1. More power + less weight <> higher performance in Sonata's case. Altima 2.5L is still faster to 60 mph and Mazda6 and perhaps Fusion still out-handles Sonata.
this article details some of its attributes:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1002_2011_hyundai_sonata_se_test/index.html"So, on initial impressions, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE seems to present a strong case for itself. On paper, it racks up enough best-in-class points to whoop the competition without breaking a sweat."
and more here:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/research-tools/awards/sonata-ar_Sonata_cars_2011_25k_review.aspx?GUID=0EB4DA27-2789-4BB2-A461-8035855B80C32. Altima and Accord Auto/CVT get (marginally) better combined FE according to EPA.
EPA ratings on the Altima CVT are marginally high (1 mpg), but if you look at "REAL WORLD" mpg, the Sonata is exceeding its EPA rating whereas most other cars are often slightly less...for example, the Sonata is rated at a combined 26 mpg, yet the real world average by users is 29.7...the EPA rating for the Altima is 27, but the real world average is actually only 22.8...the EPA rating on the Accord is 25mpg, but the real world average is actually 24.3...interesting how the Accord is actually getting very close to its EPA rating, yet the Altima isn't nearly as close (not a fault against the Altima, as the EPA rating is more of a calculated "guess" on what average drivers will see...but the point is, the Sonata is exceptional on fuel economy and is a leader in that segment...a hypermiler even recorded 65.5 mpg on a drive from Milwaukee to NY on just under a tank of gas...you won't do that in any other mid-sized (or even full size) vehicle aside from MAYBE a Jetta TDi.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/2011-hyundai-sonata-1-065-miles-on-16-07-gallons-66-285-mpg/3. Other (most) mid-size sedans have all/same safety features standard as well. BT is not really a safety feature is it?
i consider BT a safety feature as it allows simple handsfree phone operation...it wouldn't surprise me to see it (or something similar) required by law as a standard feature in 5 years...also, in the spring, the 2011 Sonata was chosen as a top safety pick, hence my comment about leading in safety.
Which 2.4L mid-size car uses 4AT these days? Please don't tell me Galant or Sebring. Stay with the new-ish cars.
6AT is the norm these days so nothing "leading" here (6AT has been old news for a while now). Competitive? Yes.
Subaru Impreza and Chevy Impala (full size) come to my mind without even looking up specs...and no, 6speed is not the standard...5 speed autos are becoming standard, 6speed autos are certainly less common (but there are increasing), and now 7 and 8 speed models are showing up (although, only in Premium vehicles like MB, BMW, etc).
I'll ignore the chain thing (my old 05 Mazda3, one class below out on the market 7 years ago has chain so no big deal there nevermind novelty LOL).
feel free to ignore it, but it is still a $400-$1000 maintenance requirement down the road...that must be considered in the "Cost of Ownership" calculation...no, it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me either, but its a plus nonetheless.
Great competitive car, good value, well built, good quality, etc. but not really leading anything.
Leads in fuel ecomony (already stated that)
Leads in Safety (Top pick and all safety features come standard, already stated)
Leads in Power (already stated, you brought up the "performance comment", not I)
Leads in "space" (only the Accord is also considered a "full size" car due to the amount of space the vehicle offers)
so yes, it is class leading in many areas, of which, are important to many people who purchase a car in this segment.
