Hyundai's newest Sonata shocked everyone with its outstanding packaging and performance; Camry and Accord suddenly had a serious threat to their class dominance. The press immediately responded with several Car of the Year awards and continue to rate Sonata highly. Though available with a V-6 my tester was a base GL, powered by a 162 hp 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual. Nevertheless it is well equipped for just $17,195, has a 10-year powertrain warranty, delivers 24/34 mpg city/highway.
First glance: Back to basics
Our readers might think me a little odd but I was celebrating the fact that Hyundai had given me a base, 4-cylinder, 5-speed Sonata to test. You see, most manufacturers fill their media fleets with loaded cars in an effort to impress us automobile journalists. We get powerful V-6 engines, multi-speed automatics, leather-lined interiors and so many electronic gadgets that it would take a month of hard study to learn how they function. All very well, but those are not the vehicles your average buyer purchases. Thus I was genuinely pleased to be driving a Hyundai Sonata GL and you know what? I liked it!
Not that a base Sonata is really a hardship. Standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, cruise, heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar support, multi-function stereo with 6 speakers and no less than 6 airbags. The 4-cylinder engine has enough power for most uses and while the 5-speed manual may not be everyone's choice if you can tolerate the so-called effort of changing gears you'll save on initial cost and operating expenses. Hyundai also boasts of class-leading interior space, a claim I'm not willing to dispute after two-weeks of pleasureable driving.
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In the Driver's Seat: The art of simplicity
One of the joys of a base car is a simple, functional dashboard that can be operated at first glance. Which made every journey in the Sonata more relaxing; safer, too, with fewer distractions. (Simplicity, after all, is an art.) I especially liked the climate controls (link goes to photo), needing only three knobs to operate and leaving me to wonder why all cars can't be that way. Directly above are the stereo controls, also easily handled to minimise distractions. Unfortunately Hyundai let me down with the instruments; the light gray on black combination was hard to read in some lighting, while lowering the tilt wheel blocked the top of the speedo and the fuel gauge. Admittedly I'm from the lay-down-and-arms-out school of driving, so others may not have that problem.
No problem getting in and out, though, always a concern for the Boomer crowd as their ageing backs become less supple. Legroom in back is adequate and the expansive greenhouse contrasts the gunslit windows of other new cars; vision is excellent all-round. The Sonata's extra large coathooks are a thoughtful touch, along with cupholders for rear seat passengers. And I do appreciate Hyundai's placement of the fuel lid and trunk releases in the door, not on the floor.
On the Road: All the power you need -- and more fun
My About colleagues are fond of saying "it's all the power you really need," in contrast to the oft-repeated auto journalist's boast that "you can never have enough power." Believe me, the 4-cylinder Sonata offers better-than-average performance in all but a few situations. Conquering a lengthy mountain pass, for example. I had no difficulty with the uphill grinds of Vancouver Island's Malahat Highway but it did lead me think that a Sonata loaded with five hefty passengers might bog down in the same situation. If that's you, consider the V-6, however for most driving the 162 hp four does a fine job and saves fuel. The smooth 5-speed manual is an ideal match, given that the optional automatic is a 4-speeder.
I'd even go so far as to suggest that with the manual transmission the Sonata's more fun than you might expect from a mid-size family car. Handling is stable and predictable, the steering is firm and reasonably direct, the 4-wheel disc brakes are competent though I'd gladly pay for the optional ABS system (which comes with electronic brake distribution). Oh... if you like to employ the lost art of heel-and-toe downshifting, forget it unless you wear size-12 shoes. Sonata provides a quiet ride with only a hint of engine noise.
Journey's End: The equal of any car in its class
The Sonata's come a long way since its humble beginnings. In fact, I doubt anyone even remembers the first model, which was made in Quebec during an earlier, failed attempt at North American production. Today's Sonata, however, is the equal of any car in its class. The base GL -- base is an unfair term for a car this well-equipped -- leaves out nothing of any importance. With so few buyers opting for manuals these days the 5-speed's hardly a best seller but it's the one I'd choose for fuel economy and performance. Unfortunately Hyundai didn't see clear to make the 5-speed automatic optional; that's limited to V-6 -equipped Sonatas.
As a family sedan the Sonata can be appreciated for its spaciousness (including an extra large trunk), all-round level of comfort, and the passive safety provided by front, side, and side-curtain airbags. As a solution for the high cost of fuel, the 4-cylinder engine's a wise choice and although it's not the most powerful in this class, 164 lb-ft of torque assures respectable acceleration from rest and at passing speeds. A pleasant place to while away the miles, the Sonata's 5-year total car and 10-year powertrain warranty is proof of quality. It felt like an old friend. I was sorry to see it go.
