Green Car Journal Names Hyundai Sonata 2016 Green Car Of The Year® Finalist
The Green Car Journal, which is considered the premier publication in the field of low-emission, alternative-fuel, and high efficiency automotive reporting, has named the new Hyundai Sonata as one of five finalists for its 2016 Green Car of the Year® award. The winner of the award, which honors fuel-efficient vehicles both for their engineering quality and the impact they’ve had on the larger automotive field, is selected from a diverse array of efficient traditional gas-piston, gas-electric hybrid, plug-in electric, hydrogen fuel cell electric, and other types of automobiles. It’s precisely because the Green Car of the Year finalists are vetted from a broad, industry-wide pool of models that it is considered to be one of the most prestigious recognitions in automotive reporting.
Though this year’s winner will be announced on November 19, which is the Los Angeles Motor Show’s second media day, the reasons why the Sonata, including its Sonata Eco, Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid trims, was picked have already been mentioned by the Green Car Journal.
“The 2016 Hyundai Sonata delivers what many buyers are seeking, a stylish and fun-to-drive car that offers varying options to go ‘green,” said Ron Cogan, the Green Car Journal’s editor and publisher. “Offering the Sonata in efficient gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices at approachable price points is an important strategy for encouraging cleaner and more efficient personal transportation on our highways.”
While the energy-efficient performance of each Sonata trim was a major reason for the nod from the Green Car Journal, the buyer-friendly price of the line was indeed one of the major aspects in the sedan’s favor. With a starting MSRP of $23,725 for the Sonata Eco, which can attain up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway, and $26,000 for the Sonata Hybrid SE, which has an EPA-estimated 40 city/44 highway mpg, the Sonata lineup easily fits into the average American family’s pocketbook, according to current economic data. Given that the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, which pairs a 50 kW/67 hp interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor with a 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder gas engine for a net power output of 202 horses, can also draw from a 360V lithium polymer battery system for up to 27 miles of pure electric operation at a 99 miles per gallon equivalent fuel efficiency, it’s also set to have a major influence on how America drives.
Availability in the mass-market was also a goal of Hyundai North America, as the Fountain Valley, California-based company plans on placing a heavy emphasis on its ecologically friendly Blue Drive® powertrain lineup, which includes the Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, through 2020.
“Our Sonata lineup shows how a mid-size sedan can effectively improve fuel efficiency for a large number of drivers while reducing more emissions, as our Sonata is sold in high volumes compared to other alternative-fuel vehicles,” said Mike O’Brien, Hyundai North America’s vice president of Product and Corporate Planning. “From the Sonata Eco to our all-new Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, all of our Sonatas feature unique design with advanced safety and convenience features that deliver outstanding fuel economy – all exceeding the needs of today’s eco-minded owner.”
The winner of the Green Car Journal’s 2016 Green Car of the Year® award is selected by a panel of judges who are involved in ecological efforts, engineering endeavors, and automotive public awareness. This year’s jury includes luminaries such as popular auto enthusiast Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, the President of Ocean Futures Society, and Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation.
While the winner won’t be announced until Nov. 19, individuals who are interested in both the environment and fuel savings can test drive the Hyundai Sonata at Rosen Hyundai at 771 South Randall Road in Algonquin, IL today. As we offer both new vehicle and service specials, our sales professionals and Hyundai-certified technicians are even able to provide the best purchase and maintenance values available. Call us at (888) 757-5628 to begin your personal journey with the fuel efficient, eco-friendly 2016 Hyundai Sonata.
