this year’s Super Bowl, but the Koream manufactur will be part

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Hyundai, Infiniti among world debuts at LA Auto Show

Thirty global debuts, including the new Hyundai Elantra, Jaguar’s first luxury sport utility vehicle and the Infiniti QX30 crossover, will be among highlighted vehicles at the 205 Los Angeles Auto Show. More than 50 vehicles will debut from Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen. The show is scheduled November 20-19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s global and North American debuts will deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing performance, mid-size cross over, electric and high-technology categories.  Debut categories range from luxury SUVs and flagship sedans to new compact sedans. CNET.com will live-stream and provide commentary about the latest debuts

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2016 Kia Sorento: Underdog SUV gains on Toyota, Hyundai

With increasing competition among sport utility vehicles, the 2016 Kia Sorento is nearly all new to keep up with the pace. It’s been re-styled inside and outside. It’s slightly bigger in most dimensions and there are lots of new high-tech options. And there’s also versatility with three different engine options. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in five trims and in five and seven-seat configurations, the 2016 Kia Sorento is arguably the most versatile midsize SUV in the marketplace. My test vehicle was the topline SXL or Limited. It’s among the V6-powered Sorentos with seven-passenger only seating in three rows. Smaller L trim models equipped with a midrange turbocharged engine are five-passenger only. While vying for a market share with

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Hyundai among 14 concept cars at Concours d’Elegance

Concept cars, sometimes called prototypes or dream cars, are made for many reasons. At car shows, they can attract vast attention as one-of-a-kind, far-fetched machines never to be driven by the public or even seen again. But concept vehicles can also allows manufacturers’ to gain public reaction to vehicles just before they’re launched. The vehicles offered, like some of the current 14 concepts scheduled to be showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, could only a few minor differences from the vehicles that will soon be public.Either way, car enthusiasts thrive on concepts, often the more outrageous the better. According to Sandra Button, chairman of the Concours d’Elegance, concept vehicles returned and were featured with new manufacturers’ models in the

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2016 Hyundai Tucson redesigned

The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson, available in August, will feature a more modern design, enhanced driving dynamics, increased utility and additional safety and entertainment technology features. The compact sport utility vehicle will be available in four trims and will be priced starting at $22,700. The trim levels will include: * SE: Well-equipped, price-leading model including popular options. * Eco: Affordable turbo model that delivers more power and improved fuel economy. * Sport: Features sporty cues and driving dynamics. * Limited: Luxury model with leather, advanced technology and other premium features. “The all-new Tucson hits the sweet spot of what consumers are looking for in a compact crossover with competitive pricing advantages at every trim level,” said Scott Margason, director, Product

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2016 Hyundai Elantra GT: Refreshed, roomy, rough ride

Joining a competitive segment, the five-door Hyundai Elantra GT debuted four years ago. The 2016 edition has a few upgrades, including bolder exterior and interior styling, re-tuned power steering and an expanded optional technology package. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Seeking its place in the increasingly popular compact hatchback segment, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is one offered with one trim. It’s a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission. Its new styling includes a more aggressive grille and a streamlined roof. My weekly driver featured the optional six-speed automatic transmission and a lengthy list of standard features that positions the Elantra GT well against top competitors like the top-selling Volkswagen Golf, Mazda3, Ford Focus and Kia Forte.

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2015 Hyundai Sonata: Luxury attitude, value price

The last generation Hyundai Sonata solidified the midsize sedan’s place into the industry mainstream. The new and expanded 2015 Hyundai Sonata lineup further positions the Korean manufacturer as a strong competitor against the Honda and Toyota monoliths. The new Sonata design, which features a more refined exterior and larger cabin, is offered in five trims and as a hybrid model. An Eco trim with a 1.6-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine is among other changes for 2015. The Weekly Driver Test Drive After recently reviewing the Eco trim Hyundai Sonata, I knew mostly what to expect from the  Sport 2.0T trim. It combines many of the features on less costly trims with a substantial list of upgrades. Here’s the rundown: Standard equipment on

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco: New design, better economy

A few years after its debut in South Korea, the Hyundai Sonata arrived in the United States in late 1988 as a 1989 model. Several generations later, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a new design in five trims and a hybrid model. The expanding lineup helps further establish the carmaker solidly into the mainstream. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is available in SE, Sports, Eco, Limited and 2.0T trims, and the unheralded hybrid model. My weekly test driver was the new Eco trim. It features a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 177 horsepower with a seven-speed automatic transmission, thus the Eco name. The transmission is basically an automated manual transmission, and it gets better gas mileage and

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2015 Hyundai Genesis: A luxury sedan star is born

It doesn’t seem like seven years since the Hyundai Genesis debuted in the United States. But with the redesigned 2015 edition, the underdog luxury sedan has finally arrived. The genesis of the Genesis didn’t start well. From its mid-year unveiling about 6,000 units were sold through the end of 2008. But sales increased to nearly 22,000 in 2009 while the upstart tried to compete in a tough, high-end segment. It features well-respected stalwarts from the BMW 5 Series to the Mercedes E-Class. As years have advanced, the Genesis has remained a steady alternative to the major players. But with its complete redesign for 2015, Hyundai is seeking to expand its reputation. It no longer wants to be just a less

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T: Refined, well-equipped

The ultracompetitive mid-size sedan market heats up with the addition of Hyundai‘s new 2015 Sonata Sport. It’s been given a more refined design, inside and out, to draw additional mid-size sedan buyers. This seventh-generation front-wheel-drive Sonata swaps the previous model’s ultra-sporty look for a more conservative one. However, this four-door sedan has a purposeful shape, with a coupe-like roofline and horizontal lines in the rear that underscore the car’s width and give it a planted (spell “road-hugging”) look. Hyundai likens the styling to an athlete in a well-tailored suit. The new Sonata has a stiffer body structure, better ride quality, less noise, vibration and harshness and advanced safety and convenience features. A revised multilink rear suspension design enhances responsiveness, handling

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PREVIEW: 2015 Hyundai Tucson: More tech, new price

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson, which will feature an improve optional package, has a starting price of $21,500 is available now at dealerships nationwide. A Popular Equipment Package is now available on the 2015 Tucson GLS trim. It adds a rearview camera, 4.3-inch color touchscreen audio display, 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, leatherette seat bolsters with cloth insets and automatic headlight control for only $750. Tucson Limited models for 2015 now come with standard LED taillights. Hyundai added a choice of 2.0- and 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engines in 2014 and these options will also be available in 2015.   A six-speed automatic transmission remains standard and both engines are available with front-wheel driver or all-wheel drive. The 2015

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2015 Hyundai Genesis: More car, less snob appeal

Would you prefer a well-known luxury car or saving thousands for a worthy but less-prestigious rival? The new, redesigned 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a fast, luxurious sedan designed to compete with foreign rivals (mainly German) that cost thousands more. This Genesis has slicker, more imposing styling. It’s highlighted by a new, very aggressive-looking hexagonal grille and dynamic rear design. The wheelbase is longer at 118.5 inches and there are shorter body overhangs than its predecessor. This big, imposing four-door is equipped with plenty of luxury and convenience equipment. It’s 196.5 inches long and weighs from 4,138 to 4,541 pounds. It’s not a sports sedan, but has excellent roadability, due partly to nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a new rear multi-link

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2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Quiet SUV efficiency

Now in its second year, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the smaller of the two Santa Fe offerings. It remains much the same as last year’s debut model with a few minor upgrades. The small, five-passenger option in Hyundai‘s restyled Santa Fe lineup, the Sport is the five-passenger version of the larger Santa Fe that replaced the poor-selling Veracruz. In addition to one less passenger and a smaller engine, the Sport is eight inches shorter than the Limited. But there are many similarities among the siblings. Most notably, the SUVs both offering a smooth ride. Hyundai‘s new design is featured throughout its SUV lineup, and it attracts a lot of attention in sedans and in the Santa Fe

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