Hyundai Sonata
A more robust Sonata
(NF) was launched in 2004 in Korea and in
mid-2005 for the rest of the world. Styling
cues come from numerous similarly-sized cars,
such as the Honda Accord and Audi A6. However,
its twin, the Kia Optima remains the Sonata's
1999-2005 look for 2006.
Engine
choices at launch were a 2.0 L 16-valve
I4, powered by either petrol or liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG), a 2.4 L 16-valve that
produces 163 hp (119 kW), and a 3.3 L 24-valve
Lambda V6 that produces 237 hp (175 kW).
Acceleration times have also improved to
6.8 sec 0-100 km/h
The latest update brought
production to Montgomery, Alabama for the
US models, which launched for the 2006 model
year. Hyundai is expected to continue to try
beat the mainstream competition such as the
best selling Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi
Galant and Nissan Altima on both luxury and
value.
The
new Sonata is 2 in (50.8 mm) longer and
taller and 1 in (25.4 mm) wider than the
previous generation. The US EPA now classifies
the Sonata as a "large car". It
is priced at US$18,500. A V6 Sonata is priced
at US$21,500.
The
Sonata was named "Best New Family Car
(under $35,000)" in the 2006 Canadian
Car of the Year awards.
