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2014 Hyundai Sonata gets host of improvements, starts at $21,350*

Hyundai has announced improvements for the 2014 Sonata, as well as a price increase of $450 for the base GLS model, which has a MSRP of $21,350. That doesn't include the *$795 destination fee, which was increased by $20 for 2014. The most expensive Sonata, the Limited Turbo, starts at $28,650, also not including destination.
The new features are numerous, but only a fraction of them come standard on all Sonata models. The new standard features shared by the GLS, SE, SE 2.0T and Limited models include a refined grille design (which isn't too different from the 2013 model, if we're honest), HID headlights, LED taillights, a slightly revised rear fascia, Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and a tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). To improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), all Sonatas also get improved carpet, more foam in the A and B pillars and an additional dynamic damper.
Hyundai has added a rearview camera and blind spot mirror as standard equipment on SE and Limited Sonatas, and it's also offered on the GLS with the Popular Equipment Package. Blind spot detection also makes its debut on the Sonata, which is standard on Limited models and part of the Premium Package on SE models. The GLS isn't slated for a blind spot detection system.

Senator calling for answers from Hyundai and Kia over MPG debacle

Hyundai and Kia have already gone public with plans to make good on the inflated fuel economy claims scandal that has rocked both companies in recent weeks. But one US senator, Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), is skeptical that the general public will see much good from the proposal, and he's looking for answers.
To recap: Hyundai/Kia have agreed to compensate owners of 900,000 affected vehicles for real versus previously claimed fuel mileage (as well as adding in a one- fifteen-percent premium), by way of pre-loaded debit cards. It has been speculated that this payout could crest $100 million by the time the Korean automakers are done writing checks.
Said Rockefeller to The Detroit News, "While I believe this is a positive step, I am concerned that many affected customers may not learn about the program or may find it burdensome to participate in the program." Rockefeller would reportedly like to see a monitoring system for the paybacks more clearly defined, with the goal being as many wronged car buyers as possible getting the recompense that they're due.

Judge reduces damages in fatal Hyundai crash to $81M

Hyundai no longer has to pay $248 million as part of a court ruling from a fatal accident in Montana that killed two cousins in a 2005 Tiburon. The judge hearing the appeal revised the amount down to a total of about $81 million. She upheld the original $8.1 million in actual damages but reduced the punitive damages to $73 million from the previous $240 million.
According to Bloomberg, the judge refused Hyundai's desire to reduce the amount even further. She said in her court order that the company showed "an indifference to or reckless disregard of the health and safety of the motoring public."
In the original case, the families' attorneys alleged that the cracking of a faulty steering knuckle caused the fatal accident. Hyundai argued that fireworks had been let off inside the vehicle, which caused the driver to swerve and crash. In a statement released after the ruling, the automaker claimed that evidence supporting its defense was barred from the trial. According to Bloomberg, had the original amount of damages been upheld, it would have been the sixth-highest amount awarded by a jury in the US this year.