Hyundai Sonata 2.4 Automatic GLS Top-KU
Test Drive

Hyundai Sonata 2.4 Automatic GLS Top-KU

Have we confused you? The wreath of sonnets is composed in such a way that the previous sonnet ends in the same way as the next one begins, thus uniting 14 sonnets into a single whole. In addition, the sum of all the first letters hints at a muse, since Preseren also intertwined the inscription “Primicovi Julji” in the text.

Therefore, the Sonnet Wreath must be considered as a whole, otherwise we will lose what Presheren wanted to emphasize. In automobiles, the image, as in all mechanical machines, is similar: they must be considered as a whole, since the car is "strongest" where its weakest link is. The new generation Hyundai Sonata is very advanced, at least for the Europeans who were in the minds of the designers of this car.

From a somewhat inconvenient form, a real sorcerer turned out who does not have to envy the design moves of competitors. Proof? It goes well in front of an apartment building, in front of a successful troupe or opera. But again, this is a mechanic that will carry you thirsty across the water. So the exterior can be said to be very pleasant, the interior is luxurious, spacious and well done, but the engine-transmission-chassis combination is still this car's weak point.

Well, we can say that the engine performs much better with a manual transmission, and with a four-speed automatic it is simply inconvenient to listen to how it strives to reach speeds that are a little joke for the competition. Let us explain. Under the hood was a Theta-series 2-liter 4-kW petrol engine that even hides the variable valve opening above the aluminum block as we didn't blame it for anything other than increased fuel consumption (see 119 liters of unleaded petrol at 13 liters). kilometers) .more.

Until we tested the four-speed automatic transmission, which also has manual shifting capability (so-called sequential mode, which means that you push the gear lever towards the dash to shift upwards), and to shift up low, you should pull the lever towards you), and found out that they deal only conditionally with the motor. As long as you drive very calmly, the transmission runs smoothly and quietly, which is how any director who likes to drive would wish.

However, if you want a little more agility from an engine-transmission combination, this technique will disappoint you. The engine only revs up slowly (much like shifting gears in modern city buses when you feel the clutch slip), making it loud and therefore unpleasant for passengers. Then, of course, we immediately switched to "manual" shift mode to ease the agony of the motor a bit, but nothing helped.

At full throttle, it turns out the Sonata will desperately need at least one more fifth gear, though we agree with some that the number of gears isn't the only criterion for a good gearbox. Well, already the transmission made us make the right leg much lighter, calmer and not demanding at all, and then the suspension landed us. As long as you drive calmly, everything will be fine.

He will also gently guide you through those pits that were formed by trucks or those that Jože the road builder forgot to patch after last winter. And there will also be soundproofing, which leaves noise outside the cabin. On a slightly more demanding ride, the Sonata kicks off the dance, which is not always pleasant for the driver, as he is completely bewildered by the quick turns of the steering wheel. If you didn't know by then that you were driving 1 ton of sheet metal, now you will feel it very clearly.

If you remember how the previous generation of Sonata reacted, we can safely say that the new one is much better, more predictable and more comfortable, but that when competitors have also progressed. And Hyundai is chasing the company again with a new sedan.

But the driver will not be in a bad mood when he completely fills the parking space in front of his company with the Sonata. The new Sonata is 55 millimeters longer than its predecessor, and the wheelbase has also increased by 30 millimeters. So it comes as no surprise that there is a huge amount of space inside (compared to the previous generation, 10 millimeters more legroom in the front and 30 in the rear!). It also spoils the trunk with an "omnivorous" black hole, as it can squeeze up to 462 liters of luggage.

However, access to the luggage compartment is only possible with the help of the central lock (on the suspension), the ignition key or the lever in the driver's door, because Hyundai forgot about the good old - and still useful - hook. Also, the driver will not blush from the rich equipment. The test Sonata spoiled us with leather seats, power accessories for windows and mirrors, automatic air conditioning, a radio with CD and cassette, cruise control, an on-board computer, multiple airbags, a switchable ESP, etc. Yes, a calm driver will be fine in the Sonata !

In the end, you could say that Hyundai is making great strides (Tucson and Getz are some of the best in their categories), but they're still learning in the Sonata. Let's just say it's as if Presheren wrote a great introduction but a bad ending for his Sonnet Wreath. Or, if you think about it a little, maybe Hyundai only needs the motivation and inspiration that inspired Presheren from Julia? Therefore, they will have to introduce another generation of Sonata to please the more demanding European drivers.

But believe me, then with such equipment it will no longer cost a little more than five million tolars!

Alyosha Mrak

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Hyundai Sonata 2.4 Automatic GLS Top-KU

Basic data

Sales: Hyundai Auto Trade Ltd.
Base model price: 22.992,82 €
Test model cost: 23.172,26 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:119kW (162


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 11,0 with
Maximum speed: 200 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 13,3l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - displacement 2359 cm3 - maximum power 119 kW (162 hp) at 5800 rpm - maximum torque 219 Nm at 4250 rpm.
Energy transfer: front wheel drive engine - 4-speed automatic transmission - tires 215/60 R 16 V (Dunlop SP Sport 270).
Capacity: top speed 202 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 10,4 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 12,3 / 7,0 / 8,8 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension: sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, two triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, cross rails, longitudinal rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced discs) ), rear reel - skating 11,2 m.
Mass: empty vehicle 1538 kg - permissible gross weight 2130 kg.
Inner dimensions: fuel tank 70 l.

Our measurements

T = -13 ° C / p = 1010 mbar / rel. Owner: 55% / Km counter status: 6061 km
Acceleration 0-100km:11,0s
402m from the city: 17,6 years (


131 km / h)
1000m from the city: 31,8 years (


168 km / h)
Maximum speed: 200km / h


(D)
Minimum consumption: 12,6l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 14,0l / 100km
test consumption: 13,3 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 37,5m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear53dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear52dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear63dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear61dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear64dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (286/420)

  • If you are a dynamic driver, pay attention to your competitors. But if you want a Sonata, just a hint: wait until the two-liter turbodiesel starts selling. Most likely it will be a suitable engine for this car!

  • Exterior (14/15)

    The sonata is becoming more and more charming, but above all well done.

  • Interior (110/140)

    There is a lot of space, the trunk is large, the ergonomics are not the best.

  • Engine, transmission (20


    / 40)

    The gearbox is the main culprit in lower grades. We need a manual!

  • Driving performance (59


    / 95)

    The soft chassis will impress some and make others nervous.

  • Performance (16/35)

    The best choices would be a manual transmission and a future XNUMX-liter turbodiesel.

  • Security (36/45)

    A bunch of active and passive safety, a small braking distance.

  • Economy

    Good warranty, relatively low price, slightly overstated fuel consumption.

We praise and reproach

Equipment

comfort

huge trunk

plenty of space in the rear seats

only four-speed gearbox

fuel consumption

it has no hook on the back door

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