While 15" rims come standard, the P205/60HR16 radials on 16" alloy wheels make a noticeable difference when putting it through its paces. All the same, with one look at the Sonata's specifications sheet, I knew the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link set-up in the rear deserves most of the praise. To bring this to life, Hyundai took us on a tour of Fraser Valley backcountry roads I never knew existed. Through each bend and curve, the Sonata kept its poise, staying composed even during tight corners. While it's not a sports car, it won't handicap a driver who simply wants to enjoy a quick romp down a winding road.
The Sonata's 181 horsepower V6 delivers the necessary power to negotiate a decisive pass quickly. With a blip of the throttle, the 4-speed transmission automatically kicks down to the appropriate gear without hesitation, making a mere memory out of slow moving traffic. For those who want to take control of the process, Hyundai's Shiftronic transmission lets you pop the shifter to the right and push or pull the gear lever forward and back for instant up and downshifts. BTW, the base 149 hp I-4 engine also accelerates well. With 156 lb-ft of torque, it's one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in its class.
Hyundai chose to follow the midsize sedan status quo, equipping the 4-cylinder cars with rear drums and only including four-wheel discs on the GL V6 and GLX cars. Also, ABS is only available on the top-line GLX. Fortunately, Hyundai has fitted other safety features such as second-generation front airbags, a passenger detection system and automatic front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters as standard equipment across the line. Some of these features are rare in its market segment.
The Sonata's 181 horsepower V6 delivers the necessary power to negotiate a decisive pass quickly. With a blip of the throttle, the 4-speed transmission automatically kicks down to the appropriate gear without hesitation, making a mere memory out of slow moving traffic. For those who want to take control of the process, Hyundai's Shiftronic transmission lets you pop the shifter to the right and push or pull the gear lever forward and back for instant up and downshifts. BTW, the base 149 hp I-4 engine also accelerates well. With 156 lb-ft of torque, it's one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in its class.
Hyundai chose to follow the midsize sedan status quo, equipping the 4-cylinder cars with rear drums and only including four-wheel discs on the GL V6 and GLX cars. Also, ABS is only available on the top-line GLX. Fortunately, Hyundai has fitted other safety features such as second-generation front airbags, a passenger detection system and automatic front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters as standard equipment across the line. Some of these features are rare in its market segment.