Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata
Production period:	since 1985
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	limousine
Previous model:	Hyundai Stellar
Successor:	Hyundai i40 (in Europe)

The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-range four-door notchback sedan produced by the Korean car manufacturer Hyundai since the beginning of 1985 . The model name is based on the word sonata .

history

In Germany the Sonata is offered since the summer of 1991 and since the beginning of the brand entry of Hyundai in Germany available.

From spring 2010, sales to Germany paused due to demand . In the summer of 2011, sales continued with the Sonata-based Hyundai i40 .

Within the model range, the Sonata was the top model until the appearance of the upper mid-range Hyundai XG in autumn 1998.

Sonata (Y, 1985-1987)

1st generation
Hyundai Sonata (1985-1987)
Production period:	1985-1987
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 2.0 liters (77 kW)
Length:	4.578 mm
Width:	1.755 mm
Height:	1.362 mm
Wheelbase :	2.579 mm
Empty weight :	~ 1000 kg

Rear view

The Sonata appeared in early 1985, initially exclusively for the Korean market.

The first generation was a luxury version of the Hyundai Stellar under its own name with features that were not available there. The only engine available in the Stellar from 1987 was the Sirius engine (4G63) from Mitsubishi with a displacement of 2.0 liters.

The design came from Giorgio Giugiaro . The vehicles were equipped with power steering, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows all around and an electrically adjustable rear seat.

The vehicle was only available in the South Korean market and was manufactured in Ulsan . Like the Hyundai Stellar, the vehicle was based on the rear-wheel drive Ford Cortina / Taunus from 1979. It was only with the second generation that Hyundai became the first Korean manufacturer to switch to front-wheel drive in the middle class.

A year after the Sonata Y was discontinued, the Stellar returned to the limelight in a revised version: as the official vehicle of the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul .

Engines

model	Cubic capacity cm³	cylinder	Valves	Max. Power kW (hp) at min -1	Max. Torque Nm at min -1	Remarks
Petrol engines
2.0	1997	R4	8th	77 (105) / 5500	164/3500	Based on the Mitsubishi Sirius , which Hyundai further developed under license. The vehicle had no catalytic converter, it was only in the Stellar II 1987 that this engine was equipped with a 2-way system.

safety

This Hyundai Sonata (model code internal Y ) had neither airbags nor ABS . However, it should be taken into account here that during its market presence these safety features were not yet standard in most mid-range vehicles.

ABS was first included in the standard equipment of the Ford Scorpio, which was introduced in spring 1985 , while it was part of the Sonata with the Y3. Airbags were also added with this model.

Sonata (Y2, 1988-1993)

2nd generation
Hyundai Sonata (1988-1992)
Production period:	1988-1993
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.8-3.0 liters (70-107 kW)
Length:	4680 mm
Width:	1750 mm
Height:	1410 mm
Wheelbase :	2650 mm
Empty weight :

The second generation Hyundai Sonata was one of the first models that Hyundai developed in part independently. From 1982 the South Korean manufacturer had gained initial experience in independent automobile construction with the Hyundai Pony and then broke away from licensed buildings such as the Ford Cortina .

The design, interior and body came from Hyundai, the platform was based on that of the Mitsubishi Galant , and the engines were also from Mitsubishi. The development costs still amounted to 375 million US dollars and comprised one million test kilometers, which were specifically intended to meet the expectations of the export markets. The impact body made of Xenoy (a mixture of PBT and PC ) in the vehicle's bumpers, which primarily serves to protect pedestrians and is now used in the Smart, was a premiere in automotive engineering . The automatically tightening belts on all four seats are also exceptional.

The premiere of the second generation took place on June 1, 1988 in South Korea, near the production site in Ulsan . Encouraged by the surprisingly high demand for the Pony / Excel in Canada and North America, the first foreign plant of a Korean automaker in the Canadian city of Bromont (Province of Québec ) added production capacity in 1989 . However, the success of the Excel remained unattainable in the much more competitive middle class. The new plant was closed again in 1993.

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  Rear view

Facelift

In the spring of 1992 the Sonata was revised. The body was designed by Giorgio Giugiaro . With the first offer of a V6 engine, the positioning against Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore was sought from 1990 .

The Sonata is the only Hyundai model that has been offered under the same name over a long period (from 1987).

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  Hyundai Sonata (1992-1993)

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  Rear view

Technical specifications

	1.8		2.0			2.4		3.0
Engine characteristics
Engine identification	G62B / G4CM		4G63 / G4CP		4G63 DOHC / G4CPD	4G64 / G4CS		6G72 / G6AT
Engine type	R4 petrol engine							V6 petrol engine
Number of valves per cylinder	2				4th	2
Valve control	OHC , timing belt				DOHC, timing belt	OHC, timing belt		2 × OHC, toothed belt
Mixture preparation	Manifold injection
Engine charging	-
catalyst	No	Yes	No	Yes		No	Yes
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	80.6 mm × 88.0 mm		85.0 mm × 88.0 mm			86.5 mm × 100.0 mm		91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Displacement	1796 cc		1997 cc			2351 cc		2972 cc
Compression ratio	8.9: 1	8.8: 1	8.6: 1	8.5: 1	9.0: 1	8.5: 1	8.6: 1	8.9: 1
Max. power	71 kW (97 hp) at 5200 rpm	70 kW (95 PS) at 5250 rpm	75 kW (102 PS) at 5000 rpm		96 kW (130 PS) at 6000 rpm	86 kW (117 hp) at 4500 rpm	84 kW (114 hp) at 4500 rpm	107 kW (145 PS) at 5000 rpm
Max. Torque	146 Nm at 4000 rpm	143 Nm at 4000 rpm	164 Nm at 3500 rpm	159 Nm at 4000 rpm	164 Nm at 5000 rpm	193 Nm at 3500 rpm	189 Nm at 3500 rpm	230 Nm at 2500 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	5-speed manual transmission							4- speed automatic transmission
Gearbox, optional	4-speed automatic transmission				-	4-speed automatic transmission		-
Readings
Top speed	180 km / h		185 km / h		192 km / h	190 km / h		183 km / h
Fuel consumption over 100 km (combined)	8.8 L N (8.7 L N)	8.5 L N (9.4 L N)	8.9 L N (8.3 L N)	8.6 L N (9.0 L N)	8.7 l N	8.4 L N (9.5 L N)	8.9 L N (9.1 L N)	11.0 l N
Remarks
	Like all four-cylinder engines up to and including the Sonata EF-B, it was based on an old Mitsubishi design, the Sirius, which Hyundai further developed under license.				Replaced the 2.4-liter engine from 1992	Disadvantage: high fuel consumption.		From 1990. Based on the Mitsubishi Cyclone (6G72) from 1987, which Hyundai further developed under license. At the time, a six-cylinder gasoline engine was indispensable for a long-term existence on the US market, which was just being considered as a sales market during the time of the first model generation. The high fuel consumption was a disadvantage.

1. ↑ ^{a b} For USA 87 kW (118 PS) or 192 Nm
2. ↑ ^{a b} For USA 106 kW (144 PS) or 228 Nm
3. ↑ Values ​​in round brackets ("()") for automatic transmissions.

• A diesel engine was not offered.

safety

This Hyundai Sonata (model code internally Y2 ) did not yet have airbags , but ABS was now available, even if only on request for the V6. It should be noted, however, that during its market presence, these safety features were not yet standard in most mid-range vehicles. The chassis is designed to be very comfortable and was not changed with the 1992 facelift.

Sonata (Y3, 1993-1998)

3rd generation
Hyundai Sonata (1993-1996)
Production period:	1993-1998
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.8-3.0 liters (63-107 kW)
Length:	4699 mm
Width:	1770 mm
Height:	1405 mm
Wheelbase :	2700 mm
Empty weight :

US-NCAP - Crash Test

Sales strategy

The South Korean manufacturers who first offered their cars in Europe from 1991 ( Hyundai ), 1993 ( Kia ) and 1994 ( Daewoo ), pursued the same sales strategy as the Japanese car manufacturers 30 years earlier. They tried to win customers over primarily through low prices and a comparatively extensive range of comfort features.

The version of the Sonata with a V6 engine and 107 kW (145 PS), which was also offered in Germany from May 1993, already had comfort equipment with air conditioning, heated seats and a leather interior, at a price similar to the basic model of a VW Passat with 55 kW (75 PS) four-cylinder engine.

The disadvantages of this model were also obvious: too soft suspension and damper settings, cheap materials in the interior, as well as below-average reliability and workmanship. The driving behavior improved compared to its predecessor in that the body became stiffer and the suspension harder. The comfort was mediocre, since larger bumps upset the chassis.

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  Rear view (1993–1996)

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  Hyundai Sonata (1996-1998)

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  Rear view (1996–1998)

Engines

Like those of the first generation ( Y2 ), the engines were older designs. The use of simple technology nevertheless enabled the vehicles to achieve high mileages, provided they did not have to perform at their best over a longer period of time. Because the cooling circuit and the radiator were not designed or dimensioned too small for the correspondingly higher engine temperature at high speeds.

Technical specifications

	1.8		2.0				3.0
Construction period	1993-1996	1996-1998	1993-1996	1996-1998	1993-1996	1996-1998	1993-1998
Engine characteristics
Engine identification	G62B / G4CM		4G63 / G4CP		4G63 DOHC / G4CPD		6G72 / G6AT
Engine type	R4 petrol engine						V6 petrol engine
Number of valves per cylinder	2				4th		2
Valve control	OHC , timing belt				DOHC, timing belt		2 × OHC, toothed belt
Mixture preparation	Manifold injection
Engine charging	-
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	80.6 mm × 88.0 mm		85.0 mm × 88.0 mm				91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Displacement	1796 cc		1997 cc				2972 cc
Compression ratio	8.9: 1			8.6: 1	9.0: 1		8.9: 1
Max. power	72 kW (98 PS) at 5500 rpm	63 kW (86 PS) at 5000 rpm	77 kW (105 PS) at 5000 rpm	70 kW (95 PS) at 4900 rpm	102 kW (139 PS) at 5800 rpm	92 kW (125 PS) at 5800 rpm	107 kW (145 PS) at 5000 rpm
Max. Torque	141 Nm at 4400 rpm	132 Nm at 2400 rpm	157 Nm at 2500 rpm	157 Nm at 2400 rpm	180 Nm at 4000 rpm	168 Nm at 4600 rpm	230 Nm at 2400 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	5-speed manual transmission						4- speed automatic transmission
Gearbox, optional	4-speed automatic transmission	-	4-speed automatic transmission	-	4-speed automatic transmission		-
Readings
Top speed	165 km / h		170 km / h		200 km / h (190 km / h)	195 km / h (190 km / h)	(200 km / h)
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h	12.1 s	15.8 s	11.9 s	13.6 s	10.2 s (11.6 s)	10.2 s (12.8 s)	(10.1 s)
Fuel consumption over 100 km (combined)	6.9 l p	k. A.	8.6 l S	7.0 l S	8.0 l S (8.5 l S)	7.3 L S (8.0 L S)	(9.9 l S)
Emission standard	Euro 1	Euro 2	Euro 1	Euro 2	Euro 1	Euro 2	Euro 1 or Euro 2
Remarks
	Like all four-cylinder engines up to and including the Sonata EF-B, it was based on an old Mitsubishi design, the Sirius, which Hyundai further developed under license.				More powerful and multi-valve version of the same engine (see 2.0l R4).		The almost unchanged version of the second generation of the six-cylinder Mitsubishi (6G72) manufactured under license. Now includes roller rocker arms mounted on nails in the valve actuator . The V6 was offered primarily for prestige reasons and was necessary for success in the US market. Its strengths included a high level of smoothness, the disadvantage was the high fuel consumption of 10 l / 100 km, as with the four-cylinder. That is why the Sonata was offered in a revised form from June 1996, both visually and technically.

1. ↑ Values ​​in round brackets ("()") for automatic transmissions.

• As with the previous model generations, no diesel engine was available for this one .

safety

The ABS, which was optional in the predecessor, was now standard, as were the airbags installed for the first time, which now protect the driver and front passenger.

For the first time, crash tests were carried out for this Sonata outside the manufacturer's development centers. The American Road Safety Administration rated it as safe as its main competitors, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry . In contrast to this, the Sonata was also tested on the side, where it caused a very high load on the driver and front passenger in the chest area due to the lack of side airbags (one or two stars). The head and leg area were not measured in the US NCAP side crash test at that time.

The principle of the front test in the IIHS and EU-NCAP test is an offset barrier made of aluminum honeycomb.

The test procedure of the IIHS founded by insurance companies showed a safety cell buckling at the roof line in a head-on collision with a half-displaced vehicle that is in contact with the Sonata on the driver's side. Their stability was therefore rated as poor, like the driver's footwell. That of the front passenger, as well as the head and chest areas of both front passengers, however, received the best possible rating. Due to the yielding safety cell, the vehicle was nevertheless downgraded to the lowest safety level, which it shared with the platform-related Mitsubishi Galant but also the higher-positioned VW Passat. Honda Accord and Toyota Camry received slightly or significantly better results, but overall with the same strengths and weaknesses. A side or rollover test was not carried out by the IIHS at that time.

reliability

A Canadian car magazine rated the Sonata Y3 with a 3+ as below average reliability. Reviews by Consumer Reports and JD Power are either not freely available or have not been conducted. The usual problems of the model concern the automatic transmission of the model years 1995 to 1997. When shifting manually, engaging reverse gear can lead to accompanying noises, which are solved by installing revised components (1995 and 1996). In all years of construction, a battery cover that has not been properly attached after maintenance work shortens the battery life due to the permanent draining of current.

Sonata (EF / EF-B, 1998-2017)

4th generation
Hyundai Sonata (1998-2001)
Production period:	1998-2017
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.0–2.7 liters (98–131 kW)
Length:	4747 mm
Width:	1820 mm
Height:	1422 mm
Wheelbase :	2700 mm
Empty weight :	1498-1503 kg

US-NCAP - Crash Test

With the fourth generation presented in March 1998, the South Korean automobile manufacturer tried to adapt the vehicle more to European tastes. But since this model was primarily designed for the home market in South Korea and the North American market, where the comfort of a vehicle is more important than technical finesse and sporty driving characteristics, the great success on the European market was not achieved. The same applies to the almost identical Kia Magentis , which began using the Sonata platform for other models (see model relationship ).

In October 2001 a first revision of the front section took place.

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  Hyundai Sonata (2001-2002)

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  Rear view

In autumn 2002 the Sonata underwent another more profound facelift at the front and rear (type EF-B). Instead of the American front design, it resembled the Mercedes C-Class from 2002 , the rear the Jaguar S-Type . In addition, the noise insulation has been improved, the interior extended enhances the body and the handling with the exchange of the two-tube shock absorber from Korean production by Sachs - Gaßdruckstoßdämpfer direct. The brakes become spongy with repeated heavy use, but according to the test report they do their job undiminished. According to ADAC, the braking distance on the facelift model is satisfactory, the lane keeping good and the braking force very finely adjustable. The car is described as handy, its steering reacts quickly and sufficiently directly, which means that the driver is well informed about the road. The chassis only passes larger bumps on to the occupants. The interior noise is low and the tested four-cylinder is very quiet and cultivated. Its daily consumption is 8.3 liters per 100 km, that of the six-cylinder is 9.7.

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  Hyundai Sonata (2002-2005)

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  Rear view

The Russian TagAZ started production of this Sonata model in 2005, which is still being built today. The manufacturer can only be recognized by the missing Hyundai logo on the radiator grille, TagAZ does not have its own markings.

Hyundai itself continued to manufacture the Sonata EF-B in Beijing alongside two successor models in parallel until 2017. In 2010 the vehicle received a revision.

Sales strategy

The characteristics of the Sonata remained the extensive standard equipment, which now included safety equipment with four airbags (front and side airbags for driver and front passenger) and an anti-lock braking system , as well as an affordable price. The reliability improved, but not yet reached the level of Japanese competitors. In terms of workmanship and the appearance of the materials, Hyundai also finished with the past: the dashboard was largely back-foamed, and the now black plastic parts and their gaps achieved a high level of workmanship.

Technical specifications

	2.0		2.4	2.5	2.7
Construction period	1998-2001	2001-2005	1998-2001		2001-2005
Engine characteristics
Engine type	R4 petrol engine			V6 petrol engine
Number of valves per cylinder	4th
Valve control	OHC , timing belt			2 × DOHC, toothed belt / chain
Mixture preparation	Manifold injection
Engine charging	-
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	85.0 mm × 88.0 mm		86.5 mm × 100.0 mm	84.0 mm × 75.0 mm	86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Displacement	1997 cc		2351 cc	2494 cc	2657 cc
Compression ratio	10.0: 1
Max. power	100 kW (136 hp) at 5800 rpm	98 kW (133 hp) at 6000 rpm	110 kW (150 PS) at 5500 rpm	118 kW (160 PS) at 6000 rpm	131 kW (178 hp) at 6000 rpm
Max. Torque	180 Nm at 4600 rpm	184 Nm at 4500 rpm	212 Nm at 3000 rpm	230 Nm at 3750 rpm	245 Nm at 4000 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	5-speed manual transmission
Gearbox, optional	4- speed automatic transmission
Readings
Top speed	200 km / h (190 km / h)	200 km / h (184 km / h)	> 190 km / h	220 km / h (205 km / h)	216 km / h (210 km / h)
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h	9.6 s (10.5 s)	13.3 s (13.2 s)	k. A.	9.3 s	9.5 s (9.7 s)
Fuel consumption over 100 km (combined)	6.7 l S (7.1 l S)	7.1 L S (7.3 L S)	7.8 l S (8.4 l S)	7.6 l p	7.4 l S (8.3 l S)
Emission standard	Euro 2	Euro 3	Euro 2		Euro 3
Remarks
	Revised Sirius II basic engine (hydraulic decoupling from the body, double balancer shaft ), based on the Mitsubishi Sirius series used previously.		USA only	Both completely redesigned six-cylinder units with an aluminum engine block . This engine was used in various Hyundai models until 2010 (e.g. Tucson or Coupé ). It replaced the also outdated Mitsubishi V6 series, which was still used in the Opirus by the sister company Kia .

1. ↑ Values ​​in round brackets ("()") for automatic transmissions.

• No diesel engine was offered for the fourth generation of the Sonata either .

safety

The principle of the IIHS side test is a 50 km / h, SUV-like barrier made of aluminum honeycomb.

The Sonata EF received side airbags and traction control as standard , but no ESP , as it was already more common at the time.

In the US NCAP crash test, the Sonata received four stars in the front and side tests for the driver and front passenger. The insurance’s own IIHS assessed the vehicle in a more differentiated manner. In the side test, the driver's head was protected as well as possible, but all other body regions were classified in the lowest security level. The measurement for the rear passenger seated behind was exactly the opposite. His head was hardly protected because of the lack of curtain airbag, but all other areas were rated as best possible. The body structure as a whole was rated with the lowest level in the side test, and only one level better with marginal in the front test , as it buckled on the roof line like its predecessor. The foot area received average ratings in the front test, but all other areas received the best possible, including the well-controlled movements of the dummies. This means that the front stability is slightly below the level of the competition at the time, but the side stability is on par with that of competitors without side airbags.

reliability

The US consumer magazine Consumer Reports rated the Hyundai Sonata as the most reliable vehicle after a survey of 800,000 vehicle owners in 2004. The survey was the largest ever conducted by an independent organization. JD Power classifies this Sonata as being slightly above average, and this rating is given to all of the vehicle areas surveyed. Drivers of three-year-old models were interviewed. Up to and including model year 2003, the automatic transmission was particularly affected by problems, after which it is considered reliable. The difficult-to-shift gearbox from model years 1999 and 2000 with manual shift was easier due to the installation of revised components. In model year 2002, the temperature sensor of the automatic air conditioning could no longer measure the interior temperature due to a slipping air duct and then regulates based on that of the engine compartment. Unusual noises on the front and rear axles can be corrected in vehicles of the same model year using revised anti-roll bars. In 2010, Hyundai started a service campaign in which a front axle carrier that might rust too much can be replaced free of charge. For this purpose, the thickness of the carrier is measured at various points. The original rust perforation guarantee for the Sonata was six years.

Similar models

The fourth generation Hyundai Sonata (internal model code EF ) provided the technical basis for the construction of the brand's first crossover / off-road model, the Hyundai Santa Fe . The Santa Fe was and is a sales success in the North American market, which made a decisive contribution to increasing brand awareness. The success of this model has also been remarkable in Europe. Other models based on this platform are the Hyundai Trajet and the Kia Magentis .

Sonata (NF, 2004-2010)

5th generation
Hyundai Sonata (2004-2008)
Production period:	2004-2010
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–3.3 liters (121–184 kW) Diesel engines : 2.0 liters (103–110 kW)
Length:	4800 mm
Width:	1832 mm
Height:	1475 mm
Wheelbase :	2730 mm
Empty weight :	1538-1760 kg

Euro NCAP - Crash Test
US-NCAP - Crash Test

The completely redesigned fifth generation (internal model code NF ) was introduced in South Korea in August 2004 , and in Europe it was launched in January 2005. Unlike its predecessor and successor, it does not have a common platform with the Kia Magentis . For the first time with this model, a 2.0-liter diesel engine is used, like the gasoline engines with 2.4 and 3.3 liters displacement, all of which have been completely redeveloped.

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  Rear view

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  Interior (here right-hand drive version)

Engines

Otto engines:

• 2.4 R4 (119 kW / 162 PS): This engine was developed in cooperation with the then Daimler-Chrysler group during the three-year collaboration (2001-2004). Because of this global background it was called the world engine . The camshaft timing is variable (a novelty at Hyundai at the time). It replaced the 2.7 V6 of its predecessor (the 2.0 R4 was not offered in Switzerland), whereby the torque was 31 Nm and the output 4 kW or 11 PS lower (2.7 V6: 250 Nm 127 kW / 173 PS).
• 3.3 V6 (173–184 kW / 235–250 PS): This engine was the brand's second most powerful petrol engine available in Europe in the entire Hyundai portfolio; only surpassed by the almost identical 3.8 V6 in the Kia Opirus and Hyundai Grandeur . In the USA and South Korea, gasoline engines up to 315 kW are also available for larger vehicles ( Hyundai Equus ). In the course of the Sonata facelift at the beginning of 2009, the output was increased by 9 kW or 15 PS.

Diesel engines:

For the first time the Sonata was also a very modern in its fifth generation common rail - diesel engine with Garrett - VTG turbochargers used Hyundai partly in European Powertrain center developed in Rüsselsheim. It is now also used in many other models of the brand and its sister company Kia .

• 2.0 CRDi with in-line four-cylinder with 1991 cc displacement and 103 kW (140 PS) 2006–2008
• 2.0 CRDi with in-line four-cylinder with 1991 cc displacement and 110 kW (150 PS) 2008-2010

safety

The safety equipment of the Sonata was state-of-the-art at the time of its market launch and currently only lacks optional driver assistance systems . In March 2005 it already comprised six standard airbags (front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as windowbags over the entire side window areas) and, for the first time in a Hyundai sedan, a standard ESP . Active headrests and seat belt reminders are also part of the standard equipment.

In the Euro NCAP crash test in 2006, the Sonata achieved a result of 27 out of 37 possible points and 4 out of 5 stars. The Sonata passed the differently oriented crash tests of the US traffic safety authority (see US NCAP ) with the best possible result of 5 stars. According to the rating of the American trade magazine Consumer Reports, it is one of the safest mid-range cars on the North American market. The IIHS founded by insurance companies uses another method (see introductory text for this ). For example, it not only checks the rollover probability (US-NCAP), but executes it. Rear and front stability are classified in the best category by the IIHS, but the one determined during the rollover is classified as marginal, in the actually very well completed side crash, the risk of injury to the driver's hips and legs is classified as high, so that the overall lateral stability is also classified as marginal . The US-NCAP only checks the side of the chest for risk of injury, where the Sonata offers good to very good protection. Overall, the vehicle achieved an acceptable safety rating in the IIHS test.

reliability

The automatic transmission was a bit noticeable in the first year of construction.

The reliability of the fifth generation is very good and therefore above average. According to surveys of owners by the American trade journal Consumer Reports and JD Power , the reliability is very good and on the level of Japanese competing models. Electronics and drive reliability are among the best in class, but body and interior durability are only in the middle. The last point asked about wind noise, rattling, leaks and the condition of the paintwork and interior materials. In Germany the Sonata was sold too seldom to be included in breakdown statistics.

The rare problems are concentrated on the automatic transmission in the 2006 model year. Other problem areas can include an outside temperature display in vehicles with automatic air conditioning that is inaccurate by 5 to 10 ° C (2006 model), a tire pressure warning light that lights up temporarily due to electromagnetic interference (2006 and 2007) and a Sensor in the electronic accelerator pedal of the V6 model (2006 and 2007), which, if defective, leads to an emergency running program with a maximum speed of around 20 km / h, but no automatic acceleration. No abnormalities are listed for the facelift.

Facelift

In autumn 2008 the Sonata was revised. Contrary to assumptions, according to which the model should be renamed to i40 , the previous name is also retained in Germany. In the course of this facelift, the front section was slightly revised. In addition, the Sonata received a redesigned and now higher quality dashboard. The engine range was also revised: the 2.4-liter gasoline engine was replaced by a new Theta II unit with a displacement of 2.0 liters; the output remained almost unchanged at 121 kW (165 hp). The 3.3-liter V6 with 184 kW (250 PS) and the 2.0-liter diesel , now with 110 kW (150 PS), also gained in power.

In the spring of 2010, sales in Germany were discontinued and the Sonata was paused for a year for the first time since entering the market there in 1991. In other European countries like Austria it was offered until it was replaced by the Hyundai i40 across Europe .

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  Hyundai Sonata (2008-2010)

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  Rear view

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  interior

particularities

The Sonata as a FIFA carrier

In Germany, the previous model with 1,212 registrations in 2004 had the status of a niche model, for the year 2005 a number of around 2,000 was targeted for the new generation, but only achieved 1,379 in 2006 - a twentieth to fortieth of Ford Mondeo (28,108) and Škoda Octavia (56,745). In the US, however , this generation was the brand's top-selling model, with sales between 100,000 and 150,000. A new plant in Montgomery, Alabama ( Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama ) was built there, primarily for the production of the Sonata .

This Sonata generation was the only one available with a diesel engine. Like its predecessor, it formed the platform for the Santa Fe . The Sonata was part of the vehicle fleet for the 2006 FIFA World Cup .

Sonata (YF, 2009-2016)

6th generation
Hyundai Sonata (2009-2015; South Korea)
Production period:	2009-2016
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.0–2.4 liters (121–148 kW)
Length:	4820 mm
Width:	1835 mm
Height:	1470 mm
Wheelbase :	2795 mm
Empty weight :	1434-1504 kg

US-NCAP - Crash Test

With this generation, Hyundai is separating its middle class for different continents for the first time. A separate vehicle was developed for Europe on the platform of the Sonata YF, which was released in mid-2011 as the Hyundai i40 . It is based on the Hyundai i-flow presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The development of the sixth generation with the internal name YF began in 2005 and cost 450 billion ? (approx. € 260 million). Sales in South Korea began on September 2, 2009 with the 2.0-liter engine with 121 kW (165 hp) taken over from its predecessor. The design was completely revised, Hyundai called the new design language Fluidic Sculpture (as a flowing sculpture).

Due to the increased use of aluminum, the new Sonata is approx. 100 kg lighter than its predecessor, and the c _w value is 0.29. V6 engines are no longer used, which means that the front subframe can be manufactured more easily. These measures help to reduce fuel consumption.

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  Rear view

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  Interior (here right-hand drive version)

Engines

For the US Release 2010, a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder was charged with direct fuel injection presented with 201 hp (148 kW) at 6300 min ^-1 and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 4250 min ^-1 . This “ Theta II GDI ” is optionally combined with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission and was the only engine there until the end of 2010. At that time, a turbo version followed with a 2.0-liter GDI and 201 kW (274 hp).

The full hybrid version of the Sonata , which is only available in the USA and Canada , was postponed to March 2011 . The reason was a law passed by the US government in January that provides for the generation of artificial noises for the electric operation of cars "in the near future". To avoid a recall, Hyundai decided to install such a system immediately. The c _w value in the hybrid is reduced to 0.25, and the 2.4-liter engine is operated in the Atkinson cycle. The gasoline engine has an output of 124 kW (169 hp), the electric motor 29 kW (40 hp). The combined consumption in the practical North American EPA rating is given as 6.2 l per 100 km. Inside, an “EcoGuide” with a blue and red area replaces the speed scale and evaluates the driving style for efficiency. Information on the current driving status of the hybrid system appears in the center.

Markets and body styles

In South Korea and the USA the vehicle is still available as Sonata, in Australia it was renamed i45 .

The version developed for Europe has been available since autumn 2011 and is called i40 . Production takes place in the world's largest automobile plant in Ulsan . For the first time, the group also developed a station wagon version (" i40 cw ") for its middle class , which was agreed by the European development center in Rüsselsheim. It will later be available as a diesel hybrid with the hybrid technology described above, which is a world first for this body shape. The notchback variant will follow in spring 2012.

A decision is currently being made about a convertible version of the Sonata. In this vehicle category, which is particularly common in North America, the competitively priced Toyota Solara and Chrysler Sebring have withdrawn.

safety

The safety equipment corresponds to that of the predecessor and includes six airbags, ESP as standard, a tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints at the front and an Isofix child seat system. Other driver assistance systems such as a lane departure warning system are only available in the European i40 , which is related to the Sonata, or in larger sedans such as the Grandeur, which is not available in Europe .

The American traffic safety authority has been measuring more points on the dummy in the US NCAP crash test since 2011 and has added a pole test similar to that of the Euro NCAP , in which the vehicle is pushed sideways against a tree-like post. Hyundai then improved the Sonata on July 2 and September 7, 2010, improving the rating for the frontal impact from three to four stars. In the side and pole impact tests, however, remained at the maximum rating of five stars, to which the overall result also improved. The insurance's own IIHS tests in the front area instead of the rigid wall of the US NCAP with a laterally offset, vehicle-like barrier and laterally with an SUV-like barrier instead of the limousine-like barrier in the US NCAP. It also carries out a roll-over and drive-on test. All the tests mentioned were passed with the best possible rating of good at all measuring points . The Sonata automatically receives the Top Safety Pick Award and is recommended for purchase by American insurance companies.

reliability

Sonata Hybrid with LED daytime running lights, currently without a reliability rating.

The only source of statistics available so far for this generation is TrueDelta . Their approach is the continuous entry of problems by the drivers and making these details available. This is where TrueDelta differs from JD Power , who only survey once after three years and only publish an overall rating. However, both ratings are the same for previous Sonata generations. The 2011 model year is in the top group at TrueDelta , one step below the best in its class. This result is remarkable given that it is the first year of production for a completely redesigned vehicle.

Sonata (LFA, 2015-2019)

7th generation
Hyundai Sonata (2015-2017)
Production period:	since 2015
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.6–2.4 liters (113–180 kW) Diesel engine : 1.7 liters (104 kW) Otto hybrid : 2.0 liters (115 kW + 38 kW)
Length:	4855 mm
Width:	1865 mm
Height:	1475 mm
Wheelbase :	2805 mm
Empty weight :	1435-1595 kg

The seventh generation of the Sonata was introduced in South Korea at the end of March 2014 . Hyundai presented the US version of the Sonata in April 2014 at the New York International Auto Show . A plug-in hybrid version has also been available since November 2015 .

At NYIAS 2017, Hyundai presented the revised version of the Sonata. This came to the dealers in summer 2017.

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  Rear view

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  inner space

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  Hyundai Sonata (since 2017)

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  Rear view

Technical specifications

	1.6 T-GDi	2.0 MPI	2.0 CVVL	2.0 T-GDi	2.4 MPI	2.4 GDI	2.0 GDi PHEV	1.7 CRDi
engine
Construction period	since 2015
Engine type	Gasoline engine						Otto engine + electric engine	Diesel engine
Engine type	R4
Displacement	1591 cc	1999 cc		1998 cc	2359 cc		1999 cc	1685 cc
power	132 kW (180 PS) at 5500 rpm	113 kW (154 hp) at 6200 rpm	120 kW (163 hp) at 6500 rpm	180 kW (245 PS) at 6000 rpm	126 kW (171 hp) at 6000 rpm	138 kW (188 hp) at 6000 rpm	115 kW (156 PS) at 6000 rpm + 38 kW (52 PS)	104 kW (141 hp) at 4000 rpm
Torque	265 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm	194 Nm at 4000 rpm	196 Nm at 4800 rpm	353 Nm at 1350-4500 rpm	222 Nm at 4000 rpm	241 Nm at 4000 rpm	189 Nm at 5000 rpm	340 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm
Power transmission
Drive, as standard	Front wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	7-speed dual clutch transmission	6-speed manual transmission	6-speed automatic transmission	8-speed automatic transmission	6-speed automatic transmission			7-speed dual clutch transmission
Gearbox, optional	-	[6-speed automatic transmission ]	-
Readings
Top speed	210 km / h	200 km / h	205 km / h	240 km / h	205 km / h	210 km / h	192 km / h	202 km / h
Acceleration 0-100	8.7 s	10.8 s [11.1 s]	10.6 s	7.5 s	9.9 s	9.0 s	9.3 s	11.0 s
Fuel consumption (combined)		8.1 l super [7.8 l super]		8.1 l super	8.2 l super	8.3 l super	4.5 l super
Tank capacity		70 l			70 l		60 l

Sonata (DN8, since 2019)

8th generation
Hyundai Sonata (since 2019)
Production period:	since 2019
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.5–2.5 liters (112–177 kW) Otto hybrid : 2.0 liters (112 kW + 39 kW)
Length:	4900-4955 mm
Width:	1860 mm
Height:	1445-1465 mm
Wheelbase :	2840-2890 mm
Empty weight :	1388-1618 kg

Rear view

The 2020 model year Sonata was launched in March 2019. It had its public premiere in April 2019 at the New York International Auto Show . The 2020 model year is less conservative than the previous model and takes on design elements of the Hyundai Le Fil Rouge concept vehicle presented in 2018 . The production vehicle has an almost bake-like shape and continuous C-shaped rear lights. The interior has also been extensively redesigned.

The variant built by Beijing-Hyundai in China since summer 2020 is 55 mm longer.

Technical specifications

	270 TGDi	1.6 T-GDI	380T GDi	2.0 MPi	2.5 MPi	2.0 hybrid
Construction period	since 2020	since 2019	since 2020	since 2019		since 2020
market	China	North America, South Korea	China	Russia, South Korea	North America, Russia	North America, South Korea
engine
Engine type	Gasoline engine					Otto engine + electric engine
Engine type	R4
Displacement	1497 cc	1598 cc	1975 cc	1999 cc	2497 cc	1999 cc
power	125 kW (170 hp) at 5500 rpm	132 kW (180 PS) at 5500 rpm	177 kW (240 PS) at 6000 rpm	112 kW (152 hp) at 6200 rpm	132 kW (180 PS) at 6000 rpm	143 kW (195 PS) at 6000 rpm (1)
Torque	253 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm	265 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm	353 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm	192 Nm at 4000 rpm	232 Nm at 4000 rpm	k. A. (2)
Power transmission
Drive, as standard	Front wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	7-speed dual clutch transmission	8-speed automatic transmission		6-speed automatic transmission
Gearbox, optional	-
Readings
Empty weight	1455 kg	1420 kg	1542-1545 kg	1388-1591 kg	1417-1618 kg	1601 kg
Top speed	210 km / h	220 km / h	240 km / h	200 km / h	210 km / h	k. A.
Acceleration 0-100	9.3 s	k. A.	7.8 s	10.5 s	9.0 s	k. A.
Fuel consumption (combined)	5.6 l super	7.6 l super	6.8–6.9 l super	7.1–7.3 l super	7.4-7.8 l super	4.5–5.0 l super
CO 2 emissions (combined)	k. A.	k. A.	k. A.	168-169 g / km	176-179 g / km	k. A.

⁽¹⁾ System output, combustion engine: 112 kW (152 PS) / electric motor: 39 kW (52 PS)

⁽²⁾ System torque, combustion engine: 188 Nm / electric motor: 205 Nm

literature

• Automobile revue. Catalog 1991, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2003.
• Hyundai Sonata Manual 1993. Hyundai Motor Company, June 10, 1992. YO-920614

Web links

Commons : Hyundai Sonata  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Former official website ( Memento of September 17, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
• Mirror article for the 2005 model

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Commercial Hyundai Sonata Y (loud soundtrack)
2. ↑ Story: The Hyundai Sonata Through the Years (1985-2014)
3. ^ Hyundai Motor Company in 2011 - Surpassing Automotive Powerhouses, Captivating the Entire World.
4. ^ Company History of Hyundai Motor, 1992, p. 644
5. ↑ Description of the Xenoy properties by the manufacturer ( Memento from November 20, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
6. ↑ MotorWeek test of the Hyundai Sonata Ys model year 1992
7. ↑ High demand for Hyundai Excel in North America
8. ↑ High demand for Hyundai Excel in Canada
9. ↑ Short report on the Sonata Y2
10. ↑ ^{a b} Engine and transmission codes for Hyundai models up to 2003
11. ↑ ABS availability in the Sonata Y2
12. ^ Sonata Y3 US NCAP result
13. ↑ ^{a b} Notes on used Hyundai Sonata Y3 ( Memento from November 13, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
14. ↑ Refinements in the V6 of the Hyundai Sonata Y3
15. ^ Honda Accord US NCAP result 1996
16. ↑ Toyota Camry US NCAP results 1996
17. ↑ Results of the safety tests Sonata 1996: Safety ratings - 1996 Hyundai Sonata. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) , accessed on April 30, 2019 (English, at the bottom of the page, accessible by scrolling through the individual vehicle types). 
18. ↑ ^{a b} Video of the crash test: Crash test: 2006 Hyundai Sonata. In: YouTube . February 1, 2008, accessed April 30, 2019 . 
19. ↑ Mitsubishi Galant IIHS test result
20. ↑ VW Passat IIHS test result
21. ↑ Sonata Y2 IIHS test result
22. ↑ Honda Accord IIHS test result
23. ↑ Toyota Camry IIHS test result
24. ↑ Private test report on Sonata generations from Y2
25. ↑ Problem points with the Sonata Y3 ( Memento from July 20, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
26. ^ Sonata EF US NCAP result
27. ↑ Test report Sonata Facelift (PDF; 152 kB) ( Memento from February 16, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
28. ↑ Press release on Sonata EF-B ( Memento from July 16, 2012 in the web archive archive.today ) Press release on Sonata EF-B
29. ↑ Page no longer available , search in web archives: ADAC test report Hyundai Sonata EF-B
30. ↑ Consumption of the Sonata EF-B four-cylinder
31. ↑ Consumption Sonata EF-B six-cylinder
32. ↑ Sonata EF-B in TagAZ production
33. ↑ Tour of a brand new Hyundai Sonata TagAZ
34. ↑ Sonata EF-B as BT01 in Beijing-Hyundai production
35. ↑ Sirius II characteristics ( Memento of the original from September 3, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
36. ↑ Sonata EF IIHS front test
37. ↑ Sonata EF IIHS side test
38. ↑ Honda Accord IIHS result ( Memento from January 26, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
39. ↑ Toyota Camry IIHS result
40. ↑ VW Passat IIHS result
41. ↑ Surveys on the reliability of the Sonata EF ( Memento from January 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
42. ↑ JD-Power survey in 2005 on three-year Sonata EF ( Memento from November 27, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
43. ↑ JD-Power survey in 2007 on three-year-old Sonata EF-B ( Memento from September 8, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
44. ↑ Problem points of the Sonata EF ( Memento from January 15, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
45. ↑ Problem points of the Sonata EF-B ( Memento from June 26, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
46. ↑ Service campaign Hyundai Sonata EF and EF-B ( Memento from August 1, 2012 in the web archive archive.today )
47. ↑ Description of the test of the front axle carrier ( Memento from November 28, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
48. ^ Platform affinities of Sonata EF and Trajet
49. ↑ Euro NCAP crash test result for the Sonata NF
50. ↑ Crash test result US NCAP for the Sonata NF
51. ↑ Crash test result IIHS for the Sonata NF
52. ↑ JD Power survey from 2010 on the reliability of three-year Sonata NF ( Memento from August 28, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
53. ↑ Problem points with the Sonata NF ( Memento from April 29, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
54. ↑ Description of the emergency running program with a defective accelerator pedal sensor
55. ↑ Temporary suspension of Sonata sales in Germany ( Memento from August 15, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
56. ↑ Sales figures for mid-range models in 2006 in Germany
57. ↑ ^{a b} Data sheet Hyundai Sonata 2011 for North America (English) ( Memento from January 25, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
58. ↑ Crash test results. US NCAP, accessed February 18, 2011 . 
59. ↑ Different Sonata NF successors
60. ↑ Sonata YF Hybrid Delay due to the installation of an artificial noise generator in the electrical operation
61. ↑ Sonata YF Hybrid driving report
62. ↑ Sonata YF Hybrid interior
63. ↑ Hyundai i45 ( Memento of 23 January 2012 at the Internet Archive )
64. ↑ Test reports: Hyundai i40 ( Memento from November 2, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
65. ↑ Hyundai i40 station wagon version
66. ↑ Premiere dates of the Hyundai i40 ( Memento from September 25, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
67. ↑ Sonata YF convertible version ( Memento of the original from July 1, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
68. ^ Sonata YF US NCAP result
69. ^ Sonata YF IIHS result
70. ↑ TrueDelta reliability statistics for the Sonata YF (login without password by clicking on login)
71. ↑ Middle class with a completely new look. April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017 . 
72. ↑ Roland Hildebrandt: Hyundai Sonata (2019): More length and a really chic look. In: de.motor1.com. March 8, 2019, accessed September 24, 2019 . 
73. ↑ 韩流 再起 北京 现代 第十 代 索纳塔 上市 售 16.18 万 起. In: auto.sina.com.cn. July 22, 2020, accessed August 5, 2020 (Chinese).