Introduction

Style & Build

Chassis & Suspension
Engine & Transmission
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Handling & Braking
Interior
Technical Specifications
Summing it up
Review all variants of
Hyundai Sonata
Road Test by
September 2001

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Introduction

There are cars designed to inspire, cars
which are designed to excel and cars
designed to perform. I was thinking on all
these fronts when I was driving the stately
Sonata from Bangalore to Pune. And when
we hit the really interesting sections requiring my undivided
attention, the above thoughts kept crowding my mind. With a
vengeance!

Hyundai has made a very successful start to its operations in

India. It has used this to good effect to get going in different
segments and more importantly building on each and every one
of them. From the Santro to the Accent, its rise has been fairly
well documented and now it has set into motion a gameplan
which might just be its most ambitious to date. More so given
the fact that this plan is at the exact polar end of the spectrum
in context of its small and mid-size car offerings.

Enter the Sonata, Hyundai Motor India Ltd's latest, with which it
Hyundai Sonata Gold - Style & Build

At very first glance, especially one of the exotic

silver hued test car, the Sonata looks like a
million bucks. It just tosses the angular lines of
the competent Honda Accord into a different league altogether.
The amalgamated twin eyes look up front replete with the
modern projection headlamps, the deep air dam on the
wraparound bumper with those delicately crafted fog lamps
recessed aesthetically in it to the gracefully fluted curves on the
bonnet, sets the overall feel-good, classy theme as one takes in
the rest of this automobile in a sweeping gaze. The rake of the
windscreen and the A-pillar accentuate a hint of excitement and
lend a finely proportioned look to the cabin. The curvy beltline
along with a slight crease running early from the rear door to
the tail lamp shows off enough character in profile. In fact the
latest Sonata also features well crafted body sills which endow it
with beautiful poise, at rest or on the move. All this
is enhanced to a large extent by the fitment of
stylish 15-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels shod with
195/65 R15 radials. The 15-inchers fill up the wheel
wells (with those subtle wheel arch lips) superbly.

Then there is the rear end. Seen in three-quarter view it is pure

Jaguar but the Koreans have had no qualms about being
'inspired'. Heck, if Toyota can ape the Mercedes E-class and the
S-class, why can't Hyundai do so with the Jaguar S-Type? The
treatment is so close to the Jag that even the tail lamps get the
twin lens treatment. The chrome frame around the number
plate area and that lip running around the leading edge of the
boot are other detail highlights which set off one of the most
beautiful, er ahem, rear end jobs in this country.

The only discordant note in my perception is again in the toothy

Korean grin, er grille on the front end. But if the oddball-styled
 Santro can grow on you, this is Picasso in
comparison! Good natured banter aside, the
Sonata looks like a million bucks and is deserving
of every glance that comes her way.

Built on a 2700mm wheelbase, the Sonata's overall soft lines

disguise the 4747mm length admirably well. Having short
overhangs helps for sure and at 1820mm the car is one of the
widest in the D-segment but averts an ungainly look.

The high rigid body structure engineered with front and rear
crumple zones has been perfected by super computers
employing the latest CAD-CAM-CAE software. The body design
incorporates a whole load of advances (multiple-location
insulation, hydraulic-engine mounts, vibration dampers on body
panels, etc) which contribute to reduced NVH levels. Dual-side
impact bars in the doors, energy absorbing collapsible steering
column, cross bar support under the dashboard, engine sub-
frame and low speed resistant bumpers round off the passive
safety features on the car.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Chassis & Suspension

Over the past decade Hyundai has made major strides in

automotive engineering, manufacturing and design. While the
small Santro and mid-sizer Accent have displayed this to an
extent, the Sonata is a shining example of Hyundai's self-
evolved car building expertise. Having been slotted slam bang in
the hottest saloon car category in the demanding US market
against the likes of the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry and
the Ford Taurus, Hyundai has perfected the Sonata to match
them on build while closing in on them on the technological
angle.

This fact manifests itself in the strong monocoque which is

torsionally stiff without adding mass or weight along with the
overall design and layout of the suspension which is further
finely tuned to work in the segment HMIL wants to slot the
Sonata in. The Sonata employs a double wishbone front
suspension layout with gas charged shock absorbers. The entire
steering and suspension geometry upfront is further aided by
the sub-frame mounted engine which helps isolate road
imperfections from coming through to the cabin.

The rear multi-link layout with gas charged shock absorbers is

tuned in sync with the front and the optimal wheelbase to track
relationship employed aids both overall stability and ride quality.
As you read on, it is a combination of these two which makes
the Sonata such a revelation.

Hyundai has installed disc brakes on all four wheels on the

upscale Gold version (the GLS base version, if it can be called
that, has drum brakes at the rear). There are 205.6mm dia
ventilated discs on the front wheels while on the rear are
226mm dia solid discs. ABS is standard fitment while the Gold
also comes with traction control. Rack and pinion steering gear
(power assisted) is employed. Many other cars also sport these
but HMIL has adapted them all to work seamlessly in tandem
which really marks it out to be a most superior offering in its
class.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Engine & Transmission

It is in this area that much is expected of the Sonata and for

good reason given that the competition - Honda Accord, Ford
Mondeo, to name but two will be banking heavily on their
powerplants to make a statement. Let me state without
hesitation that the Sonata holds its own without being swept
away even though it has to contend with the brilliance of the
Honda VTEC technology.

When Hyundai first informed us that the

Sonata would be powered by the Sirius II
2.0-litre dohc 16-valve four-cylinder engine, I
was slightly bemused given the girth and size of the car. While
this was forgotten to a large extent when I drove the car in
Korea, there remained a slight doubt. Now having driven the car
on our roads, I can say that many of my apprehensions were
unfounded.

The 1997cc dohc mill employs multi-point fuel injection

(developed and built by Hyundai itself) along with its very own
EMS providing the vital inputs depending on a variety of sensors
and conditions. While it might not have the out and out power of
the detuned Accord engine (or the brilliance of its VTEC top
end), let's get this fact straight: the SIRIUS II develops
132.12bhp at 6,000rpm from 1997cc while the Accord pumps
out 141 horses from 2294cc. Where the Sonata is seen in lesser
light is in the torque arena: 163.83Nm (at 4500rpm) against the
Accord's 191Nm. But forget figures for awhile and zero in on
refinement and silk and cream smooth operation instead.
Mmm... the SIRIUS II is a dream.

The Sonata only comes with a five-speed manual 'box which

features overdrive in the fourth and fifth cogs. The ratios are
made for relaxed cruising and fuel efficiency. If anyone thinks
they are out of sync they probably should look at another car for
their needs. The shift quality is terrific without being vague
while the clutch action is also right up there.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Performance

The Sonata is a soft car and one made to
transport the high and the mighty (and also
those who aspire to being such) in a
manner which is vibe and jerk free,
accelerating smoothly from standstill and shutting out rough
edges of the world outside in an aura of sheer luxury and
splendour. Of course it can't match Mercedes-Benz standards
(especially of the S and E-class cars and no, don't get me into
comparing it to the C-class which is in fact a smaller Merc more
than a competitor to the Sonata), but it sure does its job pretty
effectively.

Starting from standstill, what is impressive is that the engine

just about burbles over as it motors away. No laying rubber on
the road starts for it but the engine can more than hold its own
at exceedingly low speeds without in anyway being audible.
Having to shift 1441kg (kerb weight) from rest is no problem
and the car motors away in the most demanding conditions also
without the need to over rev or such. Of course smoothness is
of the essence and I found that many were slotting into gears
quicker than they should have. Racing shifts are not the way to
get things done. Rather firm but measured shifts get the best
out of this automobile.

She is no sluggard though, doing the zero to 100kmph run in

13.43 seconds while taking 34.24 seconds for the zero to
150kmph sprint. On the highway, one needs to build up speed
gradually, but once committed the engine hooks up and powers
this car to a 182.84kmph top whack. Not bad by any means on
sheer performance with the engine ticking over in the 5700-
6000rpm range.

Her flexibility is something else altogether. Slot her into fourth

or fifth with the speedo at 120kmph or so and a glance at the
tachometer shows the needle hovering in the 2500 to 2700rpm
range. The same holds true when driving in-town. A skilled
driver at the wheel can have this sassy momma purring away
like a contented cat. One can drive the Sonata at sensible
speeds using just the torque to do the work. It is only when you
try to stamp on the throttle without downshifting when you
need to overtake or the like that one feels the slowness of
response.

Unfortunately the Sonata and all other D-segment machines will

be compared to the Honda Accord, as yardstick for performance
in this class, especially in terms of engine performance and
refinement and it will have to live with that.

Hyundai however informed us that they will begin this year with
the SIRIUS II unit and by next year offer the 2.7-litre V6 with
170 horses for all those who want pace to go with the grace.
Now that should be something.
Fuel Efficiency

The Sonata's unhurried performance can be harnessed to derive

good fuel efficiency. What one cannot attain without VTEC,
Hyundai has attempted to do so with absolutely spot on gearing.
When we motored down from Hyundai's Chennai plant to Pune,
we monitored the fuel efficiency on each of the six cars crewed
by pedal to the metal pen pushers trying to live up to their
estimation of desi Michael Schumacher incarnations. The
average fuel efficiency of the six cars was in the region of 6.89
to 7.9kmpl with flat out motoring being the norm rather than
the other way around.

In our highway run, she averaged 15.5kmpl without the air con
and 14.4kmpl with the climate control switched on. She didn't
do too badly in the in-town mode either, recording 6.9kmpl.
Having driven her extensively in both Pune and Mumbai and
also on the longish highway run from Chennai plus the blasts to
Ahmednagar and back plus many other small forays, the Sonata
delivered an overall fuel efficiency figure of 11.2kmpl which is
mighty impressive. With a 65-litre petrol tank this makes for an
impressive 728km operating range.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Handling & Braking

The power assisted rack and pinion steering

gear is nicely weighted and gives good feel
though it can be improved in its dead centre
position. Also as one gets to full lock on either
side, the steering seems to thud against the stops rather than
being damped as on the other cars. Maybe this was the only
flaw we managed to pick out on the car.
Ease the car gently through the twisty bits
and she is a delight, at any speed. Try to
accomplish the same by taking her by the
scruff of her neck and - being a wide car -
one can have it roll a bit but not enough to spoil the composure
of the sugar daddies sitting in the rear. To be cocooned in
luxury is what HMIL has created this car for and she comes
close to achieving her makers' objectives.

The road holding is of a very surefooted nature and the ride and
handling balance Hyundai has managed to get just about right.
So right in fact that it is uncanny! Add to that power delivery
which is in tune with body control and brakes which perform
well (over-servoed as they might have been). The ABS system
is further aided with traction control which can be switched off if
not needed. While motoring to Mumbai with the heavens having
opened up in all their fury and visibility in the potholed section
of the Bhor Ghat down to just 25 metres or so, the Sonata rode
the surface so well that I was amazed we never even once
struck a rock, speedbreaker or such.

Even under heavy braking the front end never kissed mother
earth, especially given the soft spring rates and this was pretty
good. One of the reasons behind this positive performance
attribute is the Sonata's 177mm ground clearance.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Interior

I am reminded of Jaguar's famous catchline - 'grace,

space and pace' when I think of the Sonata. Of course it
doesn't have the pedigree or the ferocious performance on tap.
But to go with its head turning looks is an equally sumptuous
cabin, well appointed, luxurious and airy. The upmarket Gold
version features full (beige) leather upholstery, a superb air con
 system along with an air purifier system which
helps the hard working sethji breathe easier as
he motors back from the share market.

The soft touch dashboard is attractive but in a classy way while

fake wood panelling abounds on the centre console, the
instrument panel, the steering wheel and on the door handles.
The seats are large and can carry heavies (literally and
figuratively!) in comfort. It is the attention lavished to the
occupants, especially those in the rear which marks this car out
as one to be seen and driven in more than as one which most
would crave to drive.

Power windows, central locking, a great many cubby holes for

odds and ends, a super stereo system, electric fuel lid and boot
openers, the Sonata has it all and is not found lacking on any
count, especially given its competition and the price tag she
sports. Leg room and head room are as lavish as any in its class
and the driving position can be pretty much termed as relaxed.
Good all round visibility is another strong design aspect of the
car contributing to a cheery cabin ambience. Overall the
pervading high class feel is what Hyundai has worked to
achieve, at least on its Gold spec version. On this count it has
the Accord beat.

Hyundai Sonata Gold - Technical Specifications

Overall Rating
0-100 kmph 13.43s
Quarter Mile 18.90s
Top Speed 182.84kmph
Ride Good
Handling Good
Brake rating Average
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type 4-cyl in-line, MPFi
Installation Transverse
Valvetrain 16 valve DOHC
Displacement 1997cc
Bore & Stroke 85mm x 88mm
Comp Ratio 10:1
Max Power 132bhp @ 6000rpm
Max Torque 163.82Nm @ 4500rpm
Engine speed 6000 rpm
Bhp/Litre 66bhp/litre
Power/Weight 92bhp/ton
Fuel Delivery Electric
Fuel Unleaded Petrol
Maintenance
Oil/Filter change 10000km
Tuneup Every 10000km
Basic Warranty 1year

Chassis & Body

Layout 3 box sedan
Body/Frame Monocoque
Brakes front 205.6mm discs
Brakes rear (GLS) 228mm discs
Booster assist 7+8inch tandem
Assist Type on GLS
& 8+9 inch tandem on Gold
6.0J x 15, steel on GLS, Alloy on
Wheels
Gold
Tyres 195/65 R15
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion
Overall ratio 14.14:1
Turning circle 10.8m
Turns lock to lock 3.04
Independent suspension by
Suspension front double wishbone with gas
shocks. Stabilisaer bar.
Independent multi-link with gas
Suspension rear
shocks. Anti-roll bar.

General Data
Kerb Weight 1441kg
Gross Weight 1920kg
Wheelbase 2700mm
Track (F/R) 1540/1530mm
Length 4747mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1422mm
Ground clearance 177mm
Boot space 398lts

Accomodation
Seating Capacity 5
Head Room, (F/R) 889/876mm
Leg room, F max/min 1168/1016mm
Knee room, F max/min 868/660mm
Knee room, R max/min 812/711mm
Shoulder space 1422mm

Drivetrain
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with 1 reverse
Kmph/1000rp
Gear Ratio Overall Ratio
m
1st 3.636 14.733 7.86
2nd 2.056 8.353 13.06
3rd 1.296 5.266 21.99
4th 0.943 3.831 30.22
5th 0.775 3.149 36.77
Final Drive Ratio 4.063
Rpm @ 90kmph in 4th 14.037
Reverse gear 3.455

Instrumentation
240kmph/140mph speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer,
fuel guage, temperature gauge, tell tales including one for
traction control on/off

Test Conditions
Terrain All tarmac
Temperature 15 to 34ºc
Distance 3500km

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration
Time to Speed Seconds Meters
0-30kmph 2.08 9.21
0-40kmph 3.02 18.13
0-50kmph 4.17 32.76
0-60kmph 5.50 52.60
0-70kmph 7.09 81.32
0-80kmph 8.72 113.84
0-90kmph 10.91 163.74
0-100kmph 13.43 231.78
0-110kmph 16.18 313.49
0-120kmph 19.28 412.40
0-130kmph 23.41 556.12
0-140kmph 27.91 725.56
0-150kmph 34.24 978.79
Time to Distance
Quarter Mile 18.90s @ 120.82 kmph
Standing 1km 35.17s @ 146.53kmph
30-70 kmph 5.01s

Roll-on
Kmph 4th 5th
40-50 3.77s 5.14s
50-60 4.23s 4.75s
60-70 7.24s 4.92s
70-80 3.88s 4.29s
80-90 3.61s 6.08s
90-100 4.10s 6.23s
20-80 in 3rd 16.38s
Top Speed
Max Speed 182.84kmph*
Speedo read 190kmph
*Achieved in 4th gear using Datron Correvit EEP-3 laser test
gear at NCAT in VRDE, Ahmednagar.

Braking
Minimum Stopping Distance
From 80kmph 27.79m/2.60s
Control Good
Brake Feel Average
Overall Brake Rating Average
Fuel Economy
Petrol
Overall 11.2kmpl
In-town 6.9kmpl
Highway 15.5kmpl
Fuel Tank capacity 65 litres
Range 728km

Tester Ratings
Design & Style
Powertrain
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Dynamic ability
Space
Creature Comforts
Driver Appeal

Summing it up
HMIL officials were at pains to impress us
that it was not what is (or not!) under the
bonnet that will draw in the image
conscious to its D-segment offering but how well it can waft
these very same homo sapiens in terms of luxury and ride and
comfort and safety. The jury is out on this count at the moment
though whosoever we showed the car to were impressed
enough to buy it for their grandfather or father after driving it
around.

No offence meant when all of the persons who saw, drove and
were driven in it already are Mercedes-Benz owners and want
another car for their chauffeurs to handle. The plushness of the
interior, appointments therein and that stunning shape made
most arrive at these decisions. But I say again, the jury is out
on this count and we will adopt a wait and watch attitude.
What cannot be denied however is that a car which looks like a
million bucks can be yours for Rs 14,21,110 lakh (OTR Mumbai)
which is, I feel, the correct pricing rather than an aggressive
introductory bid. Taken as a complete package - smashing style,
ample space, fine interior appointments, great ride quality,
decent handling, good performance even if you have to coax it
out sometimes, technical goodies like traction control, a strong
dealer and service network plus strike the right money chord
pricing - the Sonata has it all covered, except for one vital
ingredient. IMAGE!

Hyundai knows this but is not too perturbed, preferring to work

at building this on its sheer strength and also on making
available the Sonata only to those who have a certain standing
in society, at least in the initial phase! Knowing the firmly
entrenched reputation of the Accord in Indian minds, it will have
its work cut out though Honda has made it slightly easier for
HMIL by not going the whole hog on trim and equipment levels.
As of the moment the company is making one car per hour at its
Chennai facility (a separate line has been set up exclusively for
the Sonata) with eight units rolling out per day. This figure can
be hiked to 16 if two eight hour shifts are resorted to.

That will be the one sureshot indicator that the Sonata has got
motoring, into the hearts of those who can make it count!

Discontinued
HYUNDAI MOTOR
INDIA. Variants
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