Hyundai Sonata

(2004 - )

The new Hyundai Sonata has better engines than in the previous model

Engine	Engine power	Fuel consumption	Fuel type	0-100 (0-60)	Top speed
2.0 CRDi	140 hp	7.3 l/100km	Diesel	11.6 s	200 km/h
2.0 i 16V	145 hp	7.8 l/100km	Petrol	10.5 s	202 km/h
2.4 i 16V	161 hp	8.5 l/100km	Petrol	8.8 s	212 km/h
3.3 i V6 24V	235 hp	10.1 l/100km	Petrol	7.7 s	230 km/h

Body type	Sedan
Number of doors	4
Number of seats	5
Engine position	Front
Driven wheels	Front
Length	4 800 mm
Width	1 832 mm
Height	1 474 mm
Wheelbase	2 730 mm
Ground clearance	150 mm
Weight (normal)	1 463 kg
Weight (max)	2 030 kg
Boot space (min)	523 l
Boot space (max)	523 l
Fuel capacity	70 l

The Hyundai Sonata is produced since 2004.

It comes with three petrol engines and one turbo diesel. All the engines are new, except the 2.4-liter unit. The 2.0-liter diesel engine gives you good fuel economy, but it's not entertaining to drive. The 2.4-liter unit is the best buy. Top of the range 3.3-liter V6 has an impressive performance. However it only comes with an automatic gearbox.

Unfortunately the ride quality is the Sonata's weak point. The ride is unsettled at low speeds. Things get better on the motorway, however it never deals well with bumps or coarse surfaces. There is also too much body lean going through the corners, and steering is dull.

Wind and road noises are well kept away. However some suspension noise protrudes inside the cabin, driving on coarser surfaces. The new engines of the Sonata are very refined, but sound a bit raucous at low speeds. Driving at the motorway speeds engines become inaudible.

The Hyundai Sonata is cheaper than it's main rivals. Furthermore it comes with plenty of equipment, however it isn't cheap enough to cover poor ride quality. Car's residual value is most likely to be low. The servicing costs might hit you hard, as they are twice more expensive than for other cars in this class. On the good side are engines with improved fuel economy and unlimited five-year warranty.

Inside the car there are a number of luxurious touches. Leather trim is standard. Sonata's controls are simple to read and easy to use. Most of the drivers will find driving position comfortable, but the steering wheel adjusts for rake only.

The new Hyundai Sonata is slightly longer and taller than it's predecessor. There is plenty of space both for the front and rear passengers. The boot is large enough and well shaped.

Sonata comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags as standard. Electronic stability control also comes with all new cars. Door locks open automatically during the collision. An alarm is fitted, but there are no deadlocks.

All Hyundai Sonatas except the 3.3-liter model, come in CDX trim only. Climate control, alloy wheels and satellite navigation are standard across the range. The 3.3-liter model adds a rear parking sensor, electric sunroof and a CD changer.

Production of the Hyundai Sonata still continues.

Advantages: Better engines than in the previous model. Both cabin space and equipment are excellent.

Disadvantages: The ride is unsettled, handling is stodgy.

Verdict: It is not cheap enough to cover the poor ride quality.

Also consider: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry.

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