Named after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the H2USA partnership brings together government agencies, gas suppliers, the hydrogen and fuel cell industries and automakers including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

While American automakers and private industry have made significant progress, H2USA will bring experts together to solve key infrastructure challenges, including leveraging low-cost natural gas resources.

Through the program, industry and government partners will identify actions to encourage early adopters of fuel cell electric vehicles, conduct coordinated technical and market analysis, and evaluate alternative fueling infrastructure that can enable cost reductions and economies of scale.

“Fuel cell technologies are an important part of an all-of-the-above approach to diversify America’s transportation sector, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our competitiveness in the global market,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson in the Energy Department’s press release. “By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H2USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options.”

Hyundai is currently making a fuel-cell-powered version of the Tucson with the goal of selling 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch the next-generation Tucson and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

“Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell program is an integral part of our plan to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gil Castillo, senior group manager, alternative vehicle strategy, Hyundai Motor America. “Our partnership with the Energy Department and H2USA is another way Hyundai is striving to meet the critical social needs for both mobility and environmental preservation.”

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The winner, to be selected among this group, will be announced Friday, April 12 at the Green Living Show, in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

The finalists were selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada from a variety of environmentally advanced vehicles nominated by their manufacturers.

The finalists include a plug-in hybrid, three conventional hybrids and a highly efficient internal combustion vehicle.

The finalists are:

- Ford C-MAX Energi

- Ford Fusion Hybrid

- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

- Mazda3

- Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid

The award, presented by AJAC and Green Living Enterprises, which hosts the annual show, has been launched to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.

“The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving,” said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC’s Green Car Award steering committee.

The competition placed heavy emphasis on fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle – for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials – and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations.  Equally important, it assessed market potential – factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.

“Driving is the most energy-intensive action most people do every day; our hope is this award will shine a light on how folks can improve their health, their planet and their monthly fuel bills, if they have to use a car,” said committee member Michael Bettencourt.

Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

“After all, a car loaded with ‘green’ features will make a difference only if it sells in large numbers and supplants lesser models,” Gorrie said. “While EVs represent impressive technology that focus might have prevented the four battery-electric nominees from making the final five.”

The association said the award ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m., Friday April 12 at the Green Living Show’s main stage.

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Considered by Hyundai as the world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell will be made available throughout 2013 to members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and other policymakers for test drives in Brussels, Belgium.

Hyundai Motor was awarded its first leasing contract for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car by the FCH JU in October 2011.  Over the course of 2012, the ix35 Fuel Cell was presented to EU decision-makers, stakeholders and the general public at a number of demonstration drives and public events in Brussels and other locations across Europe.

“We are delighted that the FCH JU has chosen the ix35 Fuel Cell as its European demonstration vehicle and look forward to working with them to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology,” said B.K. Rim, president of Hyundai Motor Europe. “We are sure that the leading policymakers and opinion-formers who drive this remarkable vehicle will find its ability to deliver performance and comfort without compromising its eco-friendly nature with tailpipe emissions highly compelling.”

Using Hyundai’s proprietary technology, the ix35 Fuel Cell’s fuel cell stack converts hydrogen into electricity, which is then used to power the vehicle’s motor.  The only emission generated is water.

Hyundai said the ix35 Fuel Cell can be refueled with hydrogen in a few minutes.  It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 100 mph and can travel 369 miles on a single tank.

According to the Korean company, the ix35 Fuel Cell is the result of 14 years and several hundred million of dollars of research by hundreds of engineers at Hyundai Eco Technology Research Institutein in Mabuk, Korea.  The car has logged more than 3 million kilometers (1.8 million miles) of road tests in real-world conditions in Europe, Korea and the U.S.

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The ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle is based on Hyundai’s popular ix35, C-segment SUV, known in North America as the Tucson.

“With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is leading the way into the zero-emissions future,” said Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman, Eok Jo Kim. “The ix35 Fuel Cell is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.”

The ix35 Fuel Cell produced today will be one of 17 destined for fleet customers in the City of Copenhagen, Denmark and Skåne, Sweden.

The Municipality of Copenhagen, as part of its initiative to be carbon-free by 2025, will be supplied with 15 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles for fleet use, according to an agreement that was announced in September 2012.  Two ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles will be supplied to Skåne, Sweden.

“Assembly-line production of fuel cell vehicles marks a crucial milestone in the history of the automobile industry not just in Korea, but throughout the world,” said Mang Woo Park, mayor of Ulsan city. “By supplying more hydrogen refueling stations to support the eco-friendly fuel cell vehicles produced, we will make Ulsan the landmark for eco-friendly automobiles.”

Hyundai said it plans to build 1,000 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe, where the European Union has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fueling stations.

According to Hyundai, the strategy of leading automakers in Europe and the U.S. is to supply hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and establish refueling stations in order to prepare the market for mass production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

After 2015, with lowered vehicle production costs and further developed hydrogen infrastructure, Hyundai will begin manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for consumer retail sales.

Built with proprietary technology, Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen. A fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle’s motor. The only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is water.

Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell boasts drivability and performance similar to that of the gas-powered ix35.

Modularization of fuel cell systems for the core part of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – fuel cell stack, driving device and inverter –  enabled the engine to be downsized to match the size of a gas engine while improving productivity and making maintenance more convenient.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is considered by the Korean company as the halo vehicle in Hyundai’s Blue Drive sub-brand, the badge worn by Hyundai’s cleanest vehicles, including the Sonata Hybrid, i20 Blue Drive and BlueOn, Hyundai’s battery-powered i10.

The ix35 Fuel Cell can be refueled with hydrogen in a few minutes. It accelerates from zero to 100 kilometer per hour (62 mph) in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 160 kilometer per hour (100 mph) and can travel 594 kilometers (369 miles) on before refueling.

The first ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle to roll off the assembly line is currently being shipped in order to be displayed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next week.

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Between them, the companies have designated more than $412 million as compensation to those customers with one of the dozens of models involved in the reimbursement program set up by the two companies.

In November of last year the car manufacturers acknowledged to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that procedural errors at the automakers’ joint testing operations in Korea led to incorrect fuel economy ratings for select vehicles.

Automotive News has recently reported that an official with Kia has said the brand is allotting about 200 billion Korean won (approximately $187 million) for U.S. customers with affected Kia models, while Hyundai has said it will spend 240 billion won ($225 million) to compensate its customers.

Following the discovery of the mislabeled EPA fuel economy ratings last autumn the companies were quick to establish a reimbursement program for consumers. Hyundai officials have said that reimbursement would continue for as long the original owner has the vehicle.

Despite the brands’ seemingly contrite actions to quickly rectify the issue, a civil suit was filed against them.

Ford has recently come under similar scrutiny for allegedly overstating the fuel economy of its C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid.

In December Consumer Reports said that it was not able to get either car to reach the 47 mpg combined fuel economy rating that Ford says each car is capable of meeting. As with the Hyundai/Kia situation, the Ford mpg claims caught the attention of the EPA. And like the Korean automakers Ford is now embroiled in class-action lawsuit.

While the automakers for now are understandably bearing the brunt of the backlash, the EPA’s fuel economy testing procedures for hybrid vehicles have come under fire by some for not accurately assessing how a hybrid’s engine can effectively give an artificial boost to fuel economy numbers.

As Consumer Reports notes, Ford’s system can operate in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph. That ability, says CR, can greatly improve fuel economy in the EPA highway cycle, since most of the government’s simulated driving test measures gasoline used while driving at lower speeds.

According to a Bloomberg report Ford’s product development chief, Raj Nair, has said that Ford continues “to work closely with the EPA to determine whether the industry testing procedure needs changes for hybrid vehicle testing.”

Automotive News

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Which is the other reliable source for vehicle fuel efficiency testing according to Krafcik? Consumer Reports.

“They’re damn good. No one is better in the industry,” Krafcik recently told Automobile magazine. The auto enthusiast publication says that Hyundai recently compared EPA and Consumer Reports fuel economy figures for every automotive brand.

The CEO said that with the exception of Honda, no other major automaker “had a better correlation between the EPA combined and Consumer Reports combined” than Hyundai.

In the same interview Krafcik also said that Hyundai is committed to becoming the first mass-producer of a fuel-cell car. The chief executive was so bold as to say that fuel cell technology is “more viable than EV over the long term,” and that electric vehicles seem like a “stepping stone” to fuel cell cars.

In 2012 Hyundai announced from London that it expected to roll out the fuel cell variant of the brand’s compact crossover, the Tucson, by later that year. Motor Trend is confirming previous projections by Hyundai’s European arm that it’s projecting sales of 1,000 fuel cell Tucsons, but now for 2015, and primarily for corporate fleets in the European market.

After 2015, it will be made available for private buyers, at a projected $52,000, according to Motor Trend.

Automobile

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If you do a quick Google search, you will find a number of “2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid” reviews, but if they were written before Feb. 21, do not believe them. Those were all written or videoed based on the 2012 and under the assumption that the 2012 would carry forth unchanged into 2013.

In fact, the car was updated significantly, as we originally reported it was in process of being in the second week of February. Hyundai had not issued a press release of its intentions, but we found out by directly contacting Hyundai, so this info is accurate based on its latest press release for the now-updated car.

New Sonata Hybrids

After holding back its release until tweaking a host of details, Hyundai has announced the specifics of its upgraded 2013 Sonata Hybrid and these center around mpg-boosting changes to its powertrain.

The Sonata Hybrid will now come in two versions instead of one trim level, both boasting a more-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with the electrified side featuring much higher-output LG Chem lithium-polymer batteries along with higher electric motor output.

Their EPA efficiency estimates have been bumped accordingly. The base Sonata Hybrid sees its city figure increase from a previous 34 mpg to 36 mpg for the 2013, and highway mpg goes up from 39 to 40 for the 2013, and combined, the estimate is up from 36 to 38 mpg for the 2013. The Hybrid Limited will offer 36/40/37.

In recent months, Hyundai – and sister company Kia whose Optima Hybrid relies on the same powertrain but hasn’t released details yet on what will likely be the same upgrades – have caught some negative publicity over these cars.

They downgraded the 2012s by 1 mpg on their EPA estimates, and set up a fund to compensate owners who felt they had been over promised but under delivered.

In question now is whether, having been chastened by its lessons, and sending the Sonata Hybrid – and presumably Kia Optima Hybrid to follow – back to the drawing board, these cars may possibly under promise but over deliver.

The MPG advertising number game is a big part of the marketing for these cars, and Ford was similarly caught short with its “47 mpg” Fusion Hybrid, while Toyota’s Camry Hybrid is more on-target with its advertised numbers.

Powertrain

The Hybrid Blue Drive system in the Sonata Hybrid gets better mileage by relying on electric drive mode more often, including on the highway. This was accomplished by bumping up the battery discharge power significantly from 34 kw to 47 kw – or 5.3 amp-hours capacity. The new pack is also smaller, and lighter – 92.4 pounds to 87.8 pounds – thus liberating some trunk space – up from 10.7 cubic feet to 12.1. Further, Hyundai increased the Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) from 8.5 kW to 10.5 kW of capacity to provide more charging capacity and, in turn, seamless electric starts.

The engineers, having more juice on tap, then turned up the electric motor output from 30 kw to 35 kw. An optimized hybrid operating strategy lets the clutch decouple the gasoline engine from the drivetrain and depending on battery state of charge, the electric motor takes over.

This is common hybrid opeating strategy, but Hyundai says its optimized system lets all-electric drive happen more often, and when when in pure electric drive, the Sonata Hybrid can drive electrically up to 75 miles per hour.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited.

This is not to be confused with the capabilities of plug-in hybrids like the Ford Fusion Energi which can operate in series hybrid mode more often still. But the Sonata Hybrid’s HSG is used primarily to improve clutch engagement when synchronizing engine to transmission speed. Coupled to the transmission is the primary traction motor which cannot be used to charge the hybrid battery when the car is stationary. If the battery state of charge is low and the car is stationary, the HSG will automatically restart the engine, which then charges the lithium polymer battery pack – an energy storage technology Hyundai was one of the first to market with for production vehicles.

When the driver releases the brake and presses the accelerator, the Sonata Hybrid will pull away smoothly and silently in electric drive mode with the clutch still disengaged, Hyundai says. In this mode, the Sonata will briefly behave like a series hybrid. Once the car is in motion and torque demand increases, the clutch will engage and send engine tractive effort through the transmission again.

System power for the now Atkinson cycle engine and more powerful motor remains at 206 horsepower peak. A compact six speed automatic transmission is retained, and this is unique compared to more-common CVT transmissions in hybrids. Hyundai has positioned these cars with un-hybrid-like styling, at least in a traditionally held sense, and has said it wants to show these as fun to drive as well.

Hyundai notes also improvements to drivability by improved hybrid system clutch control, improved vehicle response by throttle tuning, optimized regenerative braking shift pattern, and decreased friction in the compact six-speed automatic transmission

Sleeker than a Prius

While the body design has not changed, Hyundai says small tweaks to the exterior over the regular gas-powered Sonata give the Hybrids a coefficient of drag of 0.24. The Toyota Prius is 0.25, and while not a huge difference, the Sonata sedan is postured as more sporty, and its cd actually beats that of cars like a Nissan GT-R (0.27) and Porsche 911 GT2 (0.34) – not that its engine output, suspension and brakes are equal to these fire-breathers, but the aerodynamics for what is otherwise a family car are noteworthy.

The Sonata Hybrid will sticker for $25,650, excluding $795 freight charge and is no stripped model. It includes features like power windows, locks, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer, LED headlight accents and tail lights, electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision), 4.2-inch color TFT multifunction trip computer with hybrid technology display, and dual automatic temperature control.

The Sonata Hybrid Limited MSRP is $30,550, excluding $795 freight charge and gets the following upgrades as standard:

• 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish (up from 16-inch on base)
• Leather seating surfaces
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
• Heated rear seats
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
• Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
• Rear backup camera
• Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt)
• HD Radio® Technology with multicasting
• SiriusXM® NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial
• Auto-dimming mirror/HomeLink®/Compass
• Premium door sill plates

A Panoramic Sunroof Package is also available on the Limited for $1,000 additional.

2013 Sonata Hybrid Limited.

The cars come with a limited lifetime battery warranty and 10-year powertrain warranty and Hyundai notes its cutting-edge lithium-polymer cells developed with LG Chem are part of the reason it stands behind them. These use a manganese-spinel chemistry said to provide an excellent compromise between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability. Hyundai says its cells have much lower expansion rates thus abling them to go through tens-of-thousands of charge cycles without risk of cracking as is the case with other li-ion technologies, and without having to use a heavier, liquid-cooling system.

Under promised?

We pressed Hyundai for details as to whether these specs add up to more than the conservative upticks in EPA estimates suggest. The last time Hyundai was accused of overpromising, it fully admitted its overstepping the bounds, and immediately got busy updating the cars to make good in full.

So, given the serious attempts at demonstrating an about-face and market competitiveness, we asked whether instead of overstating mileage its self-certification for EPA numbers might be holding back a little in a more conservative stance?

Hyundai would not directly answer this pointed question, but Senior Manager, Midwest Product Public Relations Miles Johnson merely said, “All I can say is I can’t wait for you to drive it.”

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Hyundai has been ordered by the National Transportation Safety Administration to recall and replace center rear seat belts in 14,728 Sonata Hybrids made between 2011 and 2012, but Hyundai is filing for an exemption.

The Korean automaker has fixed the issue believed to be a safety concern for 1,633 Sonata Hybrids in its possession, but for 13,095 already out the door and over the curb, Hyundai says there is no real safety risk and it’s resisting the recall order.

In question, AutoGuide reports, is whether the seatbelts on cars already sold violate U.S. safety rules prohibiting “a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at the lower anchorage point.”

Next step is NHTSA will review the appeal. If Hyundai’s request is denied it will be required to contact Sonata Hybrid owners to bring their cars in.

If you have one of these vehicles, and are in doubt whether you’ll miss a possible notification, NHTSA has an online sign up page to make sure you are told.

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When we first reviewed the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we noted it was taking direct aim at the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid, the two most popular mid-size hybrid sedans, and said, “Keep your eye on the new kid on the hybrid block.”

We weren’t wrong, the Sonata Hybrid kicked butt. After its first three months on the market, the newbie established itself as the second best selling gas-electric in the United States, trailing only the indomitable Toyota Prius, a position it maintained through the end of 2011.

The Sonata Hybrid’s meteoric rise on the hybrid sales chart wasn’t just about the car’s EPA fuel economy rating of 35 city/40 highway and 37 combined – there were seven other hybrid cars with higher ratings. Buyers were also enticed by the Sonata’s eye-riveting styling and tech-rich standard equipment at a price that was difficult to pass up.

For 2012, the Sonata Hybrid reprises the 2011’s exterior and interior styling, but adds Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system as standard and offers an optional Leather package ($1,500). The 2012 Sonata Hybrid is available in just one trim level and has a base price of $25,850, a $55 price bump from the 2011 model.

Balancing Highway and City MPG

Hyundai went its own direction on hybrid technology by developing original proprietary hybrid architecture to reduce weight and to improve highway fuel economy.

Unlike hybrid systems from Ford and Toyota, the Hyundai system does not use a continuously variable transmission with integrated electric motors and generators. Instead, Hyundai employed its new six-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor that takes the place of the torque converter. What’s the difference? It means that Hyundai is trying to address the common complaint that hybrids are boring to drive – and provide credible mileage for city driving conditions while delivering top-tier fuel economy for highway driving.

The full hybrid architecture allows the vehicle to operate on an electric motor only, a gasoline internal combustion engine only, or a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. It also saves gas by automatically shutting off the gas engine when the car is stopped. The approach also results in a total combined gas-electric output of 206 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. No direct rival has more horsepower, though competitors don’t list torque figures.

Like nearly all hybrid vehicle gasoline engines, the Sonata Hybrid’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is recalibrated to run on the Atkinson cycle, a method of improving engine efficiency. While a fair amount of low-end torque is relinquished with the Atkinson conversion, it is made up by the additional torque from the electric motor.

The Toyota Prius Liftback, with its combined 50-mpg rating, is still way ahead of the pack on both highway and city efficiency numbers – but shoppers are more likely to put the Sonata Hybrid in the larger mid-size sedan (with trunk) category along with the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

Lithium Polymer Batteries and Lighter Weight

Hybrid critics have complained that the need to tote heavy batteries means one step forward and two steps back. Hyundai deals with that issue by using lightweight lithium polymer batteries. The lighter batteries and other weight reductions make the Sonata Hybrid the lightest vehicle in the segment, at just 3,457 pounds – 263 pounds lighter than the Fusion Hybrid. Combined with Sonata’s best-in-class horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in power-to-weight ratio.

The Sonata Hybrid’s 1.4 kilowatt-hour pack battery pack weighs just 95.9 pounds versus the Camry Hybrid’s 123.9 pounds. The compact battery pack resides in the forward portion of the trunk to maximize cargo space. Compared Lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 20 to 30 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickel metal hydride batteries found in today’s hybrids.

Slick and Slippery

When the all-new 2011 Sonata arrived, Hyundai called the eye-catching design “Fluidic Sculpture” and said it’s intended to “create the illusion of constant motion.” Its headlamps sweep out of a bold front fascia and well back into the front fenders. The “beltline,” the space that separates the body from the glass, is stylishly high and is accented by a chrome strip the length of the car. A radically raked windshield draws the eyes to a gracefully arched roof that gives the car a “four-door coupe” profile, a cue from European luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

With the Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai put form in service of function – better aerodynamics. The most dramatic design flair is an all-new front fascia featuring a vastly enlarged darkened grille flanked by anthropomorphic lizard-eye headlights. New wheels and extended rocker panels improve airflow across the flanks. In the back, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to minimize drag. These changes drop the hybrid’s drag coefficient from the standard Sonata’s already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25 – matching the Toyota Prius Liftback’s number.

Inside, the dashboard is fashioned in a sports car, dual-cockpit theme with arched sections separated by a gracefully slopped center console. Between the analog gauges a liquid-crystal display fosters economical driving. The interior is a couple ticks above what is expected in a mid-size family car, intelligently crafted from expensive looking materials and smartly laid out. Rear seating is spacious with more than adequate headroom considering the coupe-like roof. The 10.7 cubic feet of trunk volume is nearly three cubic feet less than the 2012 Camry Hybrid and, unlike the Camry, the rear seat does not fold for additional cargo room.

The 2012 Sonata Hybrid continues Hyundai’s knack of creating strong showroom appeal by including hot-button features as standard. These include Hyundai’s Blue Link safety, service, and infotainment telematics system as well as Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone linking, and satellite radio. Add to the list an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface for iPods and other digital media, plus a steering wheel fitted with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls.

Remote keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, dual automatic climate control and a tilt/telescope steering wheel are also standard. An optional Ultimate Package ($5,500) includes the Leather Package plus a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, backup camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.

On The Road

The Sonata Hybrid is notably quiet for a hybrid, holding off not only the sound of its own engine, but also blocking out the noise from tires and other vehicles, even on the coarsest of roads. As for handling, the car has balanced agility and the suspension keeps everything secure and stable in corners and emergency maneuvers.

My favorite aspect of the Sonata’s road manners is its responsive steering. It has a quick and precise feeling, is balanced and firm, but never twitchy.

The Sonata Hybrid can be motivated by the electric motor up to 62 mph and it isn’t difficult to drive at speeds of around 40 or 50 mph for a couple of miles before the gas engine kicks in. On the highway, mash the throttle to overtake a slower vehicle and the six-speed transmission winds nicely toward top rpm, shifting each time somewhere around 6,000 rpm, when the full tug of torque seems ready to run out.

So it would seem that Hyundai’s goal of using a conventional transmission instead of CVT to achieve a driving experience that closely parallels a conventional car was accomplished. And indeed, on the Interstate and highways it does. But on city streets and urban driving, where between 40 and 50 percent of driving occurs, it misfires. From a stop, the hybrid system always rolls off in electric mode. Around 15 mph the gasoline engine starts up with a harsh jolt and transmission shifts in lower gears are often hesitant. This calamity is quite off-putting and could be a deal breaker for some buyers.

Economics

The Sonata Hybrid made quite a splash in 2011, and deservedly so. Its fuel economy numbers were better than the Camry Hybrid and the Sonata and Fusion Hybrid were nearly identical, but with highway and city numbers swapped. It also boasted a lower price than those mid-size hybrids: $1,250 less than the Camry, $2,805 less than the Fusion. Add to that the stunning design and standard high-tech features and the Sonata had a winning formula that made it the number two selling hybrid vehicle in 2011.

But things have changed. Last fall Toyota rolled out an all-new 2012 Camry Hybrid. The 2012 edition demonstrates Toyota’s expertise in gasoline-electric hybrid technology, delivering a 43 city/39 highway mpg EPA fuel economy rating, numbers that handily best the 2012 Sonata. And while the Camry’s styling leans toward pedestrian compared to the Sonata, its base price of $25,900 is just $50 more than the Hyundai.

That’s not all. This fall Ford will begin selling an all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid. Its fuel economy ratings are an expected 47 city/44 highway, numbers that are getting close to the indomitable Prius Liftback. Plus, it is blessed with the styling of the gasoline-powered Fusion that auto critics are calling the best-looking mid-size car, bar none.

But wait, the 2012 Sonata Hybrid offers something the others don’t – Hyundai’s warranty that the carmaker promotes as America’s best. Basic coverage is 5-years/60,000-miles bumper-to-bumper and 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain. Owners also receive 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for 5-years/unlimited mileage. Then there’s the warranty knockout punch – the Lifetime Hybrid Battery Guarantee. If the lithium polymer battery fails, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs of the old battery pack free of charge to the original owner.

That’s impressive and just one more reason why the Sonata Hybrid could again snag the number two spot on the hybrid sales chart at the end of this year.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.>

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“The Sonata Hybrid is a disappointment, but it’s also an exception,” said Consumer Reports’ Rick Paul to ABC News. “Overall, we’ve seen real improvement with new Hyundais. They generally perform well and provide good value for the money.” So what did the publication find wrong with the Sonata Hybrid?

One of the main complaints was that the car doesn’t provide a smooth transition between gas and electric drive. Unlike many other hybrids with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), the Sonata sports a six-speed automatic, with its lithium-ion-powered electric power taking the place of a torque converter in the powertrain. This configuration allows Hyundai to cut costs and emphasize highway fuel economy where most hybrids perform better in the city. Some reviewers have even noted that the Sonata hybrid is more fun to drive than it’s CVT-driven competitors, but apparently its not for everyone.

Consumer Reports also found fault with the Sonata’s low-rolling resistance tires, which it says diminish the car’s handling and increase its breaking distance. The standard Sonata—which comes without low-rolling resistance tires—gets 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 28 mpg under the EPA test cycle. According to Consumer Reports’ own fuel economy tests, the overall rating that car comes in slightly lower at 27 mpg.

For the Sonata Hybrid, the gap between the EPA and Consumer Reports fuel economy measures was significantly greater. Where the car is officially rated at 35 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined, Consumer Reports testers pegged the car at a combined 33 mpg rating—6 mpg higher than the gas-only Sonata. That result doesn’t call into question the accuracy of the EPA number (the test cycle also netted a 44 mpg rating for the Toyota Prius—6 mpg less than the official rating,) rather it reflects a different expectation for how the car will actually be driven.

Whether you trust the EPA or Consumer Reports’ numbers, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid does represent a substantial efficiency improvement over its gas-only counterpart, and fans of the Sonata’s critically-acclaimed interior (particularly those who do a lot of highway driving,) should appreciate the offering—even if it does lurch a little as the gas engine gives way to the motor.

Hyundai can soon expect some stiff competition in the mid-size family hybrid sedan market, as Toyota prepares to release the redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid this December. The new gas-electric Camry is expected to receive a 43/39 mpg EPA fuel economy rating, with an MSRP nearly identical to the Sonata Hybrid.

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