IN the swelling range of alternatives becoming available in the big-car/mid-size category, Hyundai’s new Sonata shouldn’t be overlooked. And, while you’re at it, you should judge it for more than just its sheer competence, quality and value for money. For the fact is that the Sonata also pays more than nodding attention to primary and secondary safety – particularly in the V6 where electronic stability control is standard – and is one of the roomiest, most practical cars in its increasingly less clearly-defined class. Importantly, Hyundai hasn’t forgotten either that it is tradition-bound to offer a pricing deal able to be matched by few other car-makers.
Hyundai Sonata
Released: August 1998
Ended: June 2005
Family Tree: SonataHyundai's previous Sonata was the EF model launched in Australia in 1998. Comprising GLE, GLS and Levant variants, the EF was powered by a 103kW/180Nm 2.0-litre four and a 127kW/230Nm 2.5-litre V6. It soon made way for the EF-based EF-B model in September 2001, which comprised a 104kW/202Nm 2.4-litre four and a 132kW/245Nm 2.7-litre V6. All EF-B Sonatas employed either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto with manual-shift mode.
Road Test
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