I noticed Donna's post about the poor design of the Optima's shifter and iPod cable. So I took a look at our Sonata to see if Hyundai did it any better. Sure enough, the Sonata's setup is ever so slightly improved, at least in my eyes.
For one, the shifter itself is slimmer, taller and has the button on the backside so it doesn't look so clunky. Also note that because our Sonata lacks the seat heater/cooler switches on the console, there's an extra slot to hold an iPhone after plugging it in. I don't remember the exact action of the lever in the Optima, but the shifter in the Sonata is light yet precise. In other words, a solid setup. Funny how two cars that are so alike can feel so different.
Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
ed124c says:
03:40 PM, 04/26/11
Quite a different approach. I guess I like the look of the Optima's setup better, but they both get the job done with an upscale look.
tjpark01 says:
06:39 PM, 04/26/11
Uh, that floormat is looking a bit problematic, you better take a look at it before we have a post about how you rear ended someone.
dg0472 says:
07:17 PM, 04/26/11
Yes, but remember the Sonata's pedal is bottom-hinged so it'd be unlikely the mat would actually trap the pedal.
hda6spmt says:
10:37 PM, 04/26/11
that shifter looks ripped off right from a 2002 mercedes c320...
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedans/0302_mercedes_benz_c320/problems.html
hda6spmt says:
10:38 PM, 04/26/11
that shifter looks ripped off right from a 2002 mercedes c320...
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedans/0302_mercedes_benz_c320/problems.html
kopee35 says:
08:23 AM, 04/27/11
@ hda6spmt are you actually that naive?
darex says:
10:16 AM, 04/27/11
A "precise" automatic transmission? Um...okay. (like it really matters!?).
Manumatic is a total gimmick. Does anyone really use it daily? I had it on my Suzuki Burgman 650. It was a toy to play with, but that's all.
I'm actually wondering if Hyundai has at last achieved a precise "manual transmission". It's not been their forte (pardon the pun) in the 3 Hyundais I've driven over the years. They were all vague and mushy. If they can't do it, they need to license one from someone.
ed124c says:
11:54 AM, 04/27/11
@darex: Boycott automatics and buy a Sonata with a nice 6 speed manual. It is cheaper than the auto, gets better mileage, is more fun to drive, and has all the goodies that any sensible person would need.
I am on a crusade against automatics that have a brain of their own which replaces the human factor in driving.
ryster says:
10:47 AM, 05/ 1/11
"Also note that because our Sonata lacks the seat heater/cooler switches on the console, there's an extra slot to hold an iPhone after plugging it in."
Even if your Sonata had the seat heater option, you would still have that "extra slot" to hold the phone.
The seat heater switches on the Sonata are on the console aft of the shifter (to the left of the rear most cup holder on the console.)
The Sonata also does not currently offer cooled seats.