New Sonata is a class act

5 December 2001: A new Hyundai Sonata on sale in Ireland from 2 January features new exterior styling and a restyled interior; as well as for the first time a 2.7 V6 engine and the H-matic automatic gearbox jointly developed with Porsche.

The new Sonata in 2-litre CDX form reaches 62 mph in 10.9 seconds, and its engine outputs131 bhp. The V6 does the 0-62 mph dash in 9.7 seconds, has a top speed of 130 mph and has 176 bhp of power on tap.

The 2.0 CDX returns 39.8mpg, while the 2.7 V6 returns 34mpg.

The new Sonata also has Electronic Brake Force Distribution and side airbags on all models for the first time as standard equipment. Although the car sits on the same platform as its predecessor, the body is 37mm longer, 2mm wider and 12mm taller. It is also quieter, thanks to the use of better soundproofing material in the door frames, panels and trim.

Standard equipment for the CDX will include: anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, CD player, sunroof, alloy wheels, electric mirrors, and dual front and side airbags. The 2.7 V6 adds H-matic gearbox, traction control system, climate control, cruise control, AM/FM stereo radio/cassette with CD autochanger and RDS, electric seats (with memory setting for the driver), and leather faced upholstery.

The new Sonata is aimed at the Toyota Camry and Vauxhall Omega. Prices for Ireland were not available at the time of going to press.

The Sonata is the best selling car in Korea, and also sells very well in the US. TW