2008 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.

That's what I thought when I hopped in the beige Hyundai Sonata diesel.Nothing flamboyant, inspiring or exciting, just a conventional-shaped, four-door, mid-sized family vehicle that doesn't stand out from the crowd.You could easily mistake it for a Camry or many other mid-sized cars, even though the updated Sonata has a new face, revised lamp clusters, new alloys and more chrome.On close inspection, the build quality is perfect with close panel gaps and neat shut lines. The interior is also faultlessly constructed.Sit in the driver's seat and all the controls feel exactly where they should be. You could be sitting in any of a hundred other vehicles.It takes a nanosecond to work out how to operate the airconditioning, sound system, wipers, etc.Goldilocks would love the controls. They don't feel too stiff, nor too light. They feel just right.But turn the key in the ignition and the two-litre turbo-diesel engine clatters loudly. It's out of character for such an unassuming beige-coloured vehicle.While the diesel engine is on the noisy side at idle, it is soft-spoken once you get going. In fact, it is one of the quietest mid-sized sedans on the market.Out on the highway, the road, wind and engine noise are as low as in cars 10 times more expensive.I drove the four-seed automatic and six-speed manual SLX versions over a week.The manual was brilliant. A lovely slick-shifting box that felt light, but not flimsy, with a clutch feel to match.The auto was found wanting. It hunted around and flared, and there was a significant pause when you planted your foot. Yet you pay an extra $2000 for the auto privilege.Shame it doesn't come with the five-speed auto in the petrol model, but it is apparently unsuitable for the extra torque stresses of the diesel engine.I didn't have enough time nor distance to perform rigorous fuel economy comparisons, however the figures quoted by the factory (6L/100km for the manual and 7L/100km for the auto) seem a bit on the conservative side, especially for the manual.Certainly, if you are doing a lot of highway driving fuel consumption will be well below the quoted figures with the engine ticking over at 1800rpm in sixth at 100km/h.But you would have to do a lot of kilometres before the better economy of the more-expensive diesel fuel negated the extra $2500 list price for the car.The diesel engine has strong torque through the driving range for swift and confident overtaking, but lacks top-end zest.The brakes are strong, but the pedal is too squishy for my liking.Steering feels too light for Goldilocks' and our taste, while handling is fairly neutral unless pushed really hard into understeer.Interior comfort is ample for five big adults with plenty of legroom in the back, seats a little on the soft side and enough headroom for an airy cabin feel.The boot is flat-floored and spacious with a full-size spare under the carpeted floor.Like half the Hyundai fleet, it comes with full iPod and MP3 capability with a handy USB and auxiliary plug in the centre console.Even some luxury cars don't have this level of iPod compatibility.It's not only a luxury, but also a safety device as all controls can be operated off the steering wheel. No need to dangerously play around with your iPod.Yes, Goldilocks and the beige-suited man would be very happy in a Sonata diesel.Hyundai Sonata SLX dieselEngine: 2.0-litre i4 turbo-dieselPower: 110kW @ 3800rpmTorque: 305Nm @ 1800-2500rpmTransmission: 6-speed man, 4-speed auto (+ $2000)Economy: 6L/100km (manual), 7L/100km (auto)