REDESIGN TAKES 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA SEDAN INTO ITS EIGHTH GENERATION

A redesign for the 2020 model moves the Hyundai Sonata into its eighth generation as what the South Korean company heralds as its “longest standing and most successful model” globally.

With a svelte, coupe-like profile, classy interior, and lots of standard features, the 2020 Sonata makes for a compelling competitor in the affordable midsize sedan segment long dominated by entries from Toyota and Honda.

It comes in four trims with SE and SEL models powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and SEL Plus and Limited getting a new 1.6-liter turbo-4. The 2.5 enjoys a slight horsepower edge (191-180) while the turbo has the advantage in torque (195 pound-feet to 181)

All Sonatas come with an 8-speed automatic transmission with drive mode select, and the difference in mileage numbers is negligible (28 mpg city, 38 highway, 32 combined for the SE, 27/37/32 for SEL and 27/36/32 for SEL Plus and Limited).

The updated styling is what Hyundai trumpets as an example of the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness design language” with cues and touches that depart from the usual Hyundai look, starting up front with a new mesh grille. Overall, the Sonata has a sportier appearance than its predecessor.

The Limited version, which served for my test vehicle, has a long list of standard technological features that include Hyundai’s new remote parking assist. As you have likely seen in TV ads, it allows you do stand outside and maneuver the Sonata into particularly tight parking spaces so you don’t have to worry about door dings or squeezing into and out of the car.

The Limited also gets Hyundai’s advanced blind spot warning system that includes a camera that flashes an image in the instrument panel of what is trailing you to the side you are turning. When turning left, the image appears in the speedometer. When the right turn signal is activated, the image appears in the tachometer.

Also new and standard on the Limited is a Digital Key System that lets you start the Sonata via an app on your Smart phone (Android, not iPhone at this time) and an adaptive cruise control that will set your speed to the posted limit (which some, ahem, might consider annoying).

A very clear surround-view camera system, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and leather seating surfaces, push-button start, dual automatic climate control, and a Bose premium sound system also are standard on the Sonata Limited.

You can get some of those functions on other trims by adding Convenience and Technology Packages, but the only extra for my Sonata Limited were carpeted floor mats for $135, which with the $930 destination and delivery charge ran the final MSRP up to $34,365.

Sonata SE models start at $23,600, the SEL at $25,700, and SEL Plus at $27,650.

What I liked about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited: It looks great, and the upgrades have given the interior a classy appeal. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Safety features like blind-spot warning and smart cruise control are standard on the Limited.

What I didn’t like about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited: It’s a small thing, tiny really, but I don’t like the elimination of a knob to change radio stations and surf the dial. In itself it is not so bad, but it is a step in the wrong direction for a company known for user-friendly technology. A more powerful engine option also would be a nice addition for a sportier performance.

Would I buy the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited? Yes. It’s a good looking sedan with a long list of standard features and though it doesn’t rate high in performance, it is up to most daily challenges.

SPORT MODEL GIVES UPDATED 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SEDAN BOOST IN PERFORMANCE

Launched nearly two decades ago with Mitsubishi power, Hyundai Elantra has overcome a shaky past that earned it a reputation for unreliability and sloppy workmanship to become a viable competitor in the compact market.

Hyundai reports sales for the Elantra at over 3 million since its introduction in the U.S.  in 1991. Though the 84,971 reported sold through June of this year represent a decline from the nearly 100,000 sold through the first six months of 2018, they clearly hold a lead over the South Koreans’ No. 2 seller, the Santa Fe SUV (67,571) and nearly double that for the company’s second-most popular sedan, the Sonata, with just over 47,000 sold.

With six trim levels that include three different engines and a variety of technological features not often found as standard in the segment, the Elantra certainly does have a lot to offer at a price in the high-teens to $20,000 range.

You won’t get full-blown luxury, of course, but the updates Hyundai gave the 2019 model several tweaks in the mid-cycle refreshing. There’s a new center cluster and instrument housing and the company’s “next generation” AVN 5.0 infotainment system that features an 8-inch screen in place of the previous 7-inch display.

Infinity Premium Audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging as well as navigation with a high-resolution screen are available as optional on a couple of higher-end trims.

Most of the changes for 2019 were done to the exterior. They include a new hood, front front fascia, grille, and headlight treatments; new trunk, taillights, and rear fascia; new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs with new 15-inch alloy wheels on Eco trim; and LED headlights for Limited and Sport trims.

This review is based on the Sport trim, which, as its name might suggest, offers a more satisfying driving experience, especially when equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as my test car for the week was.

The Sport is the only one of the group that gets the 1.6-liter, turbo-4 as standard. It generates 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm, not sports-car like but plenty of fun.

It enjoys a big advantage of SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited models that are powered a 2.0 4-banger (147 hp/132 lb.-ft.) and the Eco with its turbo-4 (128 hp but 156 lb.-ft.).

Again, by virtue of its name, the Eco model with its smaller engine and 7-speed double-clutch transmission achieves the best fuel mileage with a rating of 35 miles-per-gallon combined. The Sport is down about 10 mpg from that with ratings of 22 mpg city/30 combined.

But, hey. It’s worth it with the pickup in performance.

The Sport trim gets good treatment when it comes to standard equipment. In addition to the features already mentioned, among items included in the $23,520 MSRP (including $925 destination and delivery) are safety features like forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, the usual assortment of air bags (including front side and side curtain), 16-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch audio display, Android auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free phone, power sunroof, Sport instrument gauge cluster, flat-bottom leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and push-button start.

That’s a pretty impressive list and, unless you want navigation (Don’t you have a Smart Phone?), is pretty much everything you would want.

You also may find a dealer willing to negotiate with you what with 2020 Elantras having arrived in many showrooms in the spring. The 2020 Elantra Sports cost a little over $1,000 more than the the 2019, and there is sad news for manual lovers.

The manual transmission in the Sport manual has been discontinued for 2020 (and base SE as well), replaced by what Hyundai calls a new “Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT),” essentially a CVT that simulates the familiar gear shifts most people are comfortable with.

Such is progress. I guess.

What I liked about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport: Technology is plentiful and user friendly. The manual transmission adds an element of fun to the driving experience. You can raise the performance level to your liking with an manual that you lack in an automatic, even one with paddle shifters.

What I didn’t like about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport: The interior isn’t what I would call “cramped,” but it’s not the roomiest in its class either, especially the backseat. A bit more larger trunk (capacity 14.4 cubic feet) would be nice, but one must remember this is a compact!

Would I buy the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport? Yes. It’s competing in a tough class, especially against Honda Civic, but outshines the Toyota Corolla in performance and agility in Sport trim.

BMW’S 3 SERIES REMAINS AMONG THE BEST IN ITS CLASS AS IT MOVES INTO 7TH GENERATION

For over four decades, the BMW 3 Series has been considered to be the benchmark in the sport sedan segment as well as serving as the German automaker’s best-selling model.

BMW reports that more than 15 million 3 Series models have been sold worldwide since it arrived in the U.S. in 1976 as a replacement for the iconic BMW 2002 sedan.

For 2019, it moves into its seventh generation with a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder that boosts horsepower by only 7 hp over its predecessor but adds an impressive 37 pound-feet of torque over the preceding model. (Note: This review is  based on the 330i rear-wheel-drive sedan; the 3 Series also is available with all-wheel drive and in wagon and hatchback styles.)

That engine is mated to an 8-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes (via paddle-shifters) that deliver both power (zero-to-60 mph in 5.6 seconds) and efficiency. The RWD 330i drinks recommended premium fuel at the rate of 26 miles-per-gallon city, 36 highway and 30 overall — among the best in its class for non-electric vehicles.

With 121 pounds of body weight trimmed by a combination of tweaks that include use of high-strength steel and aluminum in various areas, the new 330i also is a more agile performer but at higher speeds also retains a firm grip on the road.

Exterior refinements include redesigned headlights (LED), fewer distracting lines on the sides and doors, and redesigned tail lamps for an overall smoother appearance. It is slightly longer than its predecessor (185.7 inches to 182.5) with a slightly longer wheelbase (112.2-110.6).

The roomy interior features a 2-way power moonroof, automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror as standard. Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic City Collision Mitigation (it delivers warnings to the driver as well as braking at city speeds), and lane departure warning also are included in the starting MSRP of $41,245 (including the $994 destination charge).

Many other features, like Blind Spot Detection, leather sport seats, run-flat tires, automatic high beams, wifi hot spot, and power seats also come with no extra charge.

The cabin also is more attractive visually.Designers did a nice job incorporating the 10.3-inch display screen into the flow of the dash instead of just sticking it up like some short of Amazon tablet or iPad in above the center stack. With more room to work, they also gave occupants a bit more shoulder (but not leg) room. The extra length apparently went to increasing trunk volume.

Among available options that run up the price are an Driver’s Assistance Package that includes adaptive cruise control with the ability to adjust the following distance, an M Sport Package that includes variable sport steering, a Premium Package that features heated front seats and head-up display, an Executive Package that includes Parking Assistant and 3D Surround View camera, a Track Package for M Sport Brakes and Differential, and several other stand-alone options that ran the total bill to $59,920 for my test car.

That makes it a “well-equipped” vehicle and keeps the 3 Series among the best in the segment even with an increase in competition over the years.

What I liked about the 2019 BMW 330i Sedan: The performance is lively yet the mileage is excellent. The interior is roomy and luxurious (as typical of its class), and the seats are comfortable. You can turn off the Stop/Start system simply by pushing a button (Next to starting the engine, that’s probably the easiest bit of technology to operate). Trunk space is a generous 17.0 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2019 BMW 330i Sedan: Operation of the infotainment features takes some getting used. There are so many you might reach the end of your 3-year lease without learning all the shortcuts. Lane-keeping Assist can be overly aggressive at times.

Would I buy the 2019 BMW330i Sedan? Definitely would be on my list if I were shopping in this segment. The 3 Series long has set the standard by which many others are compared.

VOLKSWAGEN ADDS NEW R-LINE MODEL

IN REDESIGNED JETTA LINEUP FOR 2019 

Introduced nearly a year ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta kicks off the new year as a fully redesigned sedan that should ensure its role as one of the German automaker’s top sellers and make it more of a contender it its class as well.

Built on the company’s new MQB platform, it also gets a new trim level with R-Line features added to the lineup along with S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium treatments. At $23,890 including the $895 destination and delivery charge, the R-Line falls right in the middle of Jetta’s pricing chart that ranges from $19,440 for an S with a 6-speed manual transmission to $27,390 for the SEL Premium and its standard 8-speed automatic tranny.

Like all Jettas, the R-Line gets a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that rates among the leaders in fuel economy among non-hybrid compact sedans. Government figures are 30 miles-per-gallon city, 40 highway, and 34 combined whether equipped with the manual or the automatic, which is standard on all but the S model.

Yes, you sacrifice a bit in straight-ahead power (figures are 147 horsepower and 5000 rpm and 184 at 1400) for those numbers, but you can kick up performance a bit by switching to Sport mode. (Other choices are Eco, Normal, and Custom.)

Though with some brands you may get extra performance from “R” designated models, the “R” in this case pertains to sportier styling features like special 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive rear bumper with dual exhaust, a gloss-black grille, black side mirror caps, R-Line badging, and a unique leather-wrapped steering wheel with R-Line insignia.

Still, it felt pretty lively in my around-town experience.

The R-Line also gets VW’s XDS Cross Differential System that helps improve stability, handling, and cornering. Other than that and the other special features, the R-Line gets standard equipment similar to that on SE models.

That includes VW’s MIB II touchscreen infotainment system with a 6.5-inch screen, Android and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth communications, LED headlamps and taillights, sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone A/C, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Among safety features, the R-Line is in line with other Jetta trims with a rear-view camera, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, and the usual collection of airbags.

Optional features for the Jetta R-Line include a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, remote start, heated front washer nozzles, and heated windshield wiper park that can be all gotten together in a Cold Weather Package.

As noted, the Jetta is one of VW’s best sellers. The company reports that more than 17.5 million have been sold since it was introduced in 1979 with 3.2 million of those sold in the U.S. 

Sales have fallen off a bit for the first 11 months of 2018, though they picked up for last November. December numbers are not in as of this writing.

What I liked about the Volkswagen Jetta R-Line: It has a quiet ride, the and the R-Line touches give it a nice sporty look. The infotainment features, such as they were on my test model, were user-friendly, and the trunk is a nice-size (14.1 cubic feet) for the class.

What I didn’t like about the Volkswagen Jetta R-Line: I’d like to give whoever came up with the idea of a two-stage trunk lid a knock on the head, which is what you will get from the lid itself if you aren’t careful. If not opened fully, the lid starts to lower to closing position, giving you an unexpected knock on the noggin as you start to load it if you are not careful. 

Would I buy the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line: I’d definitely consider it, though the interior could use a little less plastic surfaces.

AUDI A4 AN OUTSTANDING CHOICE IN A FIELD THAT HAS A LOT OF GOOD ONES

The A4 has been a stalwart seller for Audi for well over two decades now, moving into its ninth generation with the redesign for 2017.

In fact, the A4 and two crossover SUVs, the Q5 and the Q7, are largely responsible for keeping the company from a decrease in year-to-date sale through September comparing 2018 figures to those for 2017.

Audi reported that 28,783 A4s were sold over the first nine months of 2018, an increase of 4 percent over the same period in 2017. It announced an 11 percent jump for September alone with 3,185 sold this year compared to 2,879 in September 2017.

Obviously, those aren’t huge numbers when compared to top sellers in the passenger car segment overall, but they stack up well with their Teutonic brethren. Mercedes-Benz reported a fall of nearly 25 percent for C-Class sales month-over-month for September (4,682 for 2018, 6,194 for 2017) and the BMW 3-Series, long considered the bell cow in the segment, was down over 40 percent for September (3,615 for 2018, 6,045 for 2017).

Sales for the year-to-date were off 40.2 percent for the 3-Series and down 28.32 percent for the C-Class at the end of September.

The A4 neatly slots in between the Q5 and the Q7 as Audi’s leading sellers.

Which is not surprising. This is one great sedan that gets high marks for its performance, its looks inside and out, its comfortable ride, and its user-friendly technological features — especially when compared to its competitors.

Cars.com awarded it the title of Luxury Car of the Year at the 2018 North American International Auto Show at Detroit, citing its “balance of sport, luxury, function, amenities, quality and comfort.”

That’s pretty much a winning combination right there.

The Audi A4 is offered in Premium, Premium-Plus, and Prestige trim levels (we’re dealing with only the sedan here, not the Allroad wagon) all powered by a 2.0-liter, turbo 4-cylinder engine pumping out 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and mated to a 7-speed, S-tronic double-clutch or 6-speed manual transmission (depending on the trim).

That’s enough oomph for a spirited performance, but if you want more the all-new for 2018 S4 with its 3.0-liter turbo-V6 (354 hp, 369 lb.-ft.) zips you from zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

You can get the A4 with front-wheel drive or Audi’s all-wheel quattro system.

Fuel mileage figures run from 27 miles-per-gallon city, 37 highway for FWD to 24/34 for quattro models. 

My ride for the week was the 2.0T quattro S-tronic version that came with a base MSRP of $40,500. (Base models start at just a tad under $37,000.) Adding extras like the Premium-Plus package and Audi’s MMI telematics system with navigation ran the total to $48,290.

For 2018, Audi made a few more features standard over the previous model. Notable standard features include LED interior lighting, power sunroof, three-zone climate control, 8-way power adjustable heated front seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and Audi’s low-speed collision assist system.

Naturally, the cabin is rich with high-quality materials with leather and soft touches throughout, and you can add options like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel as well.

Visibility is good all-around, and legroom is generous with 41.3 inches up front and 35.7 in the back row despite the A4’s classification as a “small” luxury sedan. It has more the feel of a mid-size.

The center screen is easy on the eyes, though designers really should find a way to incorporate it more smoothly into the flow of the dash. Sticking up like it does makes it look like an afterthought. Audi’s MMI infotainment system is easy to get the hang of even for techno newbies.

What I liked about the 2018 Audi A4: This is one of the best-looking sedans in a segment that has a bunch of them. The ride is sporty, and you can switch to the mode you prefer (comfort, auto, dynamic or individual). You can turn off the stop-start system. The “virtual cockpit” system allows the driver to personalize the instrument panel, reducing the size of the speedometer and tach to accommodate a full-size navigation map right in front of your eyes.

What I didn't like about the 2018 Audi A4: The list of standard features is generous (leather seats are included), but to get the really cool stuff you'll have to spend about $6,000 over the base MSRP for such items as a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, LED headlights, Parking System Plus, Audi side assist, and the Navigation and Telematics package. Truck size (13.0 cubic feet) is only adequate.

Would I buy the 2018 Audi A4? Yes. There are lots of good choices in the segment, though some can overwhelm you with all their geez-whiz techno gadgets. Not the A4. It strikes a nice balance between gee-whiz technology and user-friendly operation. 

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL PREMIUM FIGHTING TOUGH BATTLE IN SHRINKING SEGMENT

The midsize family sedan may be a dying breed with the public’s infatuation with crossovers and smaller SUVs at least putting it on life support, but, with the exception of Ford, apparently that doesn’t mean automakers are giving up on the genre.

In fact, of the seven vehicles U.S. News & World Report lists as the “most improved” cars of 2018, four are sedans, including traditional midsize leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

So maybe there’s a bit of hyperbole when it comes to calling it the “death” of the midsize sedan, but there is no doubt sedan sales are ailing a bit. Of the top 10 selling midsize sedans for 2018, nine showed a decline in sales through May.

This included my recent ride, Volkswagen’s venerable Passat.

Passat sales also were down for June with 3,793 sold for the month, a drop of 28 percent from the 5,267 that were old in June 2017. Year-to-date numbers were even worse. Through the first six months of 2018, VW sold 22,356 Passats, a drop of 36.4 percent from the 35,137 sold in the first six months of 2017.

In addition to the disenchantment with sedans in general, another factor in Passat’s decline could be that VW has made few changes, certainly nothing major, to the Passat’s looks in recent years.

It has tweaked the headlight/foglight treatments a bit and given the 2018 model a sexier rear end, but overall you might have a hard time distinguishing the new Passat from an older one.

This can lead to a false impression that the Passat doesn’t have anything going in its favor and results in the word “aging” appearing in several current reviews.

But its roomy, comfortable cabin, smooth ride, and large trunk give it the kind of attributes many are looking for when shopping in the segment. The dash has a nice, clean look about itAnd if you are seeking something sportier, the GT trim comes with more horsepower and a more aggressive appearance.

The Passat was designed with an American audience in mind, resulting in a more spacious passenger room and a good-size trunk, and the car itself is put together in the company’s assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

U.S. and Canadian sources account for nearly as much content (30 percent) as does that from Germany (36 percent), though both the engine and transmission come from the home country.

The 2018 Passat features two engine options: a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 280 hp and 258 lb.ft. of torque.

Both run on regular unleaded fuel, though peak power on the V6 is achieved with premium. Each gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with GT and top-of-the-line SEL Premium models getting paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

In fuel economy, the 4-banger is rated at 25 miles-per-gallon city, 36 highway while the V6 gets numbers of 19/28.

In addition to the GT and SEL models, the Passat comes in four other trims — S, R-Line, SE, and SE with Technology starting at just under $23,000. My ride for the week, the SEL Premium, carried a base price of $34,650. 

With a long laundry list of standard features that included navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, power tilting and sliding moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear leather seats, rear-view camera, blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, Bluetooth connectivity, and Fender premium audio, the only additional cost was the $850 destination and delivery fee for a total of $35,000.

The company also has improved the warranty. As with most other 2018 VW models sold in the U.S., the Passat comes with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

What I liked about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium: It’s easy to get comfortable in this car. Controls for techno features are intuitive and simple to operate. The long list of standard features pretty much eliminates the need for costly options. And the trunk (15.9 cubic feet) is very spacious, especially for the segment.

What I didn’t like about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium: The navigation screen is on the small side, though to be fair it is very clear and easy to see at a glance. I’d like to see a bit better fuel mileage with the V6, but you’ve got to sacrifice something for the extra power.

Would I buy the 2018 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium? Yes. The sedan segment may be shrinking, but this is a good alternative to a crossover or SUV.