Only a handful of cars really got critics’ motors running (so to speak) at last month’s L.A. Auto Show, but the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was one of them. Considering that a strong majority of the other cars on the list of best vehicles were luxury vehicles or concept cars, the fact that the Sonata could be so impressive yet so attainable means that not only was this a favorite among critics, it’s also going to be a favorite among consumers.

Kansas City Hyundai Sonata dealers are getting the new vehicles into their showrooms this month, and when they do they’ll be getting a sleek-looking vehicle with sharp lines and a design that makes the vehicle appear as though it’s whooshing through country air, even when it’s completely at rest. It packs a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, good enough for 198-200 horsepower.

In Kansas City, new car buyers may consider purchasing other vehicles in the class, like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but the Sonata is distinctive and luxurious enough to look like it belongs in a class with a Mercedes-Benz CLS or Volkswagen CC despite being priced more similarly to the first two vehicles. At 23/35 miles per gallon, this is also an especially fuel-efficient car, which in today’s economy is something consumers are finding more and more important.

Further, the new Sonata actually falls into the large-size sedan class (as does the new Accord) because it’s so roomy inside. Kansas City used Hyundai Sonata dealers can sell the older models at a cheaper clip, but they won’t be as spacious. Trunk size of this automobile is at the top of its competition in this class at 16.4 cubic feet. Yeah, it’s big.

As far as features are concerned, there will eventually be turbocharged (2.0-liter 4-cylinder) and hybrid versions of the new Sonata available later on in the year, but in the meantime there are plenty of other advantages in just buying the standard version. Every new Sonata has XM Satellite Radio, USB and iPod compatibility for the stereo system, and Bluetooth hookups. It’s an impressive vehicle all-around, which is why it was so beloved at the L.A. Auto Show. Soon, it can be just as beloved for American consumers.