New Hyundai Sonata: No V6?
Wards Auto World reports that Hyundai won’t be offering a V6 in its much-hyped, next-generation Sonata sedan. A direct-injection version of its Theta four-cylinder is expected to be the only engine option, making Sonata the first DI four-pot midsized sedan on the market. The V6 option will also be yanked from the Tucson cute-ute. Though the Sonata will be one of the few mid-sized sedans on the US market without a V6 option, don’t expect it to be a problem even for ostensibly torque-obsessed Americans. According to Wards, 85 percent of the current generation of Sonatas are built with four cylinder engines. 76 percent of Accords and 90 percent of Camrys on the market are four-bangers as well. With CAFE standards climbing rapidly, the era of the four-cylinder family sedan is clearly upon us.
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Being a driver of 4-cylinder cars for over 30 years, its about time everyone else catches on... B.T.W. - Hyundai's message to Honda & Toyota: "WATCH YOUR ASS"....:)
Torque is the essence of life ;) Without it, while driving it may be necessary to open the door, get out and check your pulse. Just to make sure you are still alive. :) So, no turbo or no V6? No Hyundai. Don't care what the grannies, or greenies, or people who view a car as an appliance say. Life's too short, and living the days while feeling short changed by your car's performance feel, will get awfully long indeed. The thing is, that discomfort won't be felt until after you have parted with your money.
2Goldens: "I’m perfectly happy with the 4…fully loaded at $16,500. For my purposes and budget, this was a great buy." What part of the country are you in? Up here (Pacific Northwest), 4cyl Sonatas were going for $16K and the corresponding Optima for $14K. Had I been able to get our local Hyundai dealer to negotiate closer to the Kia price, I would have pulled the trigger. But since they weren't hurting for sales, I had no luck. Unfortunately, I just couldn't commit to the Optima, as our Kia dealership doesn't inspire me with owner confidence.