Hyundai Sonata NF 2004 test drive - 2008 sedan

Comparative oriental studies

A car of difficult fate is the sixth generation Sonata nee, it came to Russia under the rootless, official name NF. The reason for this is the previous model that they continue to collect in Taganrog. The official Russian presentation of NF took place at the end of the summer as part of MIMS, and it appeared among dealers in early August.

The new Sonata, that is, NF, is not just another Korean. She has a special mission - to show and prove that the quality and quality of Korean cars can be at the level of European and Japanese competitors. Just one of these trusted fighters, Mazda6, is ready to take the exam with NF beginner. Moreover, the six recently passed the restyling procedure.

Speaking about the design of Koreans, they often use the definition of a passing along with a bark. NF is a slightly different case. Already not tasteless. Many Hyundai details read quotes (and not worst) from SAAB (anterior optics), Lexus and Honda (rear lights), Audi is visible in the silhouette. The front and back parts are good, but the sidewalls were too calm and unpretentious. However, in general, the appearance is not bad. Definitely, among Korean NF cars is the most stylish. However, it is worth appearing near Mazda6, as it immediately becomes clear - NF is far from the ideal: tall, heavy. However, our car was painted in ministerial black, and its wheels - a inch smaller, but the copies of light shades seemed noticeably more attractive.

The update of the appearance of Mazda6 can be recognized as controversial. The new design of the wheels, darkened lighting and bumers of a different shape is good. But to whom did it occur to supply the side air intakes with ridiculous edges? Did the designers really decide to refresh the groaning car in such a strange way? Or is this stroke designed to demonstrate that in front of us is a restyled sample? However, if you do not pay attention to this annoying trifle, then there are hardly a claim to the appearance - Mazda6 is still one of their most pretty cars in the classroom.

What else, except for the exterior, has changed as a result of the update? The list of improvements is impressive. The materials of the interior decoration became wise. The plastic is soft and very pleasant to the touch. Shock absorbers and springs have acquired other characteristics, replaced by new some silent blocks in the suspension, the supports of the front shock absorbers and the subframe became more rigid. However, it cannot be said that this radically changed the control of the car.

The NF salon makes for the most part a pleasant impression. There are light skin, solid plastic on the front panel. Yes, the Hyundai brand really demonstrates new quality standards for her. It is pleasant to use all the buttons and handles, the efforts on them are soft, one might say, noble, pressing and rotation are verbally clear. Climate control - by the latest fashion: two rotating handles with buttons inside them. Like Europeans. However, there are also controversial solutions, like inexpensive monochrome display, cassette music, simple devices with scarlet arrows, monumental and at the same time a thin steering wheel in the grip. The design of the salon, having lost Asian pretentiousness, has not yet acquired the European style. The features of this style are timidly bred so that, God forbid, not to be mistaken, not to defeat the picky consumers of a careless detail. As a result, it turned out according to Gogol: he is handsome, but not bad appearance: it cannot be said that Star, however, is not so young: after light shades of the NF interior, the Mazda6 salon seems ominous. Black-black! I liked the new finish of the central console. Runned round nozzles of the ventilation system. But there’s nothing more to catch on. This is in terms of design. But the ergonomics are not bad. A small three -spoke multifunctional steering wheel and a gearbox lever, covered with skin, fall well in the hand. The chair does not have sports accents, but the body fixes quite reliably. The back is closer than in NF, where the ceiling is higher, and the legs are larger.

The creators of NF tried to please both the driver and passengers, surrounding them with the comfort of the highest degree of Korean standards. It turned out to please. Soft leather seats are equipped with the necessary amount of adjustments, however, mechanical ones. At first, it seems that the landing is too imposition, but the side support and the seat pillow are well performed in the movement. It is adjusted in two planes and the steering wheel, so any driver can sit to their taste. There are parking sensors with informative indicators under the windshield, it not only tells which side there is an obstacle, but also calculates the distance to it. A voluminous glove compartment and other containers should please lovers to carry small belongings with them. The trunk is large - 462 l (Mazda6 has even more - 490 l), with convenient access and solid upholstery, the large cargo will help to transport the back of the rear seat in parts (which is not provided in the mazda6 sedan). But there is no hatch for longs. Many Russians will say thanks to the Koreans for the fact that they continue to complete their cars with a full -sized stock. In general, in terms of comfort and convenience, Hyundai stepped forward, far and confident.

And the safety is completely unheard of for Korean products - six airbags (two for a driver and a passenger, plus two side curtains), belts, active head restraints, a stabilization system. Full gentleman's set for Europe. A high level of equipment is not the only thing that Hyundai flats is emphasized with it on a par with it. After all, the car is based on a completely new platform with two new engines. The Russians, however, will have to be content with only one - 2.4 -liter four -cylinder. 3.3 l V6 with a capacity of 233 hp It will appear later.

The Hyundai motor is first equipped with a phase change system for gas distribution and develops a power of 161 hp. (This is a little less than Mazda) and torque 218 Nm (slightly larger than Mazda). But NF is heavier than six per 130 kg, and most importantly - is equipped with a second -hand. Yes, unfortunately, Hyundai came to us for a test in the configuration with automatic transmission. Rather, this Mazda provided to us unexpectedly turned out to be with Hractsive. Well, so, maybe more indicative. After all, the Koreans definitely focused on comfort. The softness and noiselessness of the NF suspension is more important than the lack of rolls and clinks during acceleration and braking, the lightness of the steering wheel - its information content. I surprised the machine - it is four -speed. The programs are very stretched, but there are no serious complaints about its work, as there are no serious requirements, given the comfortable orientation of Hyundai. Laughing switches are perceived as a given. It makes no sense to use manual regime, as in most similar cases. When necessary, the box will drop one and two gears. Another thing is Kick -Down at a speed of 100 km/h in the fourth gear - the box jumps onto the second, and on it NF is up to 120 km/h on a loud accompaniment! The motor in this mode is spinning almost to the limiter - 6000 rpm.

In Mazda6 you feel more sporty. Planting is lower, the suspension is tangibly tougher, the steering wheel is sharper. The tandem of the engine of the gears allows you to move in the city stream by an order of magnitude more dynamic, and, most importantly, get much more pleasure from this movement. It is felt that the creators of the car followed a completely different concept than their colleagues from Hyundai.

However, Mazda6 is still not a rajan GT. This is a car for every day with a good, understandable handling and elastic, but not a hard suspension. However, the inclinations for movement at high speeds he has good. If you want to grasp, the sixth is always ready to help. In the turn, the machine demonstrates light insufficient rotation. However, it is worth going into it faster and drop the gas, as Mazda will begin to actively screw into the turn, and the higher the speed at the entrance, the more likely that the car will begin revenge on the tail. But it's not a problem. It’s just that you need to be prepared for this behavior and adjust the trajectory in time with a steering wheel or traction. The car reacts to any of these actions with visible hunting! More tough compared to Hyundai, Mazda6 suspension is also perceived as more energy -intensive. This is especially good at speed when the chassis straightens the bad road. But the smoothness of the course is better for NF. Some merit in this belongs to the higher -profile, household tires Kumho (Mazda shod in Bridgestone Potenza sports tires).

By the way, Mazda6 turned out to be more noisy - despite the fact that during restyling the Japanese improved sound insulation. In the cabin, all the sound nuances of the work of the motor and suspension are clearly heard, the pressing background gives rise to tires. We looked under the hoods of cars and realized what was the matter. The Mazda motor compartment is practically not isolated - naked metal is visible everywhere. Here it is, Japanese savings.

NF dynamics is not bad, thanks to the variable phases, the engine pulls evenly, slightly sour only after 5,000 revolutions. It is clear, however, that in this form a car is not a competitor to equipped with a six -speed Mazda mechanics. But in the Japanese car, acceleration is unlikely to be able to flavor blood with adrenaline. The nature of the power unit is even in the entire range of revolutions, there can be no question of any selection. Yes, and the voice of the motor is quite tedious, while it is constantly heard that he does not add joy.

It is not noticeable for the brakes of a serious difference, the slowdown on Hyundai is first dosed by the pedal, and then exclusively by effort. Only the clinks of the nose are annoyed. Yes, and ABS on Hyundai works earlier and larger. However, here we will make a discount on the tires.

In controllability, NF is definitely inferior to the opponent. Or, if you put it differently, appears in a different genre. The lightness of the steering wheel, swaying on road waves and rolls interfere with a feeling of unity with the machine. But they allow you to relax at the wheel - not to strain straight and calmly go into turns. And if anything, ESP will show itself - it comes into business on time and does not allow fingering. Surely the character of the machine will make the AGCS (Active Geometry Control Suspension) suspension system more interesting, which, using electric drives, changes the angle of convergence of the rear wheels. But it will appear in Russia only in 2006.

In the meantime, for $ 29,990, dealers offer customers a car similar to our test. And, given the cost of Mazda ($ 33,800), Hyundai looks quite a reasonable option for those who, first of all, appreciate comfort and space, and are also loyal to the characteristics of the Korean automobile industry. In addition, Mazda with a machine gun will cost noticeably more - $ 34,800 per sedan, $ 35,200 per hatchback. The disadvantages of Hyundai, as a comparison with Mazda showed, remain fresh design, the presence of controversial solutions in the cabin and, oddly enough, the comfort of driving. The same Mazda6 combines it very well with more interesting driver qualities.

But in the Hyundai NF asset, we write a rich equipment, high -quality materials and execution, and, here is a paradox, all the same comfortable driving settings. And also, general -ceiling advantages - price, guarantee, cheapness of service. And yet, Hyundai travels on 92th gasoline - it is relevant when the price tags for fuel follow the well -known Olympic motto.

Cars are provided:
Hyundai NF - Lock Motors
Tel.: (095) 730-78-78;
Mazda6 - Mazda representation
Tel.: (095) 589-24-80

Mazda6 prices and equipment

Mazda6 is offered with gasoline engines of 1.8 liters (120 hp), 2.0 (147 hp) and 2.3 l (166 hp) 20 hp, updated Mazda6 is available on domestic The market with three engines () with three body types - sedan, five -door hatchback and station wagon.

Basic equipment (Base, Sedan, 1.8 L) - these are: steel wheels R15, central lock, radio AM/FM (RDS), 4 speakers, CD player per disk, tissue salon, side mirrors with electric drive and heating, Electric windows on all doors, a steering column with a length and inclination adjustment, ABS, EBA, EBD, TCS, DSC, headlight washer, a complete set of eirbegs. There is a car of $ 23,400. A hatchback is $ 500 more expensive, and the station wagon with such a motor does not come.

More expensive equipment (Touring, 1.8 liters), in addition to the base list, has: climate control, control of the audio system on the steering wheel, cup holders in the front and rear of the cabin, cruise control, leather steering wheel brake brake and checkpoint handles, route handles, route a computer. Such a car is estimated at $ 23,900. 2 l a sedan with a six -speed checkpoint will cost $ 26,400, and the cast discs will add $ 800 to this amount. To order you can equip the car with a leather interior, five -speed automatic transmission, Bose audio system, xenon headlights and other options. The most expensive Mazda6 performed by Sport (2.3 l, automatic transmission) will pull $ 33,300. But in the winter of this configuration you will have to be suppressed - the Russian market will begin to supply an all -wheel drive turbocharged Mazda6 MPS with a 280 -horsepower engine.

Hyundai NF prices and equipment

Hyundai NF is equipped with a single motor-2.4 liters, 161 hp, transmission two-5-speed rudders and 4-speed seconds. The dealers sell NF, already in standard configuration, equipped with hydraulic power steering, six airbags, ABS, 16-inch alloy disks, adjustable steering column, electric-rope with heating, audio training (antenna + 6 speakers), a full-sized spare wheel (alloyed disc). But it is just such a car that cannot be bought. Only options with additional equipment are available: NF01E, NF02E, and NF03E. In the first case, the buyer for $ 27,590 receives a NF with a manual transmission, a steering wheel and a gearbox, sheathed skin, front console finishes, fog lights, heated front seats, heated windshield (in the rest zone of glass cleaners), climate control and control system Air quality. Option NF02E is all the same, but with an automaton. Cost - $ 28 590. Another $ 1400 will have to pay extra for a leather salon, ESP and Brake Assist (NF03E equipment). The manufacturer’s guarantee for all cars is 5 years or 120,000 km.

Text: Sergey Knowemsky
 

Source: Motor magazine [No. 10/2005]