The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has earned a number of accolades since its launch earlier this year. Today, automotive consulting firm AutoPacific added yet another to Sonatas rsum, honoring the new sedan with the first-ever Presidents Award in recognition of its record-breaking performance in a recent study.
With the same methodology that AutoPacific has utilized since it began satisfaction research, 975 drivers of the all-new 2011 Sonata rated their cars in 48 separate categories ranging from the basics of comfort and convenience, to performance and environmental friendliness.
Quite frankly, we were blown away by the results, said George Peterson, president of AutoPacfic. The sheer magnitude of the 2011 Sonatas score made recognition necessary. With a score of 775 out of 1,000, the Sonata exceeded everyones expectations. The Sonatas unique styling was rated almost perfect and was a key driver to its overall superior performance in this research. Clearly, 2011 Hyundai Sonata drivers are extremely satisfied with their purchase.
From an historical perspective, a score of 775 has never been achieved before. The Sonatas top score surpasses anything AutoPacific has ever recorded in any product category.
Consumer response to the all-new 2011 Sonata shows the strong appeal of Hyundais recipe of bold design, great quality, a segment-best 35 miles per gallon, and outstanding residual values, said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. This first-ever AutoPacific Presidents Award, recognizing the highest score on this survey that AutoPacific has ever seen, is an apt tribute to our California design team, our global engineering team and the 2,700 team members at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama for their fresh thinking and dedication in breaking the mold of the staid and boring mid-size car.
Hyundais all-new 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundais strong value proposition. The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard. Both hybrid and turbo powertrain options will be available at the end of the year.