Rumson, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/14/2011 -- The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was a top finalist in the running to be named the 2011 North American Car of the Year at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 10, 2011, says Hyundai of St. Augustine.

Hyundai of St. Augustine, a Hyundai dealer in Jacksonville FL, is excited to announce that the Sonata was one of the top three vehicles being voted on.

Being selected as one of the three cars in the running for the American Car of the Year is a big honor, but with all the increased fuel economy, great new features and high safety ratings, the Jacksonville Hyundai dealership isn’t too surprised that car shoppers and journalists alike are enjoying the 2011 Sonata.

“It’s a breakthrough year in the automotive industry and it appears consumers and journalists alike see the 2011 Sonata as a breakthrough vehicle,” says Hyundai Motor America president and CEO, John Krafcik. “With about 200,000 Sonatas finding homes in America’s driveways this year, it appears we’ve created a bit of a sea-change in the family car segment.”

The Sonata went up against two brand new car models, the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, and placed between the two.

The top three cars were chosen by a jury of 49 independent automotive journalists, who evaluated all the new cars introduced this year and chose the top three to compete for the title. The cars were judged on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The winner was announced yesterday during the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Car shoppers looking for one of the top cars for the 2011 model year can find the 2011 Hyundai Sonata in Jacksonville at Hyundai of St. Augustine today.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata made some big changes and broke some of the characteristics traditionally seen in sedans. Instead of a V-6 engine option, the Hyundai Sonata is powered by an industry-first option of three high-tech, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines. The base engine runs on a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that uses gasoline direct injection to achieve 35 miles per gallon on the highway, and a class-leading 198 horsepower. Jacksonville Hyundai shoppers have the option of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers more power and a better fuel economy- 33 miles per gallon on the highway!

Hyundai of St. Augustine is also excited for the all-new Sonata Hybrid to arrive in January. The Sonata Hybrid achieves a segment-leading 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 35 in the city.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata received high marks in safety as well. The 2011 Sonata was the first mid-size sedan to meet NHTSA’s tough new 2011 crash test requirements with a 5-star result and was named a 2011 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

More information on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, available now at Hyundai of St. Augustine, contact the leading Hyundai dealer in Jacksonville at (888) 292-9681 or visit http://www.hyundaiofstaugustine.com.

About Hyundai of St Augustine:
Hyundai of St. Augustine is family owned and operated and proudly serves St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Orange Park, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach with high-quality, yet affordable Hyundai vehicles.
Hyundai of St. Augustine offers a tremendous selection of new and used Hyundai cars as well as an outstanding service center and parts department.

Contact Hyundai of St. Augustine:
2898 US Highway 1
St. Augustine, FL 32086
(888) 292-9681