Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata

Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Also called	Sonata Embera (India) Hyundai Sonica (Italy)
Production	1985—
Predecessor	Hyundai Stellar
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout

The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) is a mid-size sedan manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company.

First generation (Y1, 1985–1988)

The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea in July 1985.

Engine choices include 1.8L or 2.0L I4. The body was based on the Hyundai Stellar.

Second generation (Y2, 1987–1993)

Second generation

Production start	1987
Production end	1993
Assembly	Bromont, Quebec Canada Asan, Korea
Engine(s)	2.0 L (110 hp) Sirius I4 2.4 L (131 hp) Sirius I4 3.0 L V6 Mitsubishi 6G72
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2649 mm)
Length	184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width	68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height	55.4 in (1407 mm)
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

The Y2 Sonata was part of Hyundai's expansion in North America after the success of the Excel. It was introduced in South Korea on June 1, 1987.^[1] It was then introduced in Canada in September 1987 as a 1988 model, and in 1988, as a 1989 model in the United States. The exterior was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign. The vehicle received a mid-term facelift in 1992. It replaced the Stellar as Hyundai's large family car. Sonatas were built in Asan, Korea, and in Bromont, Quebec.

The Sonata was designed by Hyundai and featured Mitsubishi's engineering, including its 2.4 L 110 hp (82 kW) Sirius I4 engine as used in American-market models. A 3.0 L V6 based on the Mitsubishi 6G72 arrived in 1990. The U.S. model received the 2.0 L engine for the 1992, replacing the original 2.4 L engine.

Trim levels in the US were:

• GL (2.4 and 2.0 engines)
• GLS (3.0 engine)

1992–1993 Hyundai Sonata

Third generation (Y3, 1993–1997)

Third generation

Also called	Sonata 2 (S. Korea)
Production start	1993
Production end	1996
Assembly	Asan, Korea
Engine(s)	1.8L I4 SOHC 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 2.0L I4 SOHC 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) 4G63 2.0L I4 DOHC 102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp) 4G63 16 valve 3.0L V6 107 kW (145 PS; 143 hp) 6G72
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	185.0 in (4699 mm)
Width	69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height	55.3 in (1405 mm)

The Y3 Sonata debuted in 1993, as a 1995 model. The base engine in most markets was a 2.0 L 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) Sirius I4, but there was a 3.0 L, 107 kW (145 PS; 143 hp) Mitsubishi V6 option in some markets. This generation continued after the demise of the Bromont, Quebec plant in September 1993. After that, all Sonatas would be built in Korea, until the opening of the Beijing Hyundai plant in December 2002.

Sonata III update (1996–1998)

Updated third generation

Also called	Sonata 3 (S. Korea)
Production start	1996
Production end	1998
Assembly	Asan, Korea
Engine(s)	2.0L I4 SOHC 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 4G63 2.0L I4 DOHC 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) 4G63 16 valve 3.0L V6 107 kW (145 PS; 143 hp) 6G72
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	185.0 in (4699 mm)
Width	69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height	55.3 in (1405 mm)

A facelift for the Sonata (Y3 facelift) in 1996 saw modifications front and rear. Sales were up 25% that first year.^{[citation needed]} The four-cylinder engine was up to 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) that year as well.

Fourth generation (EF, 1998–2004)

Fourth generation

Also called	EF Sonata (S. Korea)
Production start	1998
Production end	2001
Assembly	Asan, Korea Izhevsk, Russian Federation
Engine(s)	2.4 L 138 hp (103 kW) DOHC Sirius I4 2.5 L 170 hp (127 kW) Hyundai Delta V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	185.4 in (4709 mm)
Width	71.6 in (1819 mm)
Height	55.5 in (1410 mm)
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Optima/Magentis

A new model arrived in 1998 (1999 for North America), launching the (EF) series.

Engines were 2.4 L 138 hp (103 kW) Hyundai Sirius and a 2.5 L 170 hp (127 kW) Hyundai Delta V6. A special 10-year warranty was available.

1998-2000 Hyundai Sonata (EF) GLS sedan (Australia)

2001 Hyundai Sonata (US)

New EF (2001–2004)

Updated fourth generation

Also called	New EF Sonata (S. Korea) Sonata Gold (India)
Production start	2001
Production end	2004
Assembly	Asan, Korea Beijing, China Taganrog, Russia
Engine(s)	2.4 L 149 hp (111 kW) DOHC Sirius I4 2.7 L 173 hp (129 kW) Hyundai Delta V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	186.9 in (4747 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height	56.0 in (1422 mm)
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Optima/Magentis

The 2002 model featured the all-aluminum, DOHC 2.7L Hyundai Delta V6 powered the Sonata with 173 bhp (129 kW). It also featured the same Sirius II 4 cylinder which at the time made 138 hp (111 kW), 157 ft-lb (213 N·m) of torque. Sales reached 104,000 for 2004.

The Kia Optima (called the Magentis outside of the United States) was based on the same automobile platform of this generation of Sonata and shared the same doors and some other panels.

This Sonata also shared a platform with the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a compact crossover SUV.

This generation of Sonata is still being built (since 2002) and sold in China as of September 2006, by Beijing Hyundai Co. and in Russia by TagAZ.

Fifth generation (NF, 2004–2009)

Fifth generation

Also called	Hyundai NF御翔 (NF Yuxiang) (China) Hyundai NF (Russia) Hyundai Sonata CVVT-i (Malaysia) Hyundai Sonata Transform (KDM Facelift) Hyundai Sonata Embera (India) Hyundai Sonica (Italy)
Production start	2004
Production end	2010
Assembly	Montgomery, Alabama Asan, Korea Chennai, India
Engine(s)	2.4 L, 163-175 hp (−8.9 kW), I4 3.3 L 237-249 hp V6 2.0 CRDi ( European & Australasian Market only)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2728 mm)
Length	188.9 in (4798 mm)
Width	72.1 in (1831 mm)
Height	58.0 in (1473 mm)
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Grandeur/Azera Kia Optima/Magentis/Lotze Kia Carens/Rondo

The NF Sonata was launched in August 2004 in Korea, based on a new platform created from the project NF. The company's first all-aluminum I4 engine, dubbed Theta, debuted in the new Sonata. Engine choices at launch were a 2.4L I4 rated 164 bhp (122 kW)@5800rpm and a 3.3L V6 rated 237 bhp (177 kW) V6. The diesel version was used as a taxicab in Singapore. Diesel versions are available in Germany and New Zealand.

The U.S. May 2005 launch of the new Sonata coincided with the production commencement at the company's first U.S. assembly plant, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‎ as a large car, the fourth generation was 2 in (50.8 mm) longer and taller and 1 in (25.4 mm) wider than the previous generation. Standard features included anti-lock braking system/electronic stability control/traction control system as well as six airbags (driver/front passenger front and side, and side curtain).

Safety

Europe: 2006 year models received the following European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) ratings:

• Adult Occupant: , score 27
• Child Occupant: , score 37
• Pedestrian: , score 12.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests the Sonata received a "Good" overall in the frontal impact crash test, an "Acceptable" overall score in the side impact crash test, and a "Good" rating for rear crash protection. In the roof strength evaluation 09 and 10 models were rated "Marginal".^[2]

2006 Hyundai Sonata by NHTSA:^[3]

• Frontal Rating (Driver):
• Frontal Rating (Passenger):
• Side Rating (Driver):
• Side Rating (Passenger):
• Rollover:

Sonata Transform (2008— )

2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS (US)

The redesigned vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as a 2009 model year vehicle.^[4] The production version was sold as the Hyundai Sonata Transform in Korea, and the model debuted elsewhere as an 'early' 2009 model.

The styling was done primarily at HATCI (Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc) in Superior Township, Michigan.^[5]

The redesign features revised engines, front fascia and grill, taillights (turn signals became red), headlights, wheel cover designs and an extensively revised IP (Instrument Panel). Hyundai adopted "slush molding,” a production technique that enables a much higher grade of texturing and shaping of the IP surface.^[6]

Redesigned gauges feature a blue backlight, and a touch-screen navigation system, optional on the 'Limited' trim level only, includes satellite radio capability.^[7] Bluetooth capability is available as an optional unit, separate from the audio or navigation system, and all models include both a USB port along with an auxiliary input jack. An optional USB adaptor cord allows integration of an iPod, and chrome interior door handles are standard on the Limited trim.

The 2.4L Theta II engine was rated 175 bhp (130 kW)@6000 and 168 lb·ft (228 N·m) (168 bhp (125 kW) for PZEV model) and the 3.3L Lambda V6 was rated 249 bhp (186 kW)@6000rpm and 229 lb·ft (310 N·m)@4500rpm. Fuel efficiency is EPA rated at 22/32 for the I4 and 19/29 for the V6.^[8] The base model GLS is available with a manual five speed transmission. GLS, SE and Limited models feature a newly available, manually-shiftable 5-speed automatic transmission marketed as "Shiftronic."

In Singapore, a 2.2L CRDi turbo diesel powered version is widely used in the country's taxi industry.^[9]

Hyundai Ling Xiang (Sonata NFC)

Beijing Hyundai launched a redesigned NF Sonata called the Ling Xiang for the Chinese market with an updated exterior and revised rear seating.^[10]

Engine choices include 2.0L or 2.4L engines.

Sixth generation (YF, 2009—present)

Sixth generation

Also called	Hyundai i40 (Europe; from 2010)
Production start	2009 (South Korea)
Assembly	Asan, Korea Montgomery, Alabama, United States Nošovice, Czech Republic
Engine(s)	2.4 L GDi, 198 hp (148 kW), I4 2.0 L 162 hp (121 kW) I4
Transmission(s)	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Length	4,820 mm (189.8 in)
Width	1,835 mm (72.2 in)
Height	1,470 mm (57.9 in)

The YF models were originally developed in 2005, with a development cost of ₩450 billion (US$ 372 million*). Sales of the vehicle in South Korea began on 2 September 2009, before the production vehicle's South Korean launch.^[11] In South Korea, The 6th Sonata delivers its 2-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165ps, Max torque of 20.2㎏·m). Its fuel economy is more than 11% improved. For the US market Hyundai just unveiled their new direct injection 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. With direct injection technology this new engine will boast improved gas mileage and 201 ps (at 6300 rpm), 25.5㎏·m (at 4250 rpm). It is part of the Theta II engine lineup. Furthermore, all engines are offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission.^[12] The 6th Sonata adopts Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language, boasts an increase in performance, and an improvement in safety features and fuel efficiency. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology to elevate the Hyundai brand. The 6th Sonata is built on hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel.

Trimlines include the Grand, Prime, Premier Beige, Premier, Top, and Sport models, with all models (besides the Grand and Sport) including a Deluxe and Super Deluxe package. Standard options on the Korean model include hands-free Bluetooth phone capability, an iPod integration system, trip computer, and blue interior lighting. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission with foot-operated parking brake is optional. More upscale models include rain-sensing windshield wipers, an upgraded JBL audio system with multi-disk changer, an 8" navigation system with built-in rearview camera, a Proximity Key with Push Button Start, electroluminescent instrumentation and driver display, and three-piece panoramic moonroof. Premier Beige models come exclusively with two-tone beige seat and interior trim, and Sport models come exclusively with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for use in conjunction with the Manual shift mode.

The US version of the new Sonata was unveiled at the 2009 LA Auto Show. As with the previous model, a GLS, SE, and Limited trims will be up for sale. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS, and a six-speed automatic is available. SE models receive paddle shifters mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Differences with the Korean model include a body-colored grille for the GLS, a black and body color grille for the SE, the availability of beige seating with all trim levels, wood trim with beige interior choice, and the lack of side-mounted turn signals on the GLS. The US model will also receive a different engine - a 2.4L gasoline-powered four cylinder but will still be mated to a six-speed transmission.^[13] The automatic transmission models on the U.S. are not the gated shifter as depicted in press release photos and on the Korean model., but will be a straight shifter with leather boot.

Hybrid version (2010— )

At the 2008 LA Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the Hyundai Blue Drive powertrain for the then next generation Sonata, which uses lithium polymer battery technology.^[14] The company planned to produce a hybrid Sonata for the North American market in 2010.^[15] It was reported to be based on Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept.^[16]

Marketing

As part of the South Korean launch campaign, three 'Art of technology' TV commercials were produced.^[17]

Gallery

6th generation Hyundai Sonata (South Korea)

6th generation Hyundai Sonata (South Korea)

Awards

The Sonata has received the following awards:

• "Interior of the Year", 2009 Sonata, Ward's Auto World, category: Best Redesign.^[18]
• "Best Vehicles for $25,000 or Less" in 2008 Consumer Reports
• "Top Picks 2008" in 2008 Consumer Reports
• "Best New Family Car (under $35,000)" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best in Class” in the under $20,000 category – 2007 Sonata: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2007 Car Buyer’s Guide "Best of 2007 Cars" March 2007.
• Cars.com - 2007 Sonata: Best Deal For Small Families
• "Consumers Digest Best Buy" - 2006 Sonata
• NHTSA 5-Star Crash Rating – 2006 Sonata: Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact airbags (SABs).
• Named "Best Bet" in Jack Gillis' The Car Book 2006 - 2006 Sonata
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best in Class” in the $18,000 to $23,000 category – 2006 Sonata: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2006 Car Buyer’s December 2005.
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best New Car” in the $18,000 to $23,000 category – 2006 Sonata: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2006 Car Buyer’s December 2005.
• MotorWeek’s “Driver’s Choice Award” for Best Family Sedan – 2006 Sonata
• Hyundai owners in North America placed the Sonata at the top of their classes in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) research. The Sonata was the highest ranked Premium Mid-Size Car, beating out the segment-defining Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. ^[19]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hyundai Sonata

• Official site of Hyundai Sonata (Global)
• Official site of Hyundai Sonata (US)