Video: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

It gains an all new exterior, new engine and a new interior as well. The Sonata has long been a practical car, but it's not one that maybe had the most memorable styling. That changes with the 2011 model as it gains a much sleeker front end look with this new chrome grill and these long headlights. And an interesting design cue in this chrome strip that extends from the headlights all the way down the side of the car. The sleek look of the new Sonata continues all the way to the back of the car, as it has this new sloping roof line that drops down dramatically towards the rear. Cut has kind of the look of Mercedes CLS, which is kind of a four-door coupe look. And overall, it's a car that's going to generate more attention than the previous model did. Inside the Sonata gains an all new styling to the dash. Now the materials, which were pretty nice in the previous model, are about the same quality here. But with the new design, the cabin takes on a whole new look. Less compelling though is this silver and woodgrain trim, which isn't quite up to the rest of the materials in the cabin. The Sonata also gets new power under the hood for 2011. It's a new 2.4 L four-cylinder direct injection engine that makes 198 hp, teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. And eventually you'll be able to get a turbo four-cylinder and also a hybrid model. The Sonata's exterior styling has some consequences for backseat passenger space. While leg room is good for this class, it's about what you get in a Camry or an Accord, you can feel the roof line of the Sonata encroaching on headroom for taller passengers, like me. So that's one thing. And also, when you're looking out to the side, the roof line is right here, too. So when you're getting out, you might have to dip a little bit. The Sonata is one of Hyundai's most important models in the US, and it goes on sale in January of 2010. It's supposed to cost less than $20,000, and it's also going to be a fuel economy leader with highway fuel economy of 35 mpg. <v Narrator>For more car related news, go to cars.com or our blog, KickingTires.net.