Opinion Cars

Hyundai Sonata

Want turn-by-turn navigation? A Hyundai Blue Link operator will be happy to help you, and just like On Star, Blue Link provides automated emergency response in the event of a crash. Hyundai is clearly aiming Blue Link at the “connected generation”, since the feature set doesn’t stop there. Hyundai’s basic service, called “Assurance,” includes automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and a monthly vehicle report, for an annual fee of $79. There’s no comparable On Star package, since their entry-level Safe & Sound package includes a broader feature set.

Next up from Hyundai is the Assurance & Essentials package, which starts with the Assurance package and includes location sharing, voice text messaging, a smartphone app, remote door locking and unlocking, remote horn and lights, remote vehicle start, a service scheduling feature, remote diagnostics, maintenance alert, monthly vehicle diagnostic report, valet alert, geo-fence, speed alert, curfew (a time based alert), stolen vehicle recovery, panic notification and alarm notification, all for an annual fee of $179. On Star’s Directions & Connections package, their most comparable, charges $299 annually.

Look for Blue Link to be introduced on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, followed by the 2012 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai announced specifics about plans and pricing for its soon to be released Blue Link telematics package at the Telematics Update conference in Detroit. Assurance Package, $79/year, $139/2 years

Hyundai said on Thursday that its Blue Link system, the Korean automakers first vehicle telematics system, will be priced between $79-$279 for a one-year service agreement, undercutting Ford Sync and GMs On Star.

The basic Blue Link Assurance package bundles automatic collision notification and assistance, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and a monthly reporting of vehicle systems status. The up level Blue Link Guidance package includes such features as the eco coach and turn-by-turn navigation service.