It was the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid I pulled into the Logan County Heritage Center in Sterling last Sunday morning for the annual Davis Family Picnic.
“Oh, around 38.5 miles per gallon for the drive down here,” I responded to an inquiry of fuel-mileage average from one of those Davis cousins of Jan’s.
While a couple others standing around were assessing that, in a positive light, I believe, up walked Arlen Samard.
“Well, Bud, my 2011 Sonata averaged between 38 and 40.9 for our 1,300-mile drive out here from Tangent (Ore.).” Samard’s is the regular gasoline version of the Sonata.
I know, his car shouldn’t be producing higher mpg figures than the heralded hybrid. After all, Hyundai adds several thousand bucks to the price of the hybrid, depending on its trim level. Over the years, I’ve known Samard as honest and truthful, and his math normally adds up, too. I don’t question his claim; it is further tribute to the refinement of the long-used internal combustion engine.
Today’s review, though, is based on the Sonata hybrid. It carries an EPA estimate of 36 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. On a return drive to Sterling two days later for the funeral of Lorna Wagner Nelson, the Sonata averaged a bit beyond 39.
For 2013, Hyundai engineers smoothed the powertrain performance and reached the 40-mpg highway mark with several improvements. Though the horsepower of the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine was reduced from 166 to 159, a more powerful 35-kilowatt electric motor replaced the former 30kw version and the lithium-polymer battery pack at the rear of the car, while reduced in size, got a jump in peak power delivery from 34kw to 47. This permits extended use of the electric side of the power base and raises the overall mpg.
The engine/motor is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving it a slight edge in performance over several rival hybrids with continuously variable transmissions. Normal operation of the Sonata is in an eco-conscious “blue mode”; push a button on the steering wheel, though, and throttle response is quickened.
The 5-pound reduction in size of the battery pack allowed trunk space to grow from a tight 10.7 cubic feet to 12.1.
Inside, the passenger compartments are roomy and comfortable. They’re upgraded with leather and several storage spaces and cubbyholes are accommodating. Excessive road noise occasionally mars the mood. Another drawback is lack of power for the front-passenger seat, which sits very low, with not even a manual height adjustment. Rear seats are heated, also, and dual vents at the rear of the center console direct air flow efficiently.
A dark chrome grille and nice-looking alloy wheels (17-inch) set the Limited apart from the base model. Its sticker price of $32,640 includes navigation, rearview camera, Infinity audio, iPod/USB audio interface, dual-zone climate control, dual sunroof, heated leather seats. It rides on Kumho Solus P215/55R17 all-season tires.
With its sleek look, 100-mile powertrain warranty and relatively high fuel mileage, the Sonata hybrid for some months has been among the top 10 in sales of hybrid vehicles.
A look back
Thirty-five years ago this month, I reviewed in The Denver Post a 1978 Chevrolet Monza two-door hatchback, driven to Lincoln, Neb., and back. Excerpts:
This year’s new 151-cubic-inch, cast-iron, 4-cylinder engine is fairly impressive for Chevrolet and will run a Monza to Lincoln, Neb., and back for about $25 in fuel costs. A ’78 Monza 2-plus-2 two-door hatchback coupe provided by Stevinson Chevrolet, 14700 W. Colfax Ave., averaged 27.6 miles per gallon on the trip of 1,100 miles. The engine is stronger than previous 4-cylinders for Monza, though the car is geared high and much town driving is done in 3rd gear with the 4-speed manual transmission. The sporty subcompact has little instrumentation – only a speedometer and fuel gauge besides the lights, wiper-washer, cigarette lighter and heater controls. The model wasn’t equipped with a radio or air-conditioning system. The Monza’s brakes (front disc, rear drum) were tested severely east of Kearney, Neb., when an oncoming driver on U.S. 30 turned left in front of us; we skidded to our left to avoid a collision. Base price of the Monza is $3,609.36, with destination charge of $275. Among optional items, which brought the sticker price to $4,085.64, were color-keyed seat and shoulder belts, lefthand remote and righthand manual sport mirrors, white-stripe tires and windshield antenna.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
