Hyundai Sonata News

Hyundai has launched diesel versions of its Sonata, while its cute i30 diesel, which was named carsguide Car of the Year last year, now comes with a four-speed automatic transmission which will further widen its appeal.Hyundai says the diesel Sonata, which goes on sale later this year, can return 6l/100km for the manual and 7l/100km for the automatic. The diesel produces 110kW and 305Nm of torque, which is close to the petrol engine's output of 127kW and 227Nm.Toyota has taken a different approach to reducing fuel bills by re-engineering the ever-popular Corolla so it can now run on LPG.Gas costs about half the price of petrol, but the downside is that an LPG engine is not as efficient, produces less power than petrol and robs the car of valuable luggage space. That said, it is still worth considering.Sprintgas Australia, which provides the LPG kit, says the LPG Corolla, with auto transmission, returns 10.9l/100km.Toyota's own fuel consumption figure for a petrol-powered Corolla is 7.4l/100km, but Sprintgas found the car consistently ran at a higher 10l of petrol per 100km.So is it worth converting a small car to gas? LPG Australia spokesman Phil Westlake says yes.“There's a misconception that only larger cars are worthwhile converting to Autogas,” he said.“More important than a car's engine size is how often it requires refuelling.“At 70 cents per litre for LPG, the Corolla costs around $7.63 per 100km to fuel. By comparison, at $1.30 per litre, the Corolla would cost around $13 per 100km to run on unleaded petrol.“The real-world example shows an LPG-powered Corolla still saves around $5.37 for every 100km travelled compared to its petrol-powered equivalent.”“Even considering recently higher Autogas prices, LPG remains priced around 50 per cent less than unleaded petrol so there are substantial savings to be had by converting a vehicle — especially one travelling average to high annual kilometres.” 

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

I like Chrysler. I like its management, its freehand styling and its gumption to mass produce cars that were last seen as Hot Wheels models in a toy store.If it's about looks, Chrysler and its subsidiary Dodge have it in spades.Chrysler's products will hypnotise you into visiting a showroom where, in a trance-like state, you will buy the classiest thing ever built on four wheels. That's when the spell will end.The Chrysler Sebring, rival to the Toyota Camry, Mazda6 and Honda Accord, breaks my heart. It's a very ordinary product from an outstanding company.There is not one area where the Sebring outshines the Camry.It has a hint of the famed styling madness that we love, like its straked bonnet, but is generally styled for an older audience.A tad conservative, it's nicely balanced, though the front bumper is too long and the car is not distinctive enough for passers-by to give it a second glance. Sebring 0; Camry 1.Inside it's a Tupperware party that has overdosed on Fruity Lexia with lots of hard, multicoloured plastic, mostly browns.The seats are leather-trimmed and the front ones are heated. But they are most uncomfortable, with a bulging squab a bit like a lumbar support with a hernia.There are appreciated features like a cupholder that can heat or cool, a tyre-pressure monitor, a quality audio system, a split-fold rear seat and cruise control.The 2.4-litre motor is also used in Hyundai's Sonata and Mitsubishi Outlander, though you wouldn't pick the relationship.The Sebring's engine is a modest performer, 0-100km/h in a weary 11.3sec but it is economical.The economy is because at no stage does the raw vacuum-cleaner sound of the motor relate to what's acutally happening at the wheels. Push hard on the accelerator and no one will know what you've done.The lack of go isn't helped by a four-speed auto with ratios designed for country touring on flat roads.Handling is good. In motion, the Sebring will glide through corners and mid-corner bumps with ease. The lifeless steering points well and ride comfort is commendable.The excellent standard safety equipment includes ESC and six airbags, and the solid chassis inspires confidence.Some good, but more bad about this car. C'mon Chrysler, you can do better. 

Due to a late release, however, Ford's BF Falcon did not make it into contention; the older BA was judged instead. Just how much does this mix things around?Coming in fourth in the Best Car stakes, and with neither a Lumina nor Executive available for this comparison, the Commodore misses out as CARSguide rates Australia's leading family cars.PriceThe Sonata (Elite) comes in below the other two at $34,490 for the auto. The Falcon XT in auto is $35,880, the 380 in auto is $35,990.It is here that it must be noted why the Elite (the top-spec model) is in. The Sonata's price and specification levels make it a tough competitor in this group.EngineAll three cars feature a six-cylinder engine. The BF takes out the power stakes with 190kW, the 380 has 175kW, the Sonata 173kW. Talking torque, the Falcon again dominates with a solid 383Nm, the 380 is next with 343Nm then the Sonata with 304Nm.But this is all mixed up when power-to- weight ratios are looked at. The Sonata and the XT end up with the same power-to-weight ratio (9.1kg per kilowatt), the 380 marginally higher at 9.5kg per kilowatt.On the road, the Falcon is punchy throughout most of the rev range and the Sonata is also responsive. The 380 is a bit doughy when compared to the other two but has plenty of power nonetheless. The Sonata has a Euro 4 compliant engine, the other pair are Euro 3.TransmissionsBoth the 380 and the Elite scored high with five-speed automatics. The BF only has a four-speed auto. All three have the option of manual shifting. All three have smooth gear changes, the 380's probably slightly better.Driving dynamicsOn ride, handling, braking, noise and vibration, Sonata and the XT both give comfortable rides but the Sonata lost out in the handling department with light steering that gets kickback and is vague on turn-in.The 380 and the BF both handle well, although it comes down to personal tastein the front-wheel drive versus the rear-wheel drive debate. The XT has the quietest ride.Fuel economyThe Sonata uses 10.1 litres of fuel every 100km, the most miserly of the trio, but it must be stressed here that less than one litre every 100km separates them.SafetyThe Sonata again gained top marks. All three get standard driver and passenger front airbags. The Sonata adds curtain airbags and a standard electronic stability program and the 380 has side airbags as standard. Both the Falcon and the Elite have a traction control system as standard fitment whereas the 380 does not. All have standard ABS brakes, the XT and 380 add electronic brakeforce distribution.Exterior stylingThe Sonata rates well here, with a more aggressive stance, bigger wheels and its dual rear tail pipes. The 380 has some nice angles on the road but the front is not its best side.The BF is a little bland, with not much change from the once-radical BA.The Sonata has 17-inch alloys (and also has an alloy spare), while the 380 and BF wear 16-inch steel shoes.InteriorFor comfort, space and practicality, the Elite is the only one to have a leather interior; the Falcon gets velour, the 380 cloth.For interior looks, it's a battle between the Sonata and the BF. The 380's interior is fresh-looking but there were a few quality issues.Vibration-deadening material has dislodged from the gap between the dash and the side of the car on both sides, leaving a sticky ugly strip. The side seat-plastic fell off and the CD player became stuck with a CD in it. All three have plenty of rear leg room.In terms of practicality, though, the 380's lack of split-folding rear seats is a disadvantage when compared to the other two, with just a small hatch to put long objects through. The BF has split-folding rear seats but while it hasn't much of a full-size opening from the boot it is much larger than the 380's.The Sonata's boot is the largest and the most practical. It is the only one with full split-folding rear seats (lockable) and also has a lining on the boot lid. The hinges are non-intrusive on all three.Standard featuresThis is the section where the Sonata excels. All three have standard airconditioning and power mirrors. The BF misses out on standard rear power-windows ($470). The Sonata has one-touch driver's window raising as well, not just lowering.The BF's wheel is the most comfortable, albeit a little fat. The 380's wheel is too skinny, while the Sonata's wheel makes the hands feel sweaty. But it is the only one that is reach adjustable. Sonata and BF have steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 380 also features stereo mounted controls which are located at the back of the wheel.Sonata features in-dash six-CD, the others a single-disc player. Sonata also has rear parking sensors, fog lights and grip mats on all the cupholders.WarrantyThe 380 was tops here, with a five-year warranty, combined with 10 years' warranty on the drivetrain (up to 130,000km) and five-year roadside assistance. Hyundai offers five-year/130,000km new car warranty on the Sonata, Ford a three-year/100,000kmwarranty and roadside assistance.VERDICT:Total scores: Sonata 74/80, XT Falcon 69/80, 380 64/80. Even though the driving dynamics suffered against the other two, with high levels of safety, comfort and good engine and transmission package, Elite tops the tree. BF also offers a good package, but lacks a five-speed box. The 380 is still well above average but suffered in standard features, lack of traction control and no split-fold rear seats.