2007 Hyundai Sonata Reviews

yundai Sonata is a medium to large South Korean car that hasn’t enjoyed the sales success of its smaller brothers.

There's no doubt about it, the Koreans are on the rise, and there's no better example of their emergence as carmakers on the world stage than the NF Hyundai Sonata released in 2005.  At the time of its launch it was universally praised by motoring writers who reported that it was a marked step forward from what Hyundai had previously been producing.The new NF Sonata delivered the things that Hyundai had built its reputation on, things like a long features list and a value-for-money deal, but it also delivered a level of refinement and quality that had been lacking in earlier models from the big Korean carmaker.MODEL WATCHHyundai made no bones about it, they were looking to Europe in their efforts to improve its cars, and it showed in the NF Sonata.  It had to, of course, if it was to win sales from respected cars like the Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi 380 and Mazda6, all of which had a proven track record.Bigger, better looking, with six airbags and a choice of four and six- cylinder engines there was plenty to like about the Sonata.It still offered good value-for-money, but unlike earlier models the new Sonata didn't rely on that alone. It was well built, refined and smooth, and drove well.  Beyond the attractive skin the cabin offered ample room for five adults, the seats were comfy soft, and the boot was generous.The four-cylinder engine option was a 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft all-alloy unit that pumped out a solid 118 kW at 5800 revs and 219 Nm at 4250 revs that provided adequate get up and go. For more zip there was the option of a 3.3-litre V6, also an all- alloy unit with double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.That achieved peaks of 173 kW at 6000 revs and 304 Nm at 3500 revs, just a smidgeon short of the Commodore's V6 engine at the time.  The V6 was dropped from the range in 2008, at the same time a 2.0- litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine was added to the list of engine choices in 2008 and that produced 110 kW and 305 Nm.Manual addicts were limited for choice in the Sonata range, as only the base four-cylinder model was available with the five-speed manual. All others had automatic transmissions.When the diesel arrived in 2008 it was available with either a six- speed manual or a four-speed auto. Final drive on all models was through the front wheels.Like its predecessors the Sonata was well equipped with all models boasting an enticing list of standard goodies. The base model had air, power windows, remote central locking and front fog lights, while the uprange Elite had leather trim, alloy wheels, a better sound system, an eight-way power driver's seat and reversing sensors.On the road the suspension tuning was something of a revelation, at least to most drivers who weren't interested in punting it along too hard when its weaknesses showed up. Otherwise it was smooth and comfortable, and most bumps were soaked up with ease, while the road holding and handling were competent.IN THE SHOPLike all cars from the Korean Peninsula the earlier Sonatas suffered from many and varied problems, but the NF substantially raised the bar and there are no serious problems that afflict it.  The improvement is no doubt due to more thorough development and improved build quality. The result is that buyers can do so with confidence.Even so, still look for a service record that can be verified and inspect for evidence of crash repairs.IN A CRASH With six airbags the Sonata was given a four-star rating by ANCAP in 2006.  All models had ABS antilock brakes and traction control, but prior to 2008 it was only the V6 models that boasted the active safety provided by electronic stability control. After that date all models had the important safety feature.UNDER THE PUMPThe four-cylinder Sonata, which was the popular choice, delivered around 10.0 L/100 km on average, the zippier V6 a little more at around 11.0 L/100 km.  Road testers at the time reported the V6 could average around 10.5 L/ 100 km.  The diesel would do 6.0-7.0 L/100 km depending on the transmission used.LOOK FORPleasant looks .Roomy cabin .Improved fit and finish .Economical engines .Smooth driveability .Good value-for-moneyTHE BOTTOM LINE Much-improved mid-sized Korean sedan with newfound refinement, smoothness, comfort and quality is well worth a look. 70/100Have you owned a Hyndai Sonata? Tell us your experience in the comments below.

It also marked a coming of age for Hyundai. Now that original look has been further refined in the 2008 Sonata, to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show (which opens today) and then to debut locally at the Melbourne Motor Show next March.Hyundai's designers were careful not to tamper too much with the car's looks. The bumpers, headlights and grille have been given a very subtle touch-up to give the car a more dynamic and taut stance. There are also new alloys and brightwork exterior trim. Inside, the dashboard has Lexus overtones with a tall centre console, alloy-look highlights and high-set audio and navigation controls.Along with the new dashboard and trim, music lovers will appreciate the addition of auxiliary input jacks to accommodate iPods and USB memory sticks. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for driver and front-seat passenger and the addition of high/low switches for the two front seat-warmers. Apart from the visual tweaks, the most important changes are found under the bonnet.The new Sonata will be the first model to get the second-generation Theta 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The Theta II lifts power from 118kW to 126kW, along with torque, which goes from 219Nm to 224Nm. The lift in power and torque does not come at the expense of fuel economy. Hyundai says the new 2.4 delivers better economy and lower emissions.The Theta engine was a joint-venture development between Hyundai and the then DaimlerChrysler. The engine is used in various Dodge and Chrysler models. Apart from the 2.4, the Lambda 3.3-litre V6 in the Elite also gets a power and torque lift, from 173kW to 178kW, while torque is up from 304Nm to 309Nm. A turbo-diesel Sonata may be added to the lineup.The 2.0-litre CRDi turbo-diesel, which is available in other markets, develops 110kW/314Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Hyundai is closely watching the take-up of the 1.6 CRDi engine in the new i30 before making a decision on a diesel.Meanwhile, unofficial images of the new rear-drive Tiburon coupe have popped up on automotive websites months before its Korean launch. The car is expected to go on sale in Korea in March and in other markets later in 2008.The picture shows the car next to a Ford Mustang, which Hyundai has obviously targeted as a competitor in North America.