Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Production	1988—present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Hyundai Stellar

The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan built by the Hyundai Motor Company. Production started with the model of 1988, with redesigns in 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2006.

First generation (1988–1994)

First generation
Overview
Production	1988–1994
Assembly	Bromont, Quebec Canada Asan, Korea
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L (110 hp) Sirius I4 2.0 L (131 hp) Sirius I4 3.0 L V6 Mitsubishi 6G72
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
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The original Sonata (Y1) 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, however it still featured some of Mitsubishi's engineering, including its 2.4 L 110 hp (82 kW) Sirius I4 engine as used in American-market models. [2]. 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 were:

US Versions

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

• 
  1993-1994 Hyundai Sonata

Second generation (1995–1997)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Sonata 2 (South Korea)
Production	1995–1998
Assembly	Asan, Korea
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 126 hp (94 kW) Sirius I4 3.0 L 142 hp (106 kW) Mitsubishi V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
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The second-generation Sonata (Y2) debuted in 1994, as a 1995 model. The base engine in most markets was a 2.0 L 126 hp (94 kW) Sirius I4, but there was a 3.0 L, 142 hp (106 kW) 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.

A relatively adventurous facelift for the Sonata (Y3) in 1997 saw the exterior style begin to look more upmarket, with Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz styling designs in the headlight area. The rear end also began to look more upmarket—only the central section was retained. Sales were up 25% that first year. The four-cylinder engine was up to 137 hp (102 kW) that year as well.

• 
  1997-1998 Hyundai Sonata

Third generation (1998–2004)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	EF Sonata (S. Korea)
Production	1998–2001
Assembly	Asan, Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Optima/Magentis
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L 138 hp (103 kW) DOHC Sirius I4 2.5 L 170 hp (127 kW) Hyundai Delta V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
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Updated Third Generation
Overview
Also called	New EF Sonata (S. Korea)
Production	2002–2005
Assembly	Asan, Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Optima/Magentis
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L 149 hp (111 kW) DOHC Sirius I4 2.7 L 173 hp (129 kW) Hyundai Delta V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
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A new model arrived in 1998 (1999 for North America), launching the (EF) series. The styling was slightly less aggressive, and modeled more on a Hyundai's prototype showed earlier that year. This redesign kept the German influences, but bore an unintentional resemblance to the Ford Taurus as well.

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, along with even more upscale touches and a still-low price, boosted sales considerably in the US.

• 
  2001 Hyundai Sonata (Euro-spec)

A very Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar-esque look was added to the old underpinnings for 2000, the new model debuting in the American market for the 2002 model year (Sonata EF2). The 2002 model featured the all-aluminum, DOHC 2.7 L Hyundai Delta V6 powered the Sonata with 173 hp (129 kW). It also featured the same Sirius II 4 cylinder which at the time made 149 hp (111 kW), 157 lbf·ft (213 N·m) of torque. Sales reached 104,000 for 2004.

The Kia Optima (called the Magentis in Canada and Europe) was based on the same automobile platform of this generation of Sonata and shared the same doors and some others panels.

This Sonata also lent its platform to the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a 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.

Fourth generation (2006–present)

Fourth Generation
Overview
Also called	Hyundai NF御翔 (NF Yuxiang) (China) Hyundai NF (Russia) Hyundai Sonica (Italy), NF Sonata (S. Korea), Hyundai Sonata CVVT-i (Malaysia) Hyundai i40 (Europe; 2008-) Hyundai Sonata Transform (KDM Facelift) Hyundai Sonata Embera (India)
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Montgomery, Alabama Asan, Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Grandeur/Azera Kia Optima/Magentis/Lotze Kia Carens/Rondo
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L, 163 hp (122 kW), I4 3.3 L 237-249 hp V6 2.0 CRDi ( European & Australasian Market only)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
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The totally redesigned 4th generation Sonata was launched in August 2004 in Korea. A new platform also was created out of the project NF (Neverending Fame & Faith) for total cost of 290 billion won. The company's first all-aluminum I4 engine, dubbed Theta, debuted in the new Sonata. Engine choices at launch were a 2.4 L I4 that produces 164 ps at 5,800 rpm and a 3.3 L 237 hp (177 kW) V6.

The U.S. launch of the new Sonata kicked off with the historical opening of the first U.S. assembly plant for the Korea-based Hyundai Motor Company in May 2005. The plant is located in Montgomery, Alabama. Car & Driver claims the car will launch to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 6.6 sec source: Car and Driver, and has a top speed of 147 mph (236 km/h) which was not tested on a dynamometer for the V6. The car has been frequently noted to go over 150 mph (240 km/h) at Hyundai's proving grounds most likely due to the gear ratios of the sedan or a coincidental slipstream.

2006/2007 models of this sedan did not receive a speed limiter, but U.S. officials are planning to add a limiter because of the powerful transmission when combined with the V6 version. Recently Goodyear, Arizona resident Lawrence Pargo was accused of doing 147 mph (236 km/h) in a rental Sonata. He was recorded by the traffic cameras of the Arizona highway patrol. [3].

The fourth generation Sonata has beyond the usual rate been used as a commercial vehicle in Northern Europe. This has widely been regarded as unusual, because "far-Eastern vehicles" such as Hyundai and Toyota have received limited success in the commercial vehicle market in Europe by the 2000's.

The new Sonata is 2 in (50.8 mm) longer and taller and 1 in (25.4 mm) wider than the previous generation. The US EPA now classifies the Sonata as a "large car". It is priced at US$19,395 for the base GLS 4 Cylinder. A V6 Limited Sonata starts at US $24,795. Prices include freight and handling.

Facelift

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited (US)

The Sonata was facelifted for the 2008 model year as the Hyundai Sonata Transform in Korea. The facelifted Sonata debuts elsewhere as a 2009 model. There are modest changes in exterior(mostly in Front) and interior(mostly in Center Fascia) as well as powertrain. It equips 2.0L Theta II engine with 163ps@6,200/20.1kg.m@4,600 or 2.4 Theta II with 180ps@6,000/23.5kg.m@4,000.

The US and Canadian models are marketed as the 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The list of revisions include a redesigned front fascia, taillights, interior, and wheels. Two powertrains are available: 2.4L 175hp Theta II and 3.3L 249hp Lambda V6. The 2009 model is also available with an in-dash touch-screen navigation system, a first for the model in the market.

Hyundai i40

The European Sonata models will be renamed the i40, this is to fit in with the new naming structure that the company is using for their models following the launch of the i30 in late 2007.

Awards

The 4th Generation Sonata received many awards including:

• "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

External links

• Official American site
• ConsumerGuide: Hyundai Sonata