Hyundai Sonata NF 2004 test drive - 2008 sedan

Big Mac

There is always a choice. For five dollars you can drink a cup of good coffee in a decent restaurant or dine tightly in McDonald's. And for $ 18,00020,000, buy a middle-level golf class model or a sonata claiming a business class. In both cases, you have to choose between quantity and quality.


American approach
If you are interested in sonata, you probably already know that it is very profitable in price. However, the determining factor in the choice of this car is not so much the price as your attitude to such categories as prestige, social status, the opinions of others, etc. In relation to the car, two European and American approaches are clearly distinguished here.
 

According to the first, in each class there are models of a certain level, below which you cannot drop. And with each next step up the minimum cost of the input ticket increases. Why didn’t democratic Opel-Omega and Ford-Scorpio take root in the European business class? Yes, they were much cheaper than E-class, five BMW and A6. However, in Europe it is not welcome to have a large car of a premium brand. If you have swung on a business class, go to the dealer of the Mercedes Benz, BMW or Audi. You cannot afford such a luxury go down the step below and buy a vector, Mondeo or Avensis. By the standards of their middle class, they look quite worthy.
 

Sonata with its appearance claims to be business, and it costs cheaper than cars not only of medium, but even many golf class models. It is clear that such a price is partly due to the assembly of a car in Russia. And yet, if you buy a sonata to look down at the owners of tricks, megans, roons and other little things, it is better to leave this idea right away. At the wheel of a large hand, you will look like a rich man only in the eyes of those who do not understand foreign cars.

The sonata is addressed to the supporters of the American approach, who are completely not fixated on prestige and believe that the car should be large and inexpensive. With this attitude, Hyunde has every chance to like.
 



What is the price?
Yes, the sonata is simply fabulously beneficial. The basic equipment of the M/T1 with a 2-liter engine and a manual transmission is available for only $ 17,880. At the same time, it is equipped with everything necessary from the air conditioner to the LG CD magnes. Recently, the M/T1 package could be reproached for the absence of ABS middle class mandatory for a car. But now it is included in the base.
 

The A/T3 modification with a 2-liter engine and an automatic box costs $ 20,510. However, you overpay $ 2630 not only for the machine. The A/T3 version is equipped with cast discs R16 instead of steel R15, climate control and some additional trifles in the cabin.

 
   
The basic version of M/T1 is content with air conditioning instead of climate control

In m/t1 there will be only the lower boxing box. Small branch in the cover (photo) of the prerogative of more expensive versions

Standard shoes of the set M/T1 steel disks with tires 205/65 R15


If you agree to switch the programs manually, but you want a richer equipment, a 2-liter version of M/T2 is very profitable by acquisition. A large sedan with climate control, a leather salon, cast discs and fog of the Tights costs $ 19,980.

And the V6 engines are addressed to the top modification of the A/T4. For $ 25,500, you will receive not only a powerful and prestigious engine with a machine gun, but also equipment, richer than in m/t2.

 
   
The electric drive of the driver's seat is available only in the top complexing a/t4

Xenon headlights with the washer of the prerogative of the top version a/t4. Front fog of the tumor are also present in m/t2

By the end of the year, all customers of sonatas receive a set of winter tires as a gift


Already in itself the prices of sonata are more than attractive. They are just the best in the class. But Tagaz additionally stimulates buyers. Until the end of the year, all modifications are attached free of charge a set of winter tires. And buyers of the top version of the A/T4 additionally receive gifts for about $ 2000, taking into account the cost of the installation. Usually this is alarm, mechanical anti -theft, parking sensors, cast discs and some other little things.
 

In addition, sonata is beneficial not only at the time of purchase. Remember how successfully those who bought the last DEU-Espero in 2000 for $ 11,000 in 2000? Three years later, the prices for cars have grown so much that no one remembered that a large sedan once could be bought for $ 11,000. And people sold their Espero with minimal losses. I think that the same thing will happen to Sonata. Three years later, almost all golf-class models will cost more than $ 20,000, and classmates are at least $ 30,000. Therefore, when you put up a large 2-liter sedan for $ 13,00015,000, it will be torn off with your hands. That is, your losses over three years will be presumably 25%. For a large car, there are very few.
 
List of standard equipment

Complete M/T1 (engine 2.0 l; IAC):

The end -blocking system of the brakes
Frontary airbags
Mounts for children's chairs of the Isoofix standard
Immobilizer
Air conditioner
Electric windows
Electric mirrors
central locking
CD Magnetic with 6 speakers
Mirror from the passenger
Oblast
Adjustable tilt of the steering column
Driving chair with adjustment of the height and angle of inclination of the pillow
Cup holders in front
Central armrests in front and back
Folding in the proportion of 40:60 the back of the rear sofa
Velor salon
Steel wheels with tires 205/65 R15

A/t3 equipment (engine 2.0 l; automatic transmission) Additionally:

Anti -boom system
Climate control
Air filter in the air salon
Mirrors with heating
On-board computer
Front chairs with lumbar support adjustment
Departments for small things in the front and rear armrests
The cup holders from behind
Chrome internal door handles
Larva of the driver's door lock
Light alloy wheels with tires 205/60 R16

Complete M/T2 (engine 2.0 l; manual transmission) Additionally:

Fog lights
Heating the front seats
Leather steering wheel and lever KP
Leather salon with wood trim

A/t4 equipment (engine 2.7 l V6; automatic transmission) Additionally:

Front side pillows
Xenon headlights with washer
Driving chair with electric adjustments




Outside and inside
And sonata definitely knows how to inflate cheeks. In terms of dimensions and base, the machine does not go beyond the middle class. However, when looking from it, it can be recorded in competitors to Maxim and Kamri to the big business class sedans. The secret of optical deception lies in long body overhangs, as well as in expensive external decor. There is a lot of chrome on the back. Moreover, we must pay tribute, it is used in moderation, with taste. Another successful part is cast 16-inch discs. They go perfectly with the general design style and, most importantly, look expensive.
 

But, apparently, in an attempt to endow their brainchild with solidity, Korean designers came to taste. Feed with a falling line and characteristic lanterns unequivocally resembles English cars. Front headlights walking on Oktoberfest S-class. And all this against the backdrop of a typically Korean fangs of the dragon on the radiator grille. But, be that as it may, the people of inexperienced sonata outwardly gives the impression of a prestigious, expensive car. In any case, it is better to go to the sonata to go to the sonata as a novice lawyer or an average hand official than on the Corolla for the same money.
 
 


All questions about the class belonging of Hyunde are removed after you find yourself in the cabin. The car does not pull on a business class primarily in terms of living space. The inhabitants of the rear sofa taller than 180 cm touch the ceiling. And if there are equally tall driver and passenger in front, there is a little space in the back and legs, even by the standards of the modern middle class. In addition, there are no controlled rear ducts and lamps for reading on the rear racks. However, after the Volga Sonata, as official personnel, it will seem to be a rolls-Royce. And this is one of her specialized professions.
 

Now the first step towards understanding the essence of the car. Remember, we said at the very beginning that buying sonatas at the price of a golf class is a choice between quantity and quality? So, this does not apply to the assembly quality. Yes, Russian origin is manifested in uneven interfaces of body panels or imperfect body coloring. But this is not critical. In a word, sonata looks no worse than other Korean cars.

 
   
Gas tank and trunk are unlocking remotely buttons on the driver's door

Cup holders and boxing in the central armrest appear starting with the configuration of a/t3

In the driver's sun visor of pockets for plastic cards. Near the eyelet


The main quality of finishing materials and the thoroughness of the study of parts are all called the breed. In this nomination, Hende is unconditionally inferior not only to its European and Japanese classmates, but even to the eminent golf class models.
 

Literally in everything from the design of the ashtray cover to the clamas control of the climate control, it is felt that the son of V was created at a time when the Koreans did not yet know how to make world-class cars. The most striking examples of the second -rate is hard, like a pressed cardboard, the skin on the rim of the steering wheel, the plastic decoration of the central console for the tree and the ignition lock, worthy of the maximum accent, is emphasized.

 
   
Cupamanes between the front seats are the standard equipment of any sonata

When the chairs are shapeless, velor upholstery is preferable to leather

The glove box is average in size. But it has an elastic paper holder


However, it all depends on who will act as a judge. If a person used to go at least to Fabia, he will prefer to stay with his little cup of coffee. If the owner of some Chevrolet or Chrysler is sewn into the sonata’s chair, he will have saliva at the sight of such a delicious Big-Mak, in which there is almost 5 meters of length between bumpers, leather, climate, machine gun and electrician at a similar price.


Behind the wheel
It seems that the sonata was really dragged under the American market. Her wide, shapeless chairs with short pillows are designed for Bush's well -fed legs (and the same fillet, fattened in McDonald's). True, the adjustments of lumbar support, as well as the height and angle of inclination of the pillow are trying to apologize to a more dietary figure. Nevertheless, more or less reliably manages to be fixed only in an armchair with a tenacious velor upholstery. But the leather bed with such a free layout is appropriate only for installation on the right. And the diameter of the steering wheel is like a trolley. In general, the driver’s workplace in the sonata has a calm, measured, but not active ride.
 

The steering column is regulated only by the angle of inclination. However, the mutual location of the chair, steering wheel and pedals is quite successfully selected, so people with more or less standard physique and landing behind the wheel can do without longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel.

 
Governing bodies












1. The circuit breaker of the central lock, the windows buttons, the mirror adjustment remote control panel. 2. The trunk buttons buttons and a gas tank hatch. 3. The headlight corrector, switches of the rear fog lamp and the anti -wings system, the regulator of the brightness of the instrument lighting. 4. The alarm switch. 5. Clock. 6. CD Magnetol. 7. Climate control. 8. Switches switches.
 
Dashboard










1. Tachometer. 2. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 3. Fuel level indicator. 4. button for the zeroing of a daily run. 5. Mileage counter/on -board computer display. 6. Button for switching a computer. 7. Speedometer.


But now I am more interested in the convenience of placing tall drivers who look closely at large cars because they cannot conveniently get a compact. Alas, as in most Asian machines, the range of longitudinal movement of seats in the sonata is limited. If your height is above 185 cm, it will be easier to sit behind the wheel of golf, asters or focus than a large hand.
 

Ergonomics as a whole is not correct and logical for a long time to get used to the sonata. However, there are obvious punctures in it. For example, the lever of the manual gearbox is assigned too far back when the II and IV gears are turned on, you have to bend your hand. The regulator of the brightness of the backlight and the steering hub is not visible, and I have not learned to find it blindly in three days. The button for switching the readings of the on -board computer (by the way, very poor in capabilities) is located in the deep grotto of the dashboard, you have to pass the hand into the rim of the steering wheel. The central armrest is clearly short to use it for its intended purpose is inconvenient.
 

Review, including through mirrors, is not bad. Although the rear head restraints could overlap the opening of the rear window. Therefore, the parkingum offered by some dealers as a gift will be very by the way.
 



We load the suitcases
Despite the impressive dimensions of the car, the luggageman of the sonata is not impressed by 430 liters. At first glance, it seems that the compilers of the characteristics have reproached the hold area of \u200b\u200bthe hold. But as soon as you start to score it with our targeted suitcases, you think about whether the Koreans are engaged in postscribes.

 
   
The trunk at first glance is big. But two credit suitcases are hardly squeezed between the wheel arches

The hood and lid of the trunk are supported by gas shock absorbers. Compact loops do not eat the internal volume and do not think of the luggage

If the wheels are made of light alloy, the disk is also cast. Inside a plastic tray is a lodge


The fact is that the trunk is quite small and, most importantly, very constrained by protruding wheeled arches. Two suitcases entered between them in a plig, although, for example, in a focus they fit with a margin.

 
  
The trunk provides a 12-volt outlet for connecting, for example, a refrigerator

The back of the sofa folds in parts. But why do you need this high partition?
 


Transformation possibilities are traditional for most sedans. To transport long -breeders, the back of the rear sofa can be folded entirely or in parts in a ratio of 40:60. At the same time, the opening between the salon and the trunk is quite narrow. But, most amazing, from below it is limited by a high threshold-breeding, which seemed to have grown out of the ground. Why is it needed? However, you can transport skis or a floor lamp.

 
 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm




Safety
A big car inspires a psychological sense of safety. But to judge how safe the sonata is in fact, we cannot carry out crash tests according to the Euroncap methodology. Nevertheless, two front pillows, which equip all 2-liter versions, are clearly not enough for a middle-class car. Almost all classmates of the sonatas are regularly equipped with six pillows. For the hande, you can additionally get only the front side, and only in the top modifications of the A/T4.
 

 
Side airbags are provided only in version A/T4 with a V6 motor


But on the back sofa, the sonata provides for fasteners for children's chairs of the isofix standard. But the instruction prohibits the installation of a children's chair in front of the back, since the passenger airbag does not turn off.
 



On the roads ...
Now there is no doubt that the export prospects of the sonata were oriented primarily to America. The car was not created in order to drive in the highest sense of the word, but in order to calmly and comfortably move from point A to point B.
 

If already on a straight body, it sways on a soft, long -flowing pendant, not noticing potholes and thermal shutters on the flyover, then in quick turns, this does not bode well. Indeed, the sonata perceives active work in American. That is, as a provocation. First, falls on its side, then begins to sway diagonally and smoothly slide out when you still do not wait for this. At the same time, he demonstrates sluggish, smeared reactions to control actions. Yes, and the steering wheel on 2-liter machines is too light, a light good reactive force on it is only on V6.
 

In general, the desire to ride in some actively sonata beats off completely. However, if you accelerate and decide that it is too much, the car will be happy to correct the situation. Brakes in the presence of ABS work well in all modes. Perhaps this is partly the merit of the thoroughbred tires of Pirellley.
 

 
The heating of the seats is present in a 2-liter version with a manual box and a leather salon, as well as in a 2.7-liter V6


But Hende's riders will definitely please the suspension comfortable, the noise of the engines (both 2-liter and V6) does not annoy. The only claim to poor soundproofing of the bottom. If the asphalt is dotted with small pebbles, you will certainly learn about this.
 

On the high -speed suburban highway, the sonata rides solidly, without fuss like a courier train. And when you feel a huge capta deck in front of you, you strain much less on a long trip. In principle, you feel the same feelings in any Hende classmate. But all of them are at least $ 6,000 more expensive.

By the way, about the ratio of price and pleasure. Within $ 17,880 to $ 20,510, you can only choose a complete set and gearbox. The engine in any case will be a 2-liter 133-horsepower. How is he going? For its volume medium. With a manual box, even the fourth gear has to twist the third to go out to overtake at the trunk speeds. And the fifth is completely supportive. By the way, the transmission selection mechanism is very fuzzy. Instead of the third, I often got into the fifth.
 

But a 4-speed machine with manual switching mode works perfectly. Objectively accelerated dynamics with an automatic box is somewhat worse than with manual. But due to quick responses to the gas pedal, as well as soft and logical switches, a feeling of quite acceptable dynamics is created. The manual switching mode is quite an honest box automatically crosses up, but only when the speed is reached for this transmission. By the way, even in automatic mode in the window on the dashboard, the number of the transmission turned on at the very moment is constantly displayed.

 
Engine











1. Glass washer tank. 2. Tanker of the steering wheel. 3. The cork of the oil -packed engine of the engine. 4. The tank of the main brake cylinder. 5. Block relay and fuses. 6. Battery battery. 7. Expansion tank of the cooling system. 8. Radiator traffic jam. 8. The oil probe of the engine.


If you need a good cruise liner or just a powerful engine, I recommend pulling up to $ 25,500. For this money you will receive a car with a 178-horsepower V6 and an automatic machine. Cool combination. A powerful, noblely rumbling, ready to rush forward from any speed of the engine and a perfectly configured automatic machine. In such a machine, the good half of the roughness of the sonata fades into the background. It feels like prestige, dynamics and sled comfort a car with a V6 motor becomes more than ten thousand more. At the same time, taking into account all gifts, you buy it for $ 23,000, and the closest European competitors with similar motors are not cheaper than $ 32,000.
 



... and without them
Sonata has a chance to win the best jeep among cars. A fairly energy -intensive, not afraid of pothole pendant and road clearance of 170 mm allow you to feel confident when the congress from the asphalt.
 

In addition, 2-liter machines with an anti-wings system have another reserve of permissibility. The antibox does not strangle the engine on them, but only slows one of the shocking wheels, simulating the location of the differential. Climbing from the primer to a steep embankment, I specially stopped on its crest diagonally when one of the front wheels hung in the air. Most of the cars in such a situation will not move from the place. Sonata, while slightly losing the posted wheel, with the help of the anti -wings system forced to row the wheel load and tightened herself upstairs.

So this car can be safely recommended for lovers of sorties to nature. Oddly enough, it sounds in relation to an passenger car, in its off -road qualities it is only a little inferior to the SUVs.


Operation, service
In terms of after -sales service, the sonata has both pros and cons. The first belongs to the wide branching of the dealer network. Today, in 59 cities of Russia, 111 branded Tagaz technical centers work. A car that can provide technical assistance in any more or less large city allows you to travel.
 

At first glance, only a small interval interval of 10,000 km can be brought into minuses. And the declared warranty for 3 years or 100,000 km of run looks convincing. But as soon as you begin to carefully study the conditions of the Hende guarantee, you understand that they are written by the best student of Sergei Mavrodi.

For example, a guarantee for ball hinges of suspension and steering, bearings, wheel drives, shock absorbers, stabilizers racks, parts of the fuel and exhaust system, as well as air conditioning systems are only one year or 20,000 km of run. And the chapter is not distributed so brilliantly that any case of its execution should be perceived as a gesture of the dealer's goodwill. I have not yet seen such a diplomatic guarantee conditions.

 
We liked
 


Almost impeccable operation of the machine gun

Good level of equipment for your money
 
Not for money solid appearance

Big road clearance


As well as:

The best price in the class
Comfortable suspension


 
We didn't like it
 

 
Flakes in ergonomics, including the brightness regulator, hidden behind the rim of the steering wheel, and the KP lever, as well as a fuzzy gear switch

Fessile front chairs with short pillows


As well as:

Insufficient airbags
Cotton controllability
Poor sound insulation of the bottom
Small interval interval and dubious warranty conditions



 
 
Hyundai Sonata 2.0

common data
 
Body (number of places/doors)
Sedan (5/4)
 
Equipped mass, kg
1425
 
Complete mass, kg
2020
 
Speed, km/h
195
 
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, with
10.9
 

Fuel consumption, l/100 km highway/city
7.1/12.4
 

Fuel supply, l
65
 

Engine
 
Location
Front transversely
 
Design
4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve, with two upper distributions
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
85x88
 
Working volume, SMZ
1997
 
Compression ratio
10: 1
 
Power, L.S. at rpm
133/6000
 
Torque, kgsm at rpm
18.8/4500
 

Chassis
 
Drive unit
On the front wheels
 
Transmission
Mechanical, 5-speed
 
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.64; 2.06; 1.3; 0.94; 0.78; 3.46
 
main gear
4.06
 
Suspension:
independent with reptile stabilizers
 
front
on double transverse levers
 
behind
Mollycent
 
Steering
rack type with amplifier
 
Brakes
disk, in front are ventilated, with ABS
 
Tires
205/60 R16
 
Prices for spare parts and that, $

TO0 (2000 km) 154
TO1 (10,000 km) 154
TO2 (20,000 km) 249
TO3 (30,000 km) 184
Oil filter 6
Air filter 7
Fuel filter 14
Spark plug (1 pc.) 4
Front belt with rollers 223
Front/rear brake pads (with ABS) 90/65
Tip of steering thrust 28
The steering rack 37
Ball support Lower 33
Front shock absorber/rear 118/105
Front/rear wing 166/440
Hood 306
Front door 370
The rear door 345
Front bumper assembly (cladding and amplifier) \u200b\u200b442
Rear bumper assembly (cladding and amplifier) \u200b\u200b595
Windshield 348
Side glass 77
Front headlight assembly 240
Rear lamp assembly 175
    
We decided:

When a car with claims to a business class is sold at the price of a golf class models, it is incorrect to ask whether it is bad or good. The question must be posed this way: is he worth his money? Sonata certainly costs its money. If we consider it as a profitable large car, this is a very good acquisition.
 
Alexander Konov, photo of Maxim Goncharov

 
 

Source: Magazine buy a car [21/2005]