Review: Hyundai NF Sonata (2005-10)

Review: Hyundai NF.I Sonata (2005-08)

Overview

Released in June 2005, the Hyundai NF Series I (NF.I) Sonata was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Asan, South Korea, the NF.I Sonata was powered by 2.4- and 3.3-litre petrol engines. The NF.I Sonata range initially consisted of unnamed entry-level and Elite variants. In April 2007, the NF.I Sonata underwent a minor update and the entry-level variant was renamed the ‘SLX’.

Theta II and Lambda engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
• The 3.3-litre G6DB ‘Lambda’ V6 petrol engine had similar properties, but added a variable intake tract and had a compression ratio of 10.4:1.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its EF-B Sonata predecessor, the NF Sonata was 53 mm longer (4800 mm), 12 mm wider (1832 mm), 53 mm taller (1475 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2730 mm). Furthermore, the new chassis also achieved a 40 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity.

Suspension

The NF Sonata had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the NF.I Sonata included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining front seat steel pans and rear seat ramps and front seatbelts with dual pretensioners and load limiters; V6 models were also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control as standard.

From April 2007, however, electronic stability control and traction control were fitted as standard across the range.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , an NF Sonata with dual front airbags and front side airbags – but not curtain airbags – achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.52 out of 37. The Sonata scored 9.02 out of 16 in the frontal offset crash test as the firewall and footwell deformed, with marginal protection from serious chest, leg and foot injury for the driver. In the side impact crash test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury.

Features

Standard features for the entry-level Sonata and Sonata SLX included 16-inch steel wheels with 215/60 tyres, six speaker sound system with CD player and MP3 compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, adjustable front seat height and lumbar support, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, rake and reach steering wheel adjustment, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Sonata Elite added 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R Dunlop SP Sport tyres, a seven speaker sound system (including an eight-inch 90 watt subwoofer and 200 watt external amplifier), a six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats (including an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat) and rear parking sensors.

April 2007: Sonata update

As part of the April 2007 update, a ‘Seek’ function was added to the steering wheel audio controls and the Elite variants received a new alloy wheel design.

Review: Hyundai NF.II Sonata (2008-10)

Overview

Released in June 2008, the NF Series II (NF.II) Sonata introduced a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, a subtle facelift and revised damping settings for greater ride comfort. The 3.3-litre V6 petrol engines, however, were withdrawn from the Australian market.

Visually, the NF.II Sonata could be identified by its new bumpers, headlights, fog lights, grille and chrome side strips; the SLX also gained 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there were USB and iPod audio inputs and a new information display.

Theta II and D4EA (diesel) engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ engine gained variable exhaust valve timing and a variable induction system; and,
• The 2.0-litre D4EA turbo-diesel engines had common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (operating at 1600 bar), a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3.

Features

Compared to its NF.I predecessor, standard features for the NF.II Sonata were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai NF Sonata