Getting technical, the suspension responsible for the taut handling is independent all-round, featuring a double
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| The new Sonata, like the sporty compact Tucson SUV that was launched earlier this year, will go far in redefining the South Korean brand's image. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
wishbone setup with coil springs, gas-charged hydraulic shock absorbers and a 25 to 26 mm diameter anti-roll bar, depending on 4- or 6-cylinder applications respectively, up front, while the rear suspension gets a sophisticated independent multilink design, featuring coil springs, gas-charged hydraulic shock absorbers and a 15 mm anti-roll bar. The steering system is rack and pinion, and power assisted. There's no noticeable torque steer at anytime either, which makes for controlled full throttle acceleration. Building the car's image up even further is a winning drivetrain combination. Base Sonatas receive a rev-happy 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, with all the technologically advanced trappings of its Japanese counterparts. Counter-rotating balancing shafts make it so smooth at idle, that my colleague and I had trouble determining if it was actually running. A quick stab at the throttle confirmed it was primed and ready for action, a realization that was immediately backed up by a willingness to perform. I found the base model, with the 5-speed manual, as enjoyable to drive as the five-speed automatic-equipped 3.3-litre V6, but for different reasons. First, I love do-it-yourself gearboxes, and the Sonata's is a real treat. The clutch associated with it is also extremely easy to
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| The five-speed automatic and 3.3-litre V6 is a smooth combination, featuring a maximum of 235-horsepower. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
operate, a touch on the light side, but this should be appreciated by the majority of users. Its 162-horsepower moved the large car along at a brisk pace, not as quickly as the V6, of course, but plenty fast for even an above average, or maybe I should rephrase, enthusiastic driver. The engine makes 164 lb-ft of torque, which makes tractability with an automatic quite decent as well, and the base four-speed unit features Sportronic manual-mode, unusual for base engines in the midsize sedan class. The autobox is ultra-smooth during shifting too, while shifting down when needed for passing without hesitation.
