2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV (2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo AWD 6-speed Automatic)

Hyundai's product assault has been incessant over the past few years. In rolling out the new third-generation 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, the company completes a product overhaul as comprehensive and logistically complex as the recent Mars rover landing.

The launch of Hyundai's new midsize tall wagon-cum-CUV is, appropriately, no less convoluted. After all, this compact SUV will serve double duty in the automaker's lineup, poised to do battle with roughly a dozen competitors. Here's how the Santa Fe plans to do it.

Several Variants
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, seating five, replaces the current Santa Fe. In a few months, a longer-wheelbase version of the Santa Fe with three rows of seating will replace the largerHyundai Veracruz.

Like the existing Santa Fe, the new Santa Fe Sport will be available with two engines. A 2.4-liter normally aspirated direct-injected four is the base engine, while a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four replaces the V6. Either engine can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, while a six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. The long-wheelbase version of the new vehicle — known simply as the 2013 Santa Fe, sans Sport designation — will be available only with a 3.3-liter V6. Clear as mud?

Generating 264 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the 2.0T cranks out 10 fewer ponies than this same engine in the Hyundai Sonata. The difference is chalked up to revised intake and exhaust routing and a unique engine calibration. More importantly, the Santa Fe delivers 269 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm, so the shove is in the right place for a family hauler such as this one. In fact, the turbo engine generates more torque than the outgoing V6.

Though the new Santa Fe Sport carries nearly the same dimensions as the outgoing trucklet, it's stiffer and weighs considerably less — some 266 pounds were shaved by sweating the details of the chassis' design and expanded use of high-strength steels. Struts underpin the front end and a compact multilink suspension is found at the rear so as not to intrude on cabin space.

No Shortness of Breath
We drove a 2.0T-equipped AWD Sport through woodsy, hilly Park City, Utah, notable for its power-sapping 8,300-foot elevation. The thin air didn't faze the Santa Fe. Turbocharged engines generate their own atmosphere, so there was plenty of reserve thrust and immediate response any time the car was in motion. The 2.0T is a capable engine, doing its business without a lick of fuss or noise, convincingly nailing the coffin shut on the idea that a V6 is a requirement. As for the 2.4-liter engine, well, we didn't get to drive one of those, or a front-drive 2.0T.

On our drive, the Santa Fe was notable for its quietness. Aside from a faint wind rustle at the A-pillars, little noise comes between you and a conversation with passengers while at freeway speeds. The new chassis feels solid on the road, though the wide C- and D-pillars form a blind spot the size of Oklahoma. A caveat — the roads in this area are generally smooth, so we'll withhold final judgments on ride and noise suppression until we've wheeled this new CUV locally.

Curiously, the electric power steering has three calibrations that can be selected via a button on the steering wheel, all of which are fairly numb. While it could be argued that steering feel isn't high on the priority list of shoppers in the Santa Fe's bread-and-butter segment, we'll point out that the steering-feel-havin' Mazda CX-5 exists and feels considerably more precise from behind the wheel.

Part of our drive route included a loose gravel dirt road to show off the Santa Fe's new more capable AWD hardware. It operates transparently, aiding corner entry and exit by adjusting the amount of torque apportioned to the rear wheels. Still, like most modern crossovers, the Santa Fe is pavement-biased and will be found almost exclusively on freeways and in parking lots. It's no rock crawler, and that's OK.

More Efficient
Fuel economy is the payoff of the lighter chassis, improved aerodynamics and engines. Base 2.4-liter models return 22/33 city/highway mpg (21/28 with AWD), while the 2.0T models deliver 21/31 mpg (20/27 mpg with AWD).

The 4-5 mpg drop for AWD models in freeway conditions is odd, as the AWD system can completely disconnect power to the rear wheels in such conditions and adds just 137 pounds over the front-drive model. Nevertheless, the fuel economy of the new Santa Fe improves on that of the outgoing model in every guise and is among the more frugal in its class.

More Than Clever Math
Inside, the cabin is similarly sharply styled, with improved appointments. There's plenty of space in either row of seating, and the front seats offer respectable long-haul comfort, though the sliding, tilting backseat is on the flat side to accommodate its 40/20/40 folding ability.

In typical Hyundai fashion, features abound. Beyond the long list of standard equipment, options include navigation, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, even heated rear seats.

Prices with destination start at $25,275 for a base 2.4 and $28,525 for the 2.0T — add $1,750 for AWD — and rise quickly from there. Adding navigation or the panoramic sunroof to a 2.4-liter model requires three packages totaling $6,600 (or two packages totaling $5,350 on 2.0T variants). There are a lot of other features included in the packages, but flexibility is not one of them.

At this price point, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport lines up directly with segment leaders like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The former also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the latter simply does everything well. The newer, cleverer 2013 Santa Fe measures up favorably to both. If it can deliver on its excellent mileage numbers and remain as quiet as it did on the roads of rural Utah, this Santa Fe could be yet another well-executed piece of Hyundai's grand plan to compete head on with its foreign and domestic rivals.

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2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

Model: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

 Engine: 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder plus 270-volt lithium polymer battery

Horsepower/Torque: 206.2 hp @ 6,000 rpm/194.4 lb.-ft. @ 0-6,000 rpm (max total)

 Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 Wheelbase: 110.0 in.

 Length x Width x Height: 189.8 x 72.2 x 57.7 in.

 Tires: P215/55R17

Cargo: 10.7 cu. ft.

Economy: 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/35.0 mpg test

Fuel capacity: 17.2 gal.

Curb Weight: 3,550 lbs. (approx.)

Sticker: $31,650 (includes $720 inland freight and hand ling charge, $5,000 hybrid premium package. $100 carpeted floor mats, $35 iPod cable

 Five reasons to buy this car: 1. This is a damned nice car 2.  Good size 3. Good power 4. Excellent economy 5. Very good handling

 The Bottom Line: I’ve said it before; there are two kinds of hybrid cars – those that look like hybrids and make a statement and those that look “normal” and only make a statement to the owner/driver. The Sonata Hybrid looks like a standard Sonata, which ain’t that bad. It has all the power you’d want, all the comfort you’d want, plus outstanding economy, and all at a reasonable price.           In its normal configuration, with a gasoline engine powering the front wheels, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice car. It has excellent design and performance with good interior space.   

        As a hybrid, though, it’s a damned fine car. It has all the attributes of the “standard” Sonata (less a bit of cargo capacity) and adds excellent fuel economy. We averaged 35 mpg in our test and felt that was excellent, since we didn’t drive any differently than we normally do. Unlike the hybrid legend, my around-town mileage is always lower than my highway mileage.

 It must be me – on the highway, my indicated mpg went from 28-35 mpg; around town it stayed around 35. These are all good numbers, but I feel cheated, and it’s not just the Sonata.           Besides the economy, the Sonata Hybrid has very good handling on nice back-country winding roads.

We had a lot of fun with this car. There are also excellent brakes, which is nice because we encountered a couple of idiots on the road whose apparent goal was to kill us. 

 The Sonata has semi-generic mid-size styling with a Sonata character line running along the side. The character line wraps around to the rear and the tail lamps become a part of it before the right and left lines intersect above the license plate. The door handles are part of the character line. Therefore, the front and rear handles are at different angles. The only concession to hybrid-ness is that all the badges are either blue or have blue backgrounds.

           Inside, the instrument panel is fairly normal. There’s no tachometer, but there are “hybrid gauges.” There’s a fuel economy gauge and an “eco” gauge between the hybrid gauges and the speedometer. The fuel economy gauge is fascinating as you watch the number climb higher and higher. Sometimes you forget to watch the road.

          The front seats are comfortable. The rears have good leg room. I would have expected better, but we were driving alone before we put a passenger back there, so we may have pushed the seats back further than normal. The passenger didn’t complain, but it did appear tight.  

         We enjoyed the sound system, which consisted of AM/FM/CD/SAT/USB/AUX. We used the satellite and the USB/iPod connection primarily. The USB plug-in is at the base of the center stack in a cubby.

 Like Audis, there are cool LED driving lights that warp around the headlights with a curly-cue at the bottom.   

  My biggest complaint with the Sonata Hybrid (and my only complaint really) is that when you push the start/stop button, it’s hard to tell when you’re live. I finally noticed the “ready” light on the dash and that eased my tension.  

You won’t be disappointed if you consider the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. You get great styling in the mid-size mode, very good comfort, and great economy.

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2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

It’s oh, so difficult to overstate the goodness of Hyundai’s 2011 Elantra.

A week’s test drive convinced me that this car, by viruie of so many things, is so far ahead of the compact car competition–except for perhaps Chevy’s Cruze and Ford’s Focus–that buying a car this size without at least considering the Elantra would be unwise indeed. It’s undeniably one of the best five cars we’ve driven here at “Automobile Journal during this waning model year that ends this fall. 

Why is it so good? There’s the fit and finish and quality. It’s all beautifully done and befitting of a car costing a lot more money. There’s the style and imagination that went into every facet of the Elantra.  There’s the utter value of getting so much for your money.  There’s how much fun you have driving it–and the lpeasure you get when you tell people that it’s a Hyundai.

 

 I don’t know how often I had people say, “Wow. that’s a nice car. What is it?”  Or “I was only thinking about buying one. Until I saw yours.  Now I’m definitely buying it.”  Even my 17 year old said, “Wow, this is one really sick (cool) car.”

      Name me one other compact car for which you will pay $19,980 –the base price of the Limited version—-and get:

Electronic stability control and traction control. A six speed automatic transmmission. Alloy wheels. Power sunroof. Leather interior. Fog lights. Tilt and telescoping steering wheel.Heated front and rear seats.60/40 split folding rear seat. Air conditioning. Satellite radio. Side curtain airbags. ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, and much more, along with a 10 year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain.

And for $22,110, the final price of our test model, you get a really good, e asy to use navigation system, a premium audio system, rearview camera and other good stuff!

Power comes from a 145 horsepower 1.8 liter four cylinder.  It is rated at 29/40 miles per gallon, with estimated annual fuel costs of $1,363 based on 15,000 miles of driving and $3 a gallon gas.

     But it’s unfair to make the proposition to buy this car simply based on value.Tthat was the deal on the “old Hyundai,” when the cars were fine for going from point A to point B and you bought a Hyundai on the value proposition and nothing else.

This is a “must have” car, a car you test drive, fall in love with, and decide you’ve got to have it.

 If you get behind the wheel of the Elantra, you’ll discover how much fun it is to drive, in spite of a steering system that ‘s a bit overassisted, and a suspension system that does not absorb rough road surfaces quite as well as some of its competition.

Despite all that,  it corners beautifully, accelerates very well, and just simply is more fun to drive overall than its competitiors, except for Mazda’s sporty through and through Mazda3, and again, Ford’s Focus and Chevy Cruze. Those cars still have a bit more sporting dash for those so inclined than the Elantra. But the Elantra still comes mighty close to the best in its  marketplace.

The interior was rich and elegant looking, with cool blue lighting, some nicely done aluminum and chrome accents, and seats that had good quality leather. And oh yes–there were individual head rests for rear seat passengers.

Problem areas?  A few.  Although I liked the ultramodern design of the climate control system with its “dial within a dial” theme, I still had to watch it every time I used it to make sure I wasn’t accidentally doing one thing when I wanted to do another. Hey, if you have to look at the dials every time you use it, its not intuitive, and probably should be redone.

Another issue: the banging of your head getting into the car in the back seat and the tight headroom back there.  According to our pals at Automobile Magazine, the Elantra had the most legroom among sixompetitors, at 43.6 front and 33.1 rear, the headroom is only 37.1 in the back.  Only the Honda Civic EX-L was less with 36.2 inches in headroom  in back.   Also, we couldn’t find a inside trunk release for the Elantra.

With the goodness and “gotta have it” that Hyundai has going on for itself, the only thing that we think  Hyundai is missing is some of the “lifestyle,” “choice,” and “history” considerations behind its brand, and that holds true for people who are into cars, enthusiasts, and people who just want to “know” what they are buying along with the car and the value it represents.

When you buy a Honda, a Ford, a Chevy or a Nissan, for instance, you know you’re buying the clubs, the gear, the events, the racing, the endorsements and the rich history that those brands represent. There are publications, websites and all manner of social stuff that are connected with those brands. This is an area where we think Hyundai, still a relatively new brand,  needs to step up its game a bit.

Once it’s got some of those things in place, Hyundai is clearly headed for the top given the strength of  its lineup including Elantra, and its seemingly unending way to be both imaginative and stylish, as well as being a top value and affordable for millions of people.

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2011 HYUNDAI SONATA

Starting MSRP $19,195 – $25,295

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that has been redesigned with styling reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and increased gas mileage.

The Sonata now features a wide chrome grille and long, thin headlights that run into the fenders. The chrome trim has been extended from the the bottom of the windows to the headlights.

The base GLS trim level comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.  The  Limited version has 17-inch alloy wheels.  The SE has 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Sonata had updated the interior with the 2009 model and began using better materials.  But, the interior design of the 2011 model is all-new.  But, unfortunately, the faux wood and silver accents in the middle of the dash on the Limited model does not seem up to the standards of the new refinement.

The sloping and sleek new exterior design, while classy looking, has reduced the headroom in the backseat.

The Hyundai Sonata is powered by a 198-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that's paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder features direct injection for better gas mileage, more power and lower emissions. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a hybrid model are coming later in 2010.

Six airbags are standard, as are active front head restraints, an electronic stability system with traction control, and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid combines a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with a 30-kilowatt electric motor for a total output of 209 hp, which is slightly more than the base 4-cylinder Sonata's output.  Gas mileage is expected to be 37/39 mpg city/highway.

The Sonata now has a large, hexagonal front air dam; unique headlights and taillights; new side sills; and the requisite hybrid badges. An LCD screen around the gauges shows the energy flow between the various drivetrain components, as well as indicators for electric mode, battery charge and gas mileage.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo

The Sonata 2.0T has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that creates 274 hp and 269 pounds-feet of torque. The Sonata Turbo gets a fuel-efficient 22/34 mpg city/highway without the need of premium gasoline. The 2.0T has a 6-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters and dual tailpipes. The 2.0T comes in either SE or Limited trim levels.  The Limited 2.0T has a panoramic moonroof.

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2010 HYUNDAI ACCENT

MSRP $9,970 - $16,195

The 2010 Hyundai Accent is available as base Blue, GS and sporty SE two-door hatchbacks or a GLS four-door sedan.  The compact car comes standard with six airbags and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. All models include a 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

The Accent gets improved EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings and a new base trim, called Blue.

The Accent Blue has black side mirrors and door handles; those parts are body-colored on other trims.

• Available power mirrors
• 14- or 16-inch wheels
• Standard rear window defroster
• Available rear window wiper
• Optional ground-effects kit and alloy fuel door
• Available fog lights

For 2010, all automatic Accents get an "Eco indicator" that tells drivers when they are being very fuel efficient (green), moderately efficient (yellow) and less efficient (red). Manual models have a shift indicator that tells drivers the best time to shift gears for improved fuel economy. Up to five occupants can fit inside the Accent. Air conditioning is standard on all but the Blue trim, where it's optional. Every door panel contains a bottle holder and storage pockets. Also optional on the Blue model are power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, and heated power mirrors. All those features are standard in the SE hatchback.

• Available tilt steering wheel and six-way driver's seat with adjustable armrest
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Standard AM/FM radio
• Available CD player with USB and MP3 jacks
• Available power sunroof
• Available cruise control

For 2010, all Accents receive lower-friction engine components, low-rolling-resistance tires and other tweaks to improve mileage. The Blue trim adds revised transmission gear ratios and a lower ride height to improve its fuel efficiency.

• 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 106 pounds-feet of torque
• Continuously variable valve timing
• Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
• SE models with manual transmission have B&M Racing sport shifter

Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are optional, but are not available on the new Blue trim. Standard features for all models include:

• Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• Roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
• Front seat belt pretensioners

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2010 HYUNDAI AZERA

Starting MSRP $24,970 – $29,570

The 2010 Hyundai Azera is a full-size sedan and is available in base GLS and Limited trims.  Available luxuries include a powered tilt/telescoping steering column, a powered rear sunshade and leather upholstery.

The Limited trim gains additional standard equipment for 2010.

The Azera's large trapezoidal grille has horizontal bars and incorporates a Hyundai logo in the center. Although one step above the Sonata, the Azera looks very much like a larger version of that sedan. The Azera has wide headlight units that wrap around into the front fenders. GLS sedans have body-colored side moldings, while Limited editions have turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome grille
• Fog lamps

The Azera can seat up to five occupants. A 60/40-split folding rear seatback and 12-volt outlets up front and in back are standard. The optional navigation system includes a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system.

Limited trim levels are better equipped with new standard features for 2010, including a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel; a memory system for the driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel; and wood-grain trim for the steering wheel and inside door handles. That equipment is unavailable on the GLS.

Standard features include:

• iPod/USB auxiliary inputs
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power front seats
• Manual tilt/telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Remote keyless entry
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system
• Optional power rear sunshade
• Optional leather seating surfaces and heated front seats
• Optional power sunroof
• Optional 10-speaker, six-CD Infinity stereo

There's a choice of two V-6 engines, both of which are matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.

• 234-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 with 226 pounds-feet of torque (GLS)
• 263-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 with 257 pounds-feet of torque (Limited)
• Five-speed automatic with manual shift control

Standard safety features include:

• Eight airbags, including seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags for front and rear seats
• Active front head restraints
• All-disc antilock brakes with brake-force distribution
• Electronic stability system

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2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

MSRP $14,145 - $17,845

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan with good value and has many safety features.  It is lower priced than many cars in its class. Its trim levels are the Blue, GLS and the better-equipped SE.

The Elantra also comes in a hatchback Touring model.

The 2010 Hyundai introduces the Blue trim of the Elantra. It's the lowest-priced trim, with the least standard equipment, and it gets an estimated 35 mpg on the highway. Hyundai also modified the car's exterior with a new waterfall grille and the interior with optional chrome accents.

For 2010, the Elantra gets a new waterfall grille and rear chrome trim.

• Standard 15-inch steel wheels
• Optional 16-inch alloy wheels
• Standard heated power mirrors
• Standard body-colored mirrors and door handles
• Optional moonroof

The Hyundai Elantra seats five and features a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Other features include:

• Cloth or leather upholstery
• Optional heated seats
• Standard keyless entry, power windows and locks
• Optional air conditioning and cruise control
• Optional CD stereo with iPod integration

The Elantra is powered by a four-cylinder engine teamed with a manual transmission. An automatic is optional on all trim levels.

• 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 136 pounds-feet of torque
• Standard five-speed manual transmission
• Optional four-speed automatic transmission

Safety features include:

• Standard front, side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Standard active head restraints
• Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Optional electronic stability system

Elantra Touring

Hyundai's hatchback version of the Elantra compact car battles it out with cars such as the Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 hatchback and Nissan Versa. In the Elantra Touring's second model year, it receives a new GLS base trim.

Power still comes from the same four-cylinder engine, but for an economy car it isn't completely anemic. Hyundai tuned the suspension and steering for better handling versus the Elantra sedan. Other features include:

• Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Standard air conditioning
• Standard electronic stability system
• Standard USB input, MP3 jack
• Optional power moonroof
• Optional roof rails
• Optional fog lights

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2010 HYUNDAI GENESIS

MSRP $33,000 - $39,500

Hyundai's Genesis full-size sedan takes aim at established luxury cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its rear-wheel-drive layout, available V-8 power and upscale features. Primary competitors include the Buick Lucerne, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.

There are no significant changes for 2010.

The Genesis doesn't break new ground with its exterior styling, but it manages to look upscale, if a bit conservative. The headlights are angular, like Lexus', and when viewed from the side the sedan brings to mind the Infiniti M and BMW 5 Series.

• Either 17- or 18-inch wheels are available
• Optional adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction of turns
• Standard heated mirrors
• Standard fog lights
• Optional lower bodyside moldings

The influence of the luxury segment can be seen in the design of the Genesis' cabin. The middle of the dash bulges outward like the one on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Hyundai has picked up on the German luxury brands' fascination with integrated control knobs with its new system that's used to operate the available navigation system, among other things. For 2010, there is an optional, touch-screen navigation system.

• Standard XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity
• Optional heated and cooled driver's seat
• Optional leather dashboard
• Optional power sunshade

Genesis buyers have the choice of either a V-6 or V-8 engine. The Genesis is rear-wheel drive. Regular gas is recommended for the V-6, but premium is recommended for the V-8. Both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission.

• 290-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 264 pounds-feet of torque
• 375-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 333 pounds-feet of torque

Standard features include:

• Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Electronic stability system
• Side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats
• Side curtain airbags and front active head restraints
• Optional front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera

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2010 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE

MSRP $22,000 - $30,500

For 2010, Hyundai has added a sport coupe to the Genesis line-up. Though the cars look much different, they have the same rear-wheel-drive platform and an engine.

The Genesis Coupe comes in two basic models, each named for its 2.0- and 3.8-liter engine, in three trim levels apiece. The base 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is the 2.0T, and the simplest version with the 3.8-liter V-6 is called the 3.8. Both come in versions optimized for racetrack driving, called 2.0T Track and 3.8 Track, which are the most expensive variants. The middle trim levels for each model are the 2.0T Premium and the 3.8 Grand Touring.

Hyundai has a a tuner-focused R-Spec model that has the Track components but fewer features, for about $3,000 less.

Onlookers might mistake the Genesis coupe for another model — but likely not the Genesis sedan. The coupe has sleek lines, and the projector-beam headlights flank a small upper grille that's marked with the Hyundai badge, unlike the sedan. The standard wheels are 18-inch alloys with Bridgestone Potenza high-performance all-season tires. Track versions get 19-inch gunmetal-finish wheels and Bridgestone Potenza summer performance tires. Peer through the spokes, and you'll see red Brembo-branded four-piston calipers, front and rear. The other trim levels have more modest-looking, single-piston calipers and smaller brake discs.

All but the Track come with an unadorned trunklid; the Track has a wing spoiler that's not too large or extreme. Hyundai says this component can't be deleted from the Track or added to other trim levels, but a more subtle lip spoiler will become a port- or dealer-installed option. The R-Spec model also comes spoiler-free, but the lip and wing spoilers will be optional.

Power side mirrors are standard, but only the higher of the 3.8 trim levels get heated versions with turn-signal lights.

Though it's not as luxurious as the sedan, the Genesis coupe has comparable blue-backlit gauges, pleasant materials and upscale touches, like a leather-wrapped shift knob and a steering wheel with stereo and cruise-control buttons. The standard sport seats are manual; for power and leather you have to upgrade to a higher trim level, which also brings keyless entry and start, a premium stereo and a moonroof. Seat color and design choices vary among the different trim levels.

The coupe is a "2+2," which means two front seats and two small rear seats that are best left for children or parcels.

The Genesis coupe's base engine, not offered on the sedan, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 210 horsepower. Its EPA city mileage rating is 21 mpg, and its highway number is an impressive 30 mpg. The upgraded engine is a version of the sedan's base 3.8-liter V-6, but tuned for higher output: 306 hp vs. 290 hp. Hyundai claims a 0-60 mph time of less than 6 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard. Optional automatics include a five-speed for the 2.0T and a six-speed for the 3.8, both of which include steering-wheel shift paddles. A limited-slip differential comes only on the Track and upcoming R-Spec, but an electronic stability system with traction control is standard on all Genesis models.

The four-wheel independent suspension employs stabilizer bars, front and rear. The Track model has larger bars, along with firmer springs and shock absorbers.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard, and the Track replaces the lesser trim levels' single-piston brake calipers with four-piston Brembo-brand calipers and larger rotors.

Standard safety features include front airbags and side curtain airbags, supplemented by side-impact airbags for the front seats. Antilock brakes with brake assist, an electronic stability system and active front-seat head restraints are standard. A sonar backup-warning system is optional.

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2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover SUV.  The 2010 Santa Fe no longer offers a third-row seat.  This year brings changes to the Santa Fe's interior, exterior and drivetrains, including improved mileage.

The Santa Fe has three trim levels:  GLS, SE and Limited.

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe has updated the grille, bumpers, fog lights and body side moldings. The wheels are also new, in 17- and 18-inch sizes.

Roof rails are standard; the cross-bars come standard on the SE and Limited trim levels. The Limited trim adds chrome accents to the door handles.

The third-row option may be gone, but a number of popular entertainment features have been added for 2010 as standard equipment. In addition to an MP3 jack, all Santa Fes now have a USB iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity and audio controls on the steering wheel.

The seating surfaces have been upgraded for 2010, as has the available faux-wood trim, according to Hyundai. A power driver's seat comes on the SE trim level, and heated leather comes on the Limited, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, HomeLink and more.

The 2010 Santa Fe gets two new engines: A base 2.4-liter four-cylinder replaces a 2.7-liter V-6, providing quicker acceleration and better gas mileage. The upgrade engine is a 3.5-liter V-6, replacing a 3.3-liter V-6. The base transmission in the four-cylinder GLS is a manual, which is rare in this class. Both it and the automatic transmission, which is standard with the V-6, are six-speeds. Hyundai says both engines with automatic transmissions improve upon their predecessors in combined city/highway driving.

All-wheel drive is an option on all three trim levels, but it comes only with the automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe's airbag complement includes the required frontal and side-impact airbags for the front seats, as well as curtain airbags that cover the side windows along the front and rear seats. New for 2010 are rollover sensors that will deploy the side curtain airbags if a rollover occurs. Antilock disc brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control are standard, as are active head restraints for the front seats.

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2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has been redesigned and is now using a different, longer platform than the 2009 model.

The Tucson comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, but 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are available. A rear spoiler is standard and a panoramic moonroof is optional.

The Hyundai Tucson come standard with power windows, folding side mirrors and remote keyless entry. There are also 12-volt power outlets in the front of the cabin and the cargo area, an armrest storage bin, map pockets and a flip-down rear armrest with cupholders.

Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls are options. Base GLS trim levels have cloth seats while the top-of-the-line Limited gets leather upholstery and heated front seats.

The Tucson is powered by a 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered.

Gas mileage for the front-drive model with the optional automatic transmission is 23/31 mpg city/highway; with the standard manual transmission it drops slightly to 22/30 mpg, and the all-wheel-drive automatic model gets 21/28 mpg.

There's a standard electronic stability system with traction control, six airbags including side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, active front head 

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