The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was one of the worst kept secrets of the New York Auto Show and even with all the advance notice we still can’t decide if we like the design or hate it with a passion. The Hybrid Sonata has some rather obvious external design cues from the Mercedes line-up (look at the side profile and you’ll see what I mean) and that front grill could clear snow from the streets of all of Cleveland. So far we can all agree that we don’t quite like it and we don’t quite hate it. Not really the best place for a car to be but the team at Hyundai have produced much, much worse cars in the past.

The Sonata Hybrid features the 2.4-litre Theta II engine (169hp at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm) running in parallel with a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor and offers both full electric drive mode and hybrid drive mode (for long distance and highway driving). With fuel economy set to be around 38 mpg (combined) the Sonata is a big step in the right direction and should help setting the bar for those that hope to compete with the Prius, Volt and Fusion Hybrids.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Specifications

Engine – 2.4 litre/Gasoline

Power – 169 hp (gas) + 30 kw (electric)

Economy – 38 mpg (combined/projected)

Battery System – Lithium-phosphate

Price – YTBA

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Via The Truth About Cars