Hyundai Sonata NF 2004 test drive - 2008 sedan

D-Power

Four prestigious and powerful
The full -size sedan is the most adequate format for our conditions. And it’s not a shame to come to a business meeting, and the family will fit without problems. Again, comfort ... On the large field of the proposed models, we chose four cars with engines with a volume of more than two liters and in configuration above the average.
Who is what
Hyundai NF
The price of a tested car is $ 29 990
Max. Power 161 l. With. at 5800 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b175 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 10.4 s
Toyota Avensis
The price of a tested car is $ 34 900
Max. Power 163 l. With. at 5800 vol./min
Max. speed 220 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 9.3 s
Mazda6
The price of a tested car is $ 33 800
Max. Power 166 l. With. at 6500 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b214 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 8.9 s
Ford Mondeo
The price of a tested car is $ 32 136
Max. Power 170 liters. With. at 6000 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b225 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 10.9 s

Hyundai NF

The silhouette of NF can be called perfect. Not a single free line.

In a steep turn, Hyundai NF rests on three wheels

The lattice is the only detail that outstanding nf
   
Engine
Working volume 2351 cm3,
Compression degree 10: 1,
Max. Power 161 l. With. at 5800 vol./min,
Max. moment 219 nm at 4250 rpm/min
Gearbox aut. 4-Test.
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The back is multi -link
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 209
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 10.4
Total information
Fuel consumption (EPA): 8/13 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 66 l
The number of places 5
Mass equipment./Full, kg 1500
Maximum volume: 430 l.
The smallest trunk has the widest opening and the lowest line of the cover of the cover with the bumper

Ford Mondeo
 
Uniform movement in the bend merit of the suspension

In front, Mondeo is perfect. The appearance of a protruding exhaust is alarming behind
   
Engine
Working volume 2495 cm3,
Compression degree 9.8: 1,
Max. Power 170 liters. With. at 6000 vol./min,
Max. moment 220 nm at 4250 rpm/min
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The back is multi -link
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 225
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 10.7
Total information
Fuel consumption (EPA): 7.7/15.3 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 58 liters
The number of places 5
The mass of equipment./Full, kg 1285/1910
Maximum volume: 500 l.
The trunk is large, but a box with a team of furniture from IKEA will not easily interfere with oblique sides with lanterns

Toyota Avensis

The popularity in our country Toyota Avensis is really high. The day after shooting, black Avensis with a mileage of thirty thousand and a complete set of anti -theft lotions mumbled. And bad cars, as you know, do not steal ... good bye, Avensis!

Rear lights entering the wing from above, strong move

Toyota's appearance is a contradictory alloy of playfulness and monumentality
 
Engine
Working volume 2362 cm3,
Compression degree 11: 1,
Max. Power 163 l. With. at 5800 vol./min,
Max. moment 230 nm at 3800 rpm/min
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The back is multi -link
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 220
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 9.3
Total information
Fuel consumption (EPA): 7.2/13.5 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 60 l
The number of places 5
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1420/1905
Maximum volume: 500 l
Among the competitors within the test, this trunk is the champion. And the opening is great, and the sidewalls do not interfere, and the line of the lid connector is low

Mazda6

Mazda turns will be eagerly and confident

Pressure in every element and from any angle

The spoiler of the six carries only plugs. Puffs under the glass of headlights

Low -profile tires expose the disk. To contact with asphalt millimeters
 
 
Engine
Working volume 2261 cm3,
Compression degree 10.6: 1,
Max. Power 166 l. With. at 6500 vol./min,
Max. moment 207 Nm at 4000 rpm/min
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The back is multi -link
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 214
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 9.2
Total information
Fuel consumption (EPA): 7.8/12.2 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 64 liters
The number of places 5
The mass of equipment./Full, kg 1275/1840
Maximum volume: 500 l.
The hatchback visited the test, but the trunk of the sedan looks in the same way and is identical in size. Good sizes are slightly conceived by slopes of the opening

HOW DO THEY LOOK
Nikita Rozanov
 
Ford Mondeo

The first screening of 1993, design updating 2003. Design under the leadership of Martin Smith (Martin Smith)
Toyota Avensis

The first show of 1997, the new generation of 2003. Design under the leadership of the Vehei Hirai.
 
Mazda6

The first screening of 2002 Subaru design under the leadership of Moray Callum (Moray Callum)
 
Hyundai Sonata

The first show of 1988, the new generation of 2001 and 2004. Hyundai-Kia Europe design under the leadership of Michael Kink (Michael Kink)
 
OUTSIDE
Design and especially the style of middle -class sedan is always not easy. By definition, they are doomed to burst between the vertex of the class of the budget and the foot of an impregnable Mountain Business. With the honor of resolving relationships between these very different values, not many are able to. The rest look, as a rule, unnatural and even pretentious, because they try to compensate for the abyss inexpensive cosmetics and decor. This time it is curious to look at how the three Far Eastern manufacturers try to defeat an experienced and experienced European, whose foundations of philosophy were lined up in the brand homeland in America. From the face, thanks to the activity of the plant in Vsevolozhsk, the characteristic style of Focus/Mondeo already looks almost its own. Plus the corporate content of style and a characteristic emblem, which the eyelids (!). The east is subtle, and the nuances that today share the details of the decorative decoration of the faces of radiators Mazda and Hyundai are brought closer to a critical distance. Toyota's face drawing is correct and solid almost to boring, which someone also appears to someone, too. The sedan from the side is always a three -bastard this law. However, the Mazda silhouette after the middle rack merges together and leaves no doubt about the sports charisma of the Japanese. The rest are protruding the volume for the road luggage correctly and quite harmoniously, while demonstrating absolutely identical arches that draw the doorway. Looking at the cars from behind, it becomes clear that there are two leaders. This is Mazda, which will remain in memory thanks to spectacular lighting technology, and Mondeo, in which the energy of the trunk connector draws the architecture of the entire facade.
INSIDE
Traditions to identify the modification class on plastic inserts that simulate metal, carbon and wood, in this category of cars are strong, as before. Impractical (for the middle class), but undoubtedly spectacular layout of the interior colors on a light bottom dark top is highlighted by the Korean car. There is nothing more to notice there. The architecture of the panels of the devices of the remaining participants is very similar and differs only by insignificant details: a weird deflection of the visor of the devices in Avensis and reminiscent of Alfa Romeo with mugs and defrosters in Mazda. The severity and laconicism of the interior decoration of Mondeo initially gives the impression of dryness and aborganization of the style, but by noticing an analog clock at the central console, this can be forgotten. The rudders of the four -spokes are solid for everyone, with the exception of Mazda, where the sports tonality of the style is supported by three knitting needles and the devices with a brilliant rim in the upper sector.
SUMMARY
Probably, this four expresses the majority of requests regarding the style of Euroclass D, and in this regard, each car emphasizes the tactics of the owner’s self -affirmation. Mazda emotionality, Toyota judgment, Ford material wealth, and Hyundai is suitable for those who do not pay any attention to all this.
Ford Mondeo
Wheel base, mm 2755
Length, mm 4730
Width, mm 1810
Height, mm 1460
Clearance, mm 120
 
Stripes on the rear lights give Mondeo similarities with Mercedes

You will not find liberties in the Mondeo salon. Everything is right to disgrace

On such seats you can spend a day. The headrest and the armrest are on the spot!

Quick look maximum information. This is Ford shield. It is quite worthy of imitation
 
Toyota Avensis
Wheel base, mm 2700
Length, mm 4630
Width, mm 1760
Height, mm 1480
Clearance, mm 150
 
A high waist line and lanterns climbing on horizontal surfaces make Avensis somewhat heavy

Toyota interior high -quality and noble materials. And not a single cutting eye line

Toyota's soft seats are lulling. Adjustments in a wide range help to choose a pose

The dashboard in a deep well. Plus optronic glow. There is no more clear. Everyone would be so!
 
Mazda 6
Wheel base, mm 2675
Length, mm 4680
Width, mm 1780
Height, mm 1440
Clearance, mm 118

Thanks to the correct proportions and dynamic bends, Mazda looks easy and swift

The designer of the Mazda salon is clearly not indifferent to round objects. But they are all comfortable

Tough and, at first glance, flat stitches of the ointment are actually very convenient. And the material did not disappoint

Thanks to restyling, the smear shield has acquired an additional brilliant rim. This did not interfere with perception
 
Hyundai NF
Wheel base, mm 2700
Length, mm 4745
Width, mm 1830
Height, mm 1470
Clearance, mm 160

In a sense, NF Abris Classic Genre. This is an almost average curve of the body of the D-class sedan body

Dark top, light bottom. It turned out very well. Only the receiver buttons far away

The rear row Hyundai NF pleased with the expanse. There are many places, only the pillows are short. And in front of the back of the knees would not hurt

NF shield is concise, but small devices are collected unusually with each other. Because of this, the tachometer crawled to the side, and it has to be looking for a look
 
From class D, in our view, the category of cars begins in which the owner moves from a driver's seat to a safe place behind on the right. However, quite often a successful businessman independently runs a spacious and prestigious sedan. Our endless open spaces and eternal need to be stimulated yesterday to go quickly and assertively. For all this, a car with a powerful engine and in a rich configuration is suitable.
 
In our case, these are Ford Mondeo 2.5, Toyota Avensis and Hyundai NF with motor -l and Mazda6 2.3 engines. Mondeo is an avid and successful player in this field. Updated outwardly in 2005, Ford goes with a bang from the first days of sales to date. Mazda is also just recycled (more inside than externally) is no less popular. The spacious Avensis flashes in the city stream no less than Mondeo, and the freshly baked Sonata (in order to avoid the conflict of two generations sold on the market at the same time, for life-for-life in NF) looks like a European-based stylish and almost better than all its competitors.
DYNAMICS
The proven comrade Toyota Avensis has subjectively the most portable and adequate overclocking. The jerk from the place is not too strong, but further on the decisive foaming of the pedal on the floor of Toyota responds immediate and pleasant acceleration. And the point here, perhaps, is not in the pressing power of the engine, but in a clear and fast -operating machine. The first second third ... no thoughtful pauses and gas abstrus. Everything is smooth, clearly, fast. And without sharp failures of traction, which is very important for a car of this level. Passengers do not have to experience formula accelerations.
 
Mazda6 in numbers plays out for Toyota one tenth second. She really is a champion in acceleration, but noticeably sharper and stricter. The programs switch with tangible jerks, and for fans of driving with a sports slope there is a large field for activity. The most decisive kick turns on kik-Dawn. After a tiny pause, a powerful breakthrough with the development of the gear, then again micropauses, etc. follow, etc.
It is worth, however, to release the gas a little, as acceleration instantly loses its painful acuteness and acquires a comfortable calm. And you do not press the pedal to the floor constantly. Having slightly retreated from the racing limit, get a completely comfortable car.
 
Ford both in numbers and in life the slowest. Its even acceleration is captivating, but during this time competitors will go quite far. The need to drive exhaust into strict environmental norms is manifested in Mondeo with some tightness of reactions. Nonsense, but still noticeable. However, it does not interfere with the ride quickly, and, from the point of view of the passenger of the rear seat, is even more solid. There is no jerk, the boss is satisfied.
 
The most wayward, from the point of view of spurring of horses, as expected, was Hyundai. The strange algorithm of the transmission, marked on Tussan, manifested itself here. The self -adaptive box does not immediately learn the driving style, but even the mastered machine cannot hide the gas clearly crushed by the environment. Sometimes the motor of the motor box gives the desired moment on the wheels quickly and fully. But sometimes you go out for overtaking, you crush-crush, and they (or maybe he or is she?) Already, it would seem, trained, as if they are resisting: maybe not? And when the situation is already heating enough, the motor suddenly exhales the forces hidden in it, and yet it allows you to finish the maneuver. Having adopted and tuned in the calculation of the trajectory, you can get used to such dynamics. However, the owners of the car under thirty are hardly wanting to receive such adrenaline shakes.
 
High speed is the least noticeable in Mondeo. And first of all, due to the almost complete absence of noise. The motor buzzes only if the gas is pressed almost to the end, and the wind practically does not cling to anything.
Mazda also fights well with all kinds of noise. After restyling, she became noticeably quieter. Of all the quiet symphony, only the sound of the motor is distinguished. Mazda is also true to her sports bias. The sound of the motor will say almost more than the tachometer arrow with an advanced driver.
At speeds up to 120 km/h, Hyundai is silent almost like Ford. The Korean is subtracted by the driver's ears from the process of processing gasoline into horsepower and Newton-meters, passing a small part of the noise of the oncoming air flow somewhere near the front racks.
 
Toyota, to considerable surprise, turned out to be the most noisy. It contains a whistle of wind, and the noise of the engine, and the sound of the wheels along the asphalt.
But in terms of Ford brakes, an unconditional leader. We will not paint the subtleties of presses and response. Everything is clear. This is a standard.
Mazda slows down almost the same. The pedal seemed to us a little less informative, although there is no reason to blame the brakes in any flaws.
The slowdown in Toyota Avensis is great, but dosed less accurately. The Japanese woman begins to crack ABS system too early.
Hyundai compared to face to face the least understandable brake, and also early Abeeil.
 
CONTROLLABILITY
To say that Ford writes well the curves to say nothing. Mondeo in the bend is stably guess and goes along the arc like on rails. Add the gas radius increases to strictly measured centimeters, reduce it obediently goes to the smaller one. You can refuel Ford into a turn with one hand and without straining at all. Among the advantages are remarkable eaten by the suspension of all kinds of pits without leaving the trajectory. As a result, the work of the Mondeo suspension should be recognized as the best among competitors.
 
Mazda, strictly on the steering wheel and accurately repeats the entire relief of the road, obediently dawns into a turn and successfully holds there exactly until the wheel falls under the wheel. There is a loud blow, and the car is predictable, but to the offensive, it leaves from the trajectory early. Are the springs reinforced under our road conditions with shock absorbers to blame for this or is it just a car for good roads? In any case, the most sports of our four turned out to be the toughest. Sport, even if it is only in the image, requires sacrifice. At the same time, gentle waves of Mazde do not care.
 
Toyota pleased with the unusually accurate passage of the turns, but the steering wheel is poured too early. Of the notes noted: with rapid rotation, the steering wheel periodically rudes, and the feeling of zero is not enough. Avensis swallows great and small bumps well.
 
Hyundai NF is also very willing to turn into a turn, but very early begins to screech with tires. He previously strives to crawl on a larger radius. And do not let you please you in a turn into a hole. The car will immediately rearrange, and you have to catch it for a long time. Fortunately, the hydraulic wrap in NF does not suffer from weakness. In general, the suspension of the last sonata should be described as capacious and moderately tough.
It seems that the Koreans here managed to get closer to the golden mean between American -based tagging and racing shaking. Even with full loading, the Hyundai does not swing on gentle waves, but only squats noble. Hare habits, if not a limousine, then at least a high -quality sedan.
ERGONOMICS
Toyota’s driver’s place is most tuned to an impressive and leisurely ride. Dark skin, dark plastic. Everything is solid and expensive. The steering wheel itself is convenient, carries the radio control buttons, but slightly shifted relative to the seat to the right. Soft, but completely fixing the body of the seat, more like sofas. The selector with a snake -like slot did not cause complaints. From the noticeable miscalculations of the armrest that interferes with the handbrake.
 
The optimal shield with bright yellow divisions and numbers, as always, is extremely convenient, which cannot be said about the display. His dull glow in the afternoon is difficult. The shield is covered with a large wavy visor. The crouching line brings some chaos into perception. I just want to straighten this deflection.
Toyota has the most sloping racks of the roof, and this is especially noticeable in that part where the driver's head passes when planting. This drawback with more than compensated by the impressive length of the doorways.
Toyota rear -view mirrors are highly located, have the greatest departure perhaps they are the best in vain.
The central console is overloaded with handles and buttons. You can seem to get used to it, but you still have to be distracted.
 
Getting into the Mazda salon, you do not cease to be surprised how much more beautiful and modern it has become. Literally a few useful strokes changed the perception of the central console and the dashboard. Contrast accents added speakers to the interior, and in general the torpedo has become more expensive.
Hard seats perfectly hold the driver. Their adjustments will conveniently get a person of any height. The armrest is located where necessary, and does not interfere with anything. The Mazdovsky steering wheel, as expected in the world of large and small sport, Trekhspitseva. The steering wheel is excellently convenient, equipped with the necessary buttons, has a small hub and, when landing, does not overlap the image of the dashboard. The board itself with devices in shiny rings is simple, quickly read and without any excesses.
Fast riding always obliges to focus on the road and the main controls. Mazda is also emphasized here. Instead of numerous buttons on the console, there are various sizes and located in the usual places of the steeps. Any operation is fast and as simple as possible.
 
Ford in relation to its inhabitants is clarity, clarity and German order. In it, everything is laid out on the shelves in strict accordance with logic. Here is a sound controllance, and there is a climate. Everyone needs a watch personifying the chief judge and everything. The buttons are much, but they are thematically grouped, and this simplifies the search. The quality of materials, their diversity and thoughtfulness of the little things cause almost reverent respect for the designers.
Ford steering wheel is good in every way. Personally, I would like a smaller hub, but the idea that its large surface in which case will be the best pillow, suppresses the purely aesthetic perception of the steering wheel.
The instrument shield is also simple and understandable. Two large devices, two small. Here, Ford and Mazda showed a logical and correct unity of the corporate approach.
Ford seats claim the title of the best in the test. Size, stiffness, support, even the headrest in this design is optimal. Mirrors and recesses on internal armrests appeared to be small, playing the role of handles for slamming doors.
 
We open the Hyundai NF door and the first thing we see, the sparkling inscription Sonata on the threshold. So, the spirit of the ancestors is alive! However, how far the Korean auto industry stepped for the expired reporting period! There is no trace of eastern pretentiousness in the cabin.
The competitor to solid European and Japanese brands, Hyundai not just caught up with his teachers yesterday, but in some disciplines they surpassed them. Let the plastic do not differ in high cost, but with what love everything is conceived and executed. And the color scheme?! And the gaps that are practically gone? And the airiness of the salon?
The first perception, however, was immediately spoiled by a number of noticeable and, in our opinion, easily eliminated moments. Firstly, the steering wheel looks removed from another, cheaper car. It is deprived of control buttons, and this is strange for this class of cars. As if in compensation, the steering wheel is sheathed with magnificent soft and thin skin, which slightly smooths out a negative perception.
The second, more serious miscalculation of the seat. Their material is also good, but the dimensions cannot satisfy the requests of the average European. The pillow is short, lateral support is weak, and the top of the roller is not at all. Moreover, criticism equally refers to the back row. However, Toyota has similar problems from behind. A short sofa will often force to change the pose. By the way, both cars suffer from the decline of the rear armrests. The elbow slides from them, and you can’t put the glass.
But NF has the most impressive mirrors and excellent design.
The hilt of the climatic installation cannot be noticed, but it is difficult to reach the receiver. But there are no understudies on the steering wheel. It’s not necessary.
The rear seats Ford Mondeo are most of all on a long trip. The rear head restraints are most convenient, and the pose is the most correct.
Toyota's soft sofa is good, but, as we said, it’s short. Mazda is the owner of the hardest sofa, although its dimensions are not inferior to Fordovsky.
In the space above the head, leading positions hold Ford and Hyundai NF. There are fewer air in Toyota and Mazda.

SUMMARY
What is the picture looting if you collect all grades and compare them with the price? Winner Ford Mondeo. This ideal corporate car with a powerful engine is suitable for both airport delivery to the airport, and for daily standing in traffic jams. It is equipped with everything necessary for a car of this class and even in addition. He will not be particularly interesting to the crazy driver, well, so he was not created for him. Its owner is a calm person who knows a lot about things and knows how to count money. Moreover, only Hyundai is cheaper.
 
Mazda sports extreme in a prestigious class. She has all the rudiments of combat versions and, if the driver is young and hot, she will not fail. God himself ordered to ride it quickly and enjoy it. The Mazda settled in second place is more expensive than Ford by $ 1700, invested in speed and acceleration.
 
Toyota takes third place due to the fact that it is the most expensive of the cars presented. Connoisseurs of aluminum and wooden inserts will be satisfied with the quality of the panels, and the professional driver will get used to the wheel of Avensis for several minutes.
 
The fifth -generation Korean beauty is perhaps the most beautiful car in the test. Its origin is given only by the grille of the radiator. It is an average of several thousand dollars cheaper than any competitor and is absolutely adequate at its price. Such a car will attract the head of the family, but on it and to the bank to drive just right. Note, calmly drive up!
The feeling is that we will not be able to find another step and flaws in Korean cars. The elimination of not too serious minuses can easily allow NF to move one or two steps up.
LIKED
Hyundai NF

Korean climate controls can be found even in the dark. Comfortable and everything is at hand
Toyota Avensis

I liked the selector with a stepped course. Wonderful fixation and movements are correct

Mazda6

The restyled beard received the sound control allocated by brilliant plastic and preserved the branded climate circle of the climate
Ford Mondeo

And controllability in general, and the steering wheel itself. Keep in your hands nice, and twist even more so

DID NOT LIKE
Hyundai NF

A family sedan of this level today is required to have a multimedia steering wheel with a receiver management. To the handles on the console to reach far
Toyota Avensis

In contrast to the instrument shield, the inscriptions on the screen of the route computer in sunny weather are almost not visible
Mazda6

Where our people are accustomed to see fog lights, the six has only plugs. But what about a ray of light under a layer of fog?
 
Ford Mondeo

The bulb and arrow of the fuel sensor Mondeo are two independent and weakly connected devices. The tank is filled by a third, and the lamp has long been burning ...
 
Text Evgeny Khapov photo Leonid Deduh
 

Source: Cars