Consider it another major coup for the all-new Hyundai Sonata: A jury of 12 renowned automotive journalists recently chose the Sonata as the 2011 International Car of the Year, honoring the sophisticated sedan as “the most emotionally compelling” vehicle of the new model year. The award, now in its 15th year, was given out during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
It was an impressive recognition for a car that was Hyundai’s best seller in 2010, attracting 196,623 customers, including 35 percent more retail buyers than in the previous year.
“That marks the biggest retail sales increase of any car in the entire industry, and it shows how well consumers have responded to our high-tech four-cylinder lineup, dynamic new design, and the mid-size segment’s first 5-star 2011 NHTSA crash test result,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
That cutting-edge I4-powered trio includes:
- Hyundai Sonata, which boasts the most powerful naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in its class (200 hp)—as well as the highest EPA-estimated highway mpg rating (35 mpg).
- The turbocharged Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, packing 274 hp and 33 mpg highway—numbers that top those of the V6 Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
- Hyundai’s first hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid, set to debut as offering the best highway fuel economy of any mid-size sedan.
“While we’re proud of the Sonata from a technical and engineering standpoint, this award addresses the fact that our cars are now the sorts of vehicles that appeal to the lifestyle set,” added Krafcik. “With sales up more than 110 percent from last year, the Sonata and its all four-cylinder lineup has been a game changer for us, and we’re thrilled to be recognized by the ICOTY awards.”
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