According to “Greener Choices List” for 2012, Hyundai Sonata was recognized for seventh year in a row by the creator of the list, namely – the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In addition, the Sonata will be featured in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, which resembles an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks. This is a great acknowledgement for the vehicle and given that it is given to it for the seventh time, makes the model a class-leading car in fuel-efficiency. In addition, the Sonata offers class-above interior volume compared to its key competitors and provides the best fuel economy in the EPA Large Car segment with the exceptional 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. In this way it highlights the widespread availability of environmentally friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.
Furthermore the 2012 Hyundai Sonata achieves even more fuel economy. In addition it incorporates more thoughtful and convenient technology, and includes features which are improving the drivers experience from the vehicle. For instance, the Blue Link®, which is a full-service telematics offering, delivers information and access, which were never before found in a Hyundai. What is more in the Sonata, is the large seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology®. There is also featured a full panoramic sunroof which offers additional amenities within an already well-equipped vehicle.
Nowadays the automotive industries enhance further their environmental friendly technologies and work on the development of vehicles which produce less CO2 emissions. The hybrid cars are a consequence of this philosophy. They include two engines – one electric and one fuel powered, and this is how they minimize the fuel consumption in drastic levels. In addition they also include a special system which stores more energy in a battery included in the vehicle. The fact that it includes two engines is probably the most controversial one, and it raises many negative and positive feedbacks in the customers of such vehicles around the world. Can they be considered as car of the future? It is only a matter of time to be understood. However, let’s review the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.
PROs:
First of all the main advantage is that such car is fuel efficient. It effectively spares you a lot of money on fuel. The second one, as you already know, is that hybrid vehicles produce far less toxic emissions and thus are considered as environmentally friendly. Third, with a hybrid, you can enjoy the city driving even more. There are several reasons for this: the mileage ratings of such car are higher in the city. For instance, when you are caught in the traffic and you stop, the battery generates more electricity which can be successfully utilized during the lower speeds. Next to be mentioned is that the hybrid car is unbelievably silent. It is even so silent that when you drive it, some times you doubt that it is working. Yes, you got it – the electric engine is completely soundless. Another benefit that you can get form a hybrid is its battery is durable. Test made on different hybrid vehicles show that after a considerable amount of kilometers driven, the cars battery performance is almost the same. And at last one of the best things about the hybrids is that they need far less maintenance, than an ordinary car. What I have in mind here is that due to the two engines, the gasoline one needs less care. And for example, you need to change the oil in more kilometers traveled, compared to normal car.
CONs:
Now, let us see the other side of the hybrid technologies and review some disadvantages. The general disadvantage of hybrid cars is that their retail price is extremely expensive in comparison to the ordinary cars. Another negative issue here is that those vehicles have far greater weight and the reason for this are the heavy batteries mounted in them. Third, they aren’t as fast as normal cars. However there are also some major disadvantages here, which are concerning some safety factors. Because they are made from lighter materials and store some additional voltage in their batteries, they tend to be very risky in accidents. Furthermore, hybrids are not very convenient, while driving on the highway. What I mean hear is that they have lower highway mileage and compared to some diesel vehicles, they produce the same fuel efficiency.
To sum up, the cars of the future seem to be very beneficial when driving in the city area for example. They also produce less CO2 emission, which nowadays is a major factor that must be taken straightly at hand. Moreover, although their retail price is far greater, compared to an ordinary car, when you make the basic mathematics, the fuel that it consumes during its utilization will spare you a lot. At last, although it is not a convenient car during long traveling, it is the perfect vehicle for an environmentally conscientious person.
Take a look at the hybrid vehicles which, which some popular brands are currently producing:
HyundaiMotor America has just announced the pricing for the 2012MY Sonata Hybrid, which is featuring the Hybrid Blue Drive technology. The 2012MY Sonata Hybrid will come equipped with standard Blue Link® telematics. The latter provides a host of features accessible through multiple applications. For example you can use it in the car, on your smartphone, or over the web. In addition new for 2012MY is an optional Leather Package which includes leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated front and rear seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass. More importantly all 2012MY Sonata Hybrid models deliver a segment-leading 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, which is higher than any other mid-size sedan, hybrid or non-hybrid! In details, in city driving, Sonata Hybrid delivers 35 mpg, yielding a 37 mpg combined city/highway rating from the EPA.
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
The Sonata Hybrid MSRP costs $25 850. In this price is excluded $760 freight cost, but includes the following standard equipment: 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine, Hybrid starter-generator (HSG), permanent magnet high-power density motor, 270V lithium polymer battery, 6-speed automatic transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®, electronic stability control with traction control system, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, front active head restraints, front and front seat side and curtain airbags, 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, headlight LED accents, LED taillights, front fog lights, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, tinted chrome front grille, bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts, chrome exterior door handles, proximity entry with push-button start, remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer, electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision), 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display, Steering Wheel Mounted Cruise, Audio & Phone Controls, dual automatic temperature control, floor console mounted rear vents, power driver seat with lumbar support, chrome interior door handles, leatherette interior door panel inserts, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, metalgrain interior accents, AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod®/USB & Aux input jacks, power windows, locks, heated mirrors, integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer, Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system, automatic light control, Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), solar control glass.
The optional Leather Package costs the additional $1500 and includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass.
And if you add the amount of $5500, you will get the Unlimited Package which includes the Leather Package plus the additional extras such as panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide, 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish, navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display, rear backup camera, Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt), HD Radio® Technology with multicasting, SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial, HVAC multi-mode button, Premium door sill plates, Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing.