Hyundai has finally entered the hybrid market with the 2011 Sonata Hybrid.

 

Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive architecture is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, the gasoline engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Hyundai's system is the first and only system using lithium polymer battery technology.

 

Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion, which is what's used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, power-density and package flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. The hybrid powertrain also uses a compact new 6-speed transmission, modified with hybrid starter-generator, electric motor, and a low-friction oil pump, which together allow the torque converter to be eliminated.

 

Now the big news. The Sonata Hybrid's projected highway mileage is 39 MPG and 37 MPG in the city. The Sonata beats the Ford Fusion Hybrid because it can remain in all-electric mode up to 62 MPH with the right conditions.

 

Part of that can be attributed to the reworked exterior which features unique headlights and taillights, aero bumper fascias, aero rocker panels, a hexagonal grille, "eco-spoke" wheels, and an air dam. The inside gets the usual eco-gauges.

 

The Sonata Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter gasoline engine that produces 169 hp, 13 more than the Fusion and 22 more than the Toyota Camry. Even the net hybrid powertrain output with electric motors and all is best in class, 209 hp.

 

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 30kW electric motor delivering 151 lb-ft of torque, a lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts, and an all-electric air-conditioning compressor.

 

theCD's take: Hyundai hasn't built a game changer with the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, but they've redefined their image by taking the big step in battery technology. We can't wait to hear how much of a value it will be too.