Hyundai is an automaker committed to providing its customers with an unmatched car-owning experience. Drivers avoid experiencing the dreaded “buyer’s remorse” after they’ve purchased one of Hyundai’s vehicles, as the engineers have continually worked to design features and functions that improve the driver’s well-being. Specifically, the brand has focused on providing a variety of safety features, and they’ve also looked to improve each of their car’s emissions.
Hyundai’s dedication to customers isn’t especially common in the industry, making the company one of the most driver-friendly brands. To learn how Hyundai is committed to consumers (with a particular look at the 2016 Hyundai Sonata), continue reading below…
Automatic Emergency Braking
One of the Hyundai Sonata’s most notable safety features is the Automatic Emergency Braking. Relying on a radar system and a camera, the technology can determine when a collision seems all but inevitable. If the audible and visual warnings don’t provide the driver with enough time to react, the system can automatically manipulate the mechanics to slow down the vehicle. Ultimately, drivers can rely on full-stoppage power when they’re traveling from five to 50 miles per hour.
The brand has shown a particular commitment to this technology, touting it as a key future safety feature. The system will have a considerable impact on autonomous driving, and we already see similar functions in vehicles that include an autonomous cruise control.
“Providing effective safety technology is essential for our customers,” said Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “With all our new models, we are ushering in new standards for safety, featuring technology proven most effective in preventing accidents in the first place, and reducing injuries should an accident occur.”
This technology, along with innovative safety features like the Blind Spot Detection system (with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist) and the rear parking sensors, was a big reason why the 2016 Hyundai Sonata earned the highest possible five-star safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Occupant safety, above all other things, is the single most important factor when designing and engineering Hyundai vehicles,” said O’Brien. “Receiving this award, given the increasing demands of the test, is a testament to our emphasis on safety at every price point, and is a point of pride for every Hyundai associate.”
Thanks to the elaborate airbag system, which includes the innovative driver’s knee airbag, the Sonata was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“While the Sonata received the same TOP SAFETY PICK+ award in 2015, the vehicle’s structure was improved to raise the small overlap front ratings from acceptable to good,” said Adrian Lund, the IIHS President. “With a more rigorous test environment for 2016, receiving another TOP SAFETY PICK+ award acknowledges Hyundai’s commitment to occupant safety by consistently engineering strength and quality improvements into its vehicles.”
Counterfeit Parts
You’ll hopefully never run into this issue, but it’s certainly beneficial to be aware that it exists. There’s actually an extensive aftermarket industry for car parts, and while a large percentage of these products can be relied on, many are counterfeit. Each individual aspect of a Hyundai vehicle, including those in the Sonata, have been meticulously designed to fit within one specific nameplate. Professional engineers are designing these individual pieces, so while a counterfeit product may look the part, it won’t deliver the same functions and capabilities as the standard part.
“Counterfeit Hyundai parts have been a growing problem over the last 30 years,” said Frank Ferrara, the Executive Vice President of Customer Satisfaction at Hyundai Motor America. “Customers would see short-term savings after their vehicle was repaired, not even aware that non-Hyundai parts were used to bring these repair costs down. Short-term savings can have adverse long-term implications on the vehicle and passengers, which ultimately ends up costing more.”
As part of its commitment, Hyundai is trying to spread the word regarding these counterfeit parts. If drivers learn to avoid these unreliable businesses or products, we could ultimately see the slimy industry disappear altogether.
“Consumer awareness is essential to addressing this issue and Hyundai is willing to do its part,” Ferrara said. “The more people who understand the dangers behind using non-Hyundai components and see the benefits of purchasing original parts, the less likely they are to suffer severe consequences and lose value on their car. Safety and trust are paramount to our brand, which is why we are launching this campaign to encourage everyone to purchase original parts, every time.”
Green Car
The Sonata’s trio of engine options is known for power, and for good reason. The 2.4-lite engine is capable of producing 178 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque; the 1.6-liter turbo engine pumps out 178 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque; last, but not least, the 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo engine delivers an impressive 245 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque.
However, these engines should also be commended for their efficiency and environmental consciousness. The seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission on the 1.6-liter engine results in a 38 mile per gallon highway efficiency, while the 2.0-liter’s ability to gather energy from the exhaust helps the unit achieve a 32 mpg highway efficiency (the 2.4-liter engine delivers a 36 mpg highway fuel efficiency).
Meanwhile, the three different driving modes can adapt the vehicle to a driver’s preferred driving style. The ‘Eco’ mode allows the engine to cut back on emissions, for example.
“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, Editor and Publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “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.”
Hyundai has proven its commitment to customers in multiple ways. The variety of safety features, including the innovative autonomous braking, could actually help influence the entire industry. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s hunt for counterfeit parts should prevent customers from falling into these financial pitfalls, and the eco-friendly vehicles should improve everyone’s well-being.
If you truly want to see the brand’s full commitment, it’s best to check out the company’s premier mid-size car: the 2016 Hyundai Sonata.
