Hyundai Sonata Reviews

Going back a few decades, the reaction was pretty much the same to the then new Japanese fare – "Jap crap" as it was known.It's a mindless, ill considered and rather costly response that is likely to see cars like Hyundai's new Sonata overlooked.Which begs the question, just what does it take to make the grade?Sonata is easily the best thing to come out of Korea since Hyundai started selling cars here in 1986.This the fifth generation Sonata is a quantum leap forward from the previous, competent but otherwise unexciting model.It's not perfect, mind you, but it's damn good.Our gatekeeper, George, a Beemer and family man, gives the car a score of 9.5 out of 10 in the looks department.By George he's right.Sonata is one slick looking piece of automotive machinery, reminiscent of Honda's Accord from the rear and not unlike the Euro or Commodore from the front.The V6, subject of our test, even gets a set of twin pipes.With Sonata, Hyundai has managed to lift the bar again, not just one notch but two or three.There's still room for improvement.It needs the services of a young, hip stylist to transform the interior into something a bit funkier, but the ground work is well and truly in place.The 3.3-litre V6 maximum is good for an impressive 173kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 304Nm at 3500rpm.Ask Hyundai and they'll tell you that's 32kW more than Camry, 18kW more than Magna and just 2kW shy of a Commodore.Let's just say it's got plenty of get up and go, especially hooked up to the brand new five- speed sequential auto.The equipment list is impressive, especially considering the $29,990 price tag.Six airbags are standard as are traction and electronic stability control.Build quality is first rate, ride is quiet and refined and there is a full size spare under the good-sized boot.Sonata seats five with adequate rear legroom, but for adults four would be a better fit.The velour trimmed seats themselves are flat and lifeless, and could do with some more contouring.Aussie Sonatas are fitted with firmer European spec suspension, with better German gas dampers and matched, firmer-rated coil springs, thicker stabiliser bars and firmer bushes front and rear.We felt the handling in our base GL model was compromised by the tyre and steel wheel package, which generates too much tyre noise and contributes to sloppy handling when pushed hard.GL gets 215/60 Hankooks while the Elite receives larger 17 inch 225/50 Dunlop SP Sports. 16 or 17 inch alloys like those on the Elite are dealer fit option.Hyundai claims fuel economy figures for the V6 of 10.1L/100km, but we felt it was a little thirsty, returning 14.6L/100km. 

Think Honda. Think Accord. And think more than just a couple of bright ideas.From the first look to the feel of the wheel and seats, the Sonata is more like a clone of the Accord than anything fresh that has emerged from Hyundai in the past.The Korean carmaker has even used double-wishbone front suspension, always a Honda trademark, in place of traditional MacPherson struts.But it does not matter. The new Sonata is big and roomy, gets along well, has a quality cabin and is fantastic value.It is already selling smartly and most of the people walking into Hyundai dealerships have no idea that the company's product development team has been peeking over the fence at Honda. And, to be honest, it's a good place to look.We saw Hyundai engineers measuring and comparing on the Honda stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago and the results of the benchmark work, as well as unique development in South Korea, is definitely showing in the company's new cars.The Elantra was one of the surprises of 2004, the Sonata is a hit in 2005 and we are confident that the all-new Excel early next year will be another winner.But back to the new NF-model Sonata. The new car is much better than anything in the past with the same name. It's bigger, better looking, there are six airbags and customers can choose a four-cylinder engine or a V6.It is still front-wheel drive, but with improved fully independent suspension, anti-skid four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control on the V6.Prices open at $25,490, the flagship Elite V6 still coming in at only $34,490, and the value alone points to big sales. It will make life difficult for all sorts of rivals, from the Toyota Camry and coming Mitsubishi 380 to a range of mid-level Japanese cars.Hyundai now says it is looking to Europe for its inspiration — well, Honda has the Accord Euro — and that's obvious in the sports suspension fitted for Australia."For those still holding outmoded perceptions of Hyundai, the new Sonata will change their mind," Hyundai Motor Australia chief executive B.G. Lee says."I think they will see its absolute excellence and competitiveness, even aside from its exceptional value for money."Even so, the Sonata is up against a tougher bunch than others in the Hyundai range.The Camry is a very good car, the old Magna is no dog, the Mazda6 is just plain impressive.ON THE ROADTHE new Sonata is impressive. No question. It looks good, it drives well and the quality is another step up on the Hyundai front.It is impossible to overlook the value story, but the new Sonata won't just sell for its sweet price. It has everything you expect from a serious contender in its class, from the engine choices and airbags to a better basic chassis.We spent our test time in the flagship Elite V6, which is not always the best way to assess a car, but all the basics are right. A shorter drive in the four-cylinder Sonata showed it is not short-changed in any way.From $25,490 — though few people will bother with a five-speed manual — it is a delightful dollar deal.The Elite 3.3 comes with plenty of fruit, from leather trim and an electric seat for the driver to the predictable electric assists, punchy CD sound and impressive airconditioning. But we also like the airbag protection and the traction control and stability program.The cabin is really roomy, too — more than enough space for five adults, with cushy front buckets, and still with a big boot in the back.It is easy to park and there is good visibility.The Sonata V6 has more than enough go for any job, yet still returned an impressive 10.3 litres per 100km during our trial.The five-speed auto shifts smoothly, kicks down promptly, and there is a touch-change manual mode when you're in the mood. But . . . and here it comes: Hyundai says the Sonata has European sports suspension but to us, it feels all wrong.The car flops around yet also feels like the tyres are pumped rock-hard, a strange combination that makes it no fun to drive.It rocks and rolls, diving under brakes, and at the same time the nose pushes wide in even medium-pace corners.It could be a lot better, because the basics look right on the specification sheet, but it is not an elegant car. It rides smoothly enough when you're driving quietly, but likes to be driven at only moderate pace.Also, the switchgear still feels clunky, the plastics are a bit brittle, the paintwork wasn't as deep as we would like, and the boot hinges in the test car did not operate properly.But those are relatively minor things, at least for the people who will be drawn by the Sonata's nice new looks and the price.It is a car we can definitely recommend, even to our best friends, and more proof that Hyundai is serious about becoming one of the world's top-five carmakers by the end of the decade.

A Hyundai Sonata – especially in its Elite kit-out – just might fit the bill. Hyundai has come a long way since the old Excel but the question remained: would the revamped and European-styled Sonata get the family tick?Size proved an instant winner. This car has buckets of leg room front and back, even with the front seats all the way back. The boot is big and a pat on the back goes to whoever at Hyundai put in a bucket-inspired glove box.Since airbags came in, most glove boxes barely hold the street directory let alone tissues, assorted fruit, spare pens, notepaper and bag of lollies that go everywhere with us.And visibility, too, for a family-sized car, was tremendous. Perhaps it's because most car designers are at least 5ft 8in on the old scale, so the height-challenged – like me – usually find themselves looking at the top of the back seat every time they try to check what's behind.Hyundai has taken extra care of that, too. A little beep sounds every time the car is put in reverse and the reversing sensors kick in when you're too close to anything at the back.The Sonata was treated to the full family workout – shopping, the Sunday-morning football run and the mad dash to pick up friends and make it across town for a movie.All the controls were easy to reach and easy to operate. Cruise-control buttons are on one side of the steering wheel, with the sound system control on the other. A six-stacker CD is standard in the Elite.In addition to that house-sized glove box, there are the two cup holders in the front and a double-layer storage box in the middle of the front seats. The top of the storage hold doubles as an armrest and a slide mechanism allows you to adjust it, although the catches felt like one overly exuberant pull would snap them off.There was enough zip in the motor to cope with city commuting and a jaunt through the Hills produced a comfortable ride through the corners.Road noise was minimal but, when accelerating, the engine sounded overworked.Good news on fuel consumption. Skyrocketing petrol prices can dampen anyone's shopping fun but a standard family week left the economy at less than 11 litres/100km, mainly in city traffic.Hyundai Sonata 2.4-litre Elite (auto) Big bootPlenty of rear leg spaceMassive glove boxPriceNot enough drink holdersEngine noisy while acceleratingInterior a bit "plastic"

This is no rehash, but a totally new redesign. In Hyundai's own words, the NF boasts "European-influenced styling and dynamics".True, you can see a touch of Audi, but also more than a passing resemblance to Subaru's Liberty (at the front) and Honda Accord (rear). What do you think?There is a choice of two all-new, all-alloy engines – 3.3 litre Lambda V6 and 2.4 litre four-cylinder.The 173kW (at 6000rpm) V6 has 32 kW more than Camry V6, is 18 kW up on Magna V6 and gets within 2 kW of Commodore; and its 304 Nm of torque (at 3500rpm) is 17 Nm better than Accord V6.Hyundai claims a combined city/highway fuel consumption of 10.1 litres/100km, 1.1 better than Camry V6 and 0.5 better than Honda Accord V6.Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control come with the V6 and ABS, six airbags, active front head restraints are all standard.As its initials imply, ESP provides an "extra sensory perception" to help the driver.Sensing in real time wheel rotation speeds, deceleration speeds, yaw movement and steering wheel angles, ESP monitors the driver's inputs through the throttle and brake to help in unstable driving conditions by controlling braking and engine outputs.And there's room to move – Hyundai reckons it is the widest medium car, offering more front leg and head room than Commodore or Falcon.And Sonata has a 462 litre boot – 16 per cent up on the previous model – capable of stowing three golf bags with space to spare.It goes, too. HMCA chose Hobart for its national launch, which opened the door to tackling some of the best driving roads anywhere, including Targa Tasmania stages.Hyundai claims a 0-100kph time of 7.7 seconds and 0-400m in 15.6 seconds from the V6, driving through its five speed Selectronic auto, and the surge that comes when being punted hard around the Tasmanian back roads suggested this was spot on.The new Theta 118 kW 2.4-litre twin-cam four-cylinder – offered with five speed manual or upgraded Selectronic auto – is also a good bit of gear, even tested back-to-back with its more powerful V6 sibling.Maximum power is 118kW at 5800rpm and maximum torque 219 Nm at 4250rpm. – 6 kW more than Camry's 2.4, 17 kW more than Subaru Liberty 2.0 and 10 kW more than Vectra CD 2.2.The 2.4 manual gives a claimed 8.3 litres/100km and the auto 8.8 l/100km is said to better automatic Camry's 9.8, Mazda6's 9.5, Accord VTi's 9.3 and Vectra 2.2's 9.1.Prices start at $25,490 for the five speed manual 2.4 through to the top of the range V6 Elite for $34,490 – which seems a lot of car, for little money."If Australian car buyers seriously and without bias look at this new Sonata and rigorously compare it with other contenders in its segments, I think they will see its absolute excellence and competitiveness, even aside from its exceptional value for money," HMCA CEO B. G. Lee said.It's hard to argue.  

Providing much of the ammunition will be the two all-new, all-alloy engines – a 2.4-litre four-cylinder and a 3.3-litre V6 – and a suspension package that is running the European damper and spring rates for Australia.The NF Sonata has also been priced with competition in mind – $25,490 gets the manual four-cylinder, with a $1500 premium for the four-speed auto and the five-speed auto V6 slots in at $29,990.The Sonata's standard safety features list will surprise many when the price tag is brought into consideration – anti-lock brakes, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags are featured across the model range, as well as active front head restraints.The V6 models also get electronic stability control and traction control added to the list.The company's internal tests suggest a five-star U.S. crash-test rating will be forthcoming, thanks to the improved body construction and standard safety features.Other standard features include reach/rake adjustable steering, airconditioning, cruise control, remote entry with alarm, power mirrors and windows and the MP3/CD sound system with six speakers.The top-spec Elite model adds leather seats, carbon fibre-look or fake wood trim highlights, 17in alloy wheels, a six-CD, in-dash CD player and extra sound system power, climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and reverse sensors.The Sonata is a more mainstream look drawn at the company's European Design Studio in Germany. It sits lower on bigger wheels, with an extra 35mm of front track width and 30mm at the rear.Longer and taller than its predecessor by 55mm, the NF Sonata measures 4800mm in length and claims more front leg and head room than its medium competitors – as well as Commodore and Falcon sedans.Boot space has been increased to 462 litres – a 16 per cent improvement.Hyundai Australia CEO B.G. Lee says the Sonata, which cost $330 million and took 46 months to develop, is a key model in the range."If Australian car buyers seriously and without bias look at this new Sonata and rigorously compare it with other contenders in its segments, I think they will see its absolute excellence and competitiveness – even aside from its exceptional value for money," Mr Lee says. "For those still holding outmoded perceptions of Hyundai, new Sonata will change their mind."On the road, the new Sonata has all but banished memories of the poorly damped Korean sedans preceding this model.Hyundai Australia has emphasised the point that as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, it can have more influence on the development of new models.It shows through with the new Sonata, which conveys an impression of better balance on the road during the first few minutes behind the wheel of the four-cylinder auto.Light controls and decent response from the engine and gearbox combination mate well with the new-found suspension capabilities through the metropolitan area and continue to please on open-road corners.The Australian suspension system includes German-sourced Sachs gas dampers, firmer coil springs, thicker stabiliser bars and firmer front and rear bushes.The four-cylinder engine feels a little lacklustre at the lower end of the rev range but spins well to its red line.The interior space – particularly in the front – will surprise many looking for a medium sedan. The only concern is headroom for anyone over 180cm. Boot space has been boosted.The Sonata four provides a smooth, quiet drive, an impression continued during time behind the wheel of the V6 model – distinguished by twin tail pipes, a V6 badge and bigger wheels and brakes – which feels a little more nose heavy than the four but impresses with the smooth, quiet V6 powerplant and competitive outputs.The V6 works well with the five-speed automatic gearbox to quickly gather speed, without requiring a speed reduction on bumpy corners or undulating straights.Previous Sonata models, not to mention the wallowy Grandeur, would have delivered a far less composed and comfortable sojourn over the same sections of broken bitumen.Of only mild concern are some plastics on the dash, but ergonomics, features and interior quality should prompt plenty of interest from buyers not swayed by badge snobbery.

The series comprised the four-cylinder GLE, the V6 GLS (four-speed auto or five-speed manual) and V6, top of the range, Levant (auto only). There was also a limited edition Classique followed by the GLE Classique, all built in 1999, and both four-cylinder, manual or auto.A new 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft V6 replaced the previous 3.0-litre V6 and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was revised. The front and rear suspensions were new and the brakes were upgraded.At the time, the Sonatas rated as the best cars to come out of Korea. In this series, Hyundai addressed poor handling concerns, noise, vibration and harshness and gave the Sonata a stronger body.The Sonata's equipment levels included airconditioning, central locking with keyless entry, power windows and power mirrors, height adjustable driver's seat and a 60/40 split fold rear seat. The Classique version included extras such as six-stacker CD and rear spoiler.The Levant range included dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes as well as electronic traction control, cruise control, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and gear knob, power adjustable driver's seat and front fog lamps.Instrument and control layout was fairly conventional and well laid out, although some people may have trouble finding a suitable driving position in the manual version.The revamped interior finish was improved although it needed a little more work. The body is a touch longer, wider and taller than earlier models with more space for occupants and their luggage and plenty of leg room in the cabin, although the centre position can be slightly uncomfortable.Boot space in the Sonata compares well with its counterparts and the low rear lip allows easy loading.On the road the 2.0-litre four-cylinder performed well with the 2.5-litre six-cylinder the stronger performer. While the six doesn't have the torque of larger cars such as the Commodore, Falcon, Camry or Magna it can match them in standing start acceleration. The six-cylinder manual can feel a bit rough but the 2.0-litre four-cylinder compares well with its competition.As with any purchase of a used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection by the NRMA is a good precaution.Vehicle inspections can be booked by calling 131 122.