NADAguides.com Awards 2011 Hyundai Sonata 'Car of the Month' for March

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- NADAguides.com, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, today announced that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has received the NADAguides.com "Car of the Month" award for March. The all-new Sonata is the most innovative and fun-to-drive sedan Hyundai has ever built. In its sixth generation, the Sonata delivers style, fuel economy, technology and safety at an affordable price and tops most of the other vehicles in this competitive segment.

"Just when you think the industry is out of good ideas, a car like the 2011 Sonata comes along and knocks you off your feet. From the beautiful design cues to the class-leading MPG and powertrain, the Sonata delivers. Other midsize sedans and entry-level luxury vehicles better watch out because this 2011 Sonata is truly the complete package when it comes to affordable luxury," said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com Auto Expert.

For the complete video review, please visit NADAguides.com.

Designed right here in the U.S. at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California, the Sonata is nearly as American as Ford, GM or Chrysler. Built at the assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama, the entry level Sonata comes in three trim options – the GLS, SE and the Limited. The Fluidic Sculpture design gives the Sonata a Teutonic and pronounced look. Bluetooth is standard on all models and touch screen navigation is an option on the SE and Limited. Steering wheel-mounted controls are standard and the SE and Limited both come with proximity key/push start and fun-to-use paddle shifters. Heated seats can also be enjoyed in the Limited model.

The performance features of the Sonata also make the car a standout. With an efficient 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine, the Sonata produces a class-leading 198 horsepower. With a Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC) 16-valve with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) motor, the combined MPG increases to 23 in the city and 35 MPG on the freeway (class-leading).

The safety features of the Sonata include Electronic Stability Control and six standard airbags. Hyundai expects the Sonata to receive a 5-Star Crash Rating by NHTSA as the materials used to protect the occupants of the Sonata consist of high-tensile materials and a steel hood inner frame to absorb collisions.

To compete in the ultra competitive segment, the starting price of the GLS is $19,195. The fully loaded Limited with Navigation starts at $27,395. If you enjoy a slightly more aggressive package, the Sonata SE starts at $22,595.

The NADAguides.com "Car of the Month" program is unique from any other review program in the automobile industry and provides consumers with expert commentary and practical information on the cars, trucks and SUVs they are shopping for. Selecting one vehicle per month, NADAguides.com will announce the "Car of the Month" through a multi-media platform including an online video review, press release and a comprehensive blog post where consumers can provide additional commentary.

SOURCE NADAguides.com