Sonata was produced only in the back type «sedan» and is positioned as a large family car, but some refer to it as a business class, although Hyundai has a model in this segment Grandeur. In North America, about 3 million vehicles have been sold all-time as of early 2018. Currently, the main competitors are cars Audi A4, Citroen C5, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Infiniti Q50, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Maxima, Renault Laguna, Skoda Superb, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.
First generation (Y, 1985—1987)
The first cars were launched with the aim of conquering the market segment in South Korea, which was firmly captured by the Daewoo Royale and was built using Stellar's core components and technologies. The codename has been assigned «Y». It was in production for only two years due to a misguided rear wheel drive concept. It was available with two trim levels - Luxury and Super. Basic car options included cruise control, power seats, headlight washers, power side mirrors, brake booster.
Initially, only gasoline models of the following modifications were installed - 1.6 liters (Mitsubishi Saturn, 4G32, I4, SOHC) 110 hp or 1.8 and 2.0 liters (Mitsubishi Sirius, 4G62/4G63, I4, SOHC) 98 and 120 hp In 1987, there were injection modifications. There are two transmissions - a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual.
In 1988, the Stellar 88 model was released for the celebrations of the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul. After it, Hyundai discontinued the production of the Stellar series and replaced it with the Sonata series.
Second generation (Y2, 1988—1993)
June 1 in South Korea began selling the second generation Sonata codenamed «Y2». In North America, the car started in the second half of 1988, and in Europe in June 1989. The design was developed in the Italian company ItalDesign by designer Giorto Giugiaro, and the technical part was developed by Hyundai. With this modification, this car became front-wheel drive. Gathered on the Mitsubishi Galant Σ platform. Production facilities were located in Korea and Canada.
Airbags have not yet been installed on this car, on some top trim levels there was an ABS system.
Engines were still installed only with gasoline engines developed by Mitsubishi and manufactured by Hyundai under license. the following volumes and models - 1.8 liters (G4CM I4, SOHC) 95 hp, 2.0 liters (G4CP, I4, SOHC) 102 hp, 2.0 liters (G4CPD, I4, SOHC) 131 hp, 2.4 liters (G4CS, I4, SOHC) 114 hp, as well as a 3-liter V-shaped 6-cylinder engine (G6AT) 146 hp The transmission of torque to the wheels was carried out through a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox.
Third generation (Y3, 1993—1998)
Further development of the Sonata received a code name «Y3». In South Korea, the car was called Marcia, in Italy - Sonica. In connection with the closure of the plant in Canada in September 1993, all cars were assembled only in Korea until 2002. This car is based on the Hyundai-Kia Y3 platform. In 1996, a facelift was carried out, which led to a change in the front and rear of the exterior, and also increased the power of the 4-cylinder engine to 123 hp.
Engines are only gasoline developments of Mitsubishi, manufactured under license from Hyundai with the following characteristics - 1.8 liters (I4) 98 hp, 2.0 liters (I4) 110 hp (123 HP after 1996), as well as 3.0 liters (V6) 142 hp Transmissions are traditionally two options - a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.
Fourth generation (EF, 1998—2004)
In August 1998, the next generation was released with the code «EF». The car was assembled on the Hyundai-Kia Y4 platform, on which the first compact crossover was also based Hyundai Santa Fe. Also launched on this platform Kia Optima, which has the same base, glass and doors, which differs only in the outer body panels and in the interior. The car was assembled in Korea, China, Botswana, Egypt and Russia. In North America, the Sonata was sold with a large 10 year warranty.
The engines were only 2.0 liter petrol (G4GC I4) 136 hp, 2.4 liters (Sirius I4) 138 hp After the facelift in 2001, new 6-cylinder V-shaped engines of 2.5 and 2.7 liters appeared (Delta, DOHC), made entirely of aluminum, with a capacity of 168 and 172 hp. In the Chinese market, the car is only available with 1.8 or 2.0 liter engines. Torque was transmitted using a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
In 2001, the car underwent a facelift, which gave a new code «EF-B», updating the front and rear of the exterior, as well as the rear number plate has moved from the bumper to the trunk lid.
Fifth generation (NF, 2004—2009)
This generation started in August 2004 in South Korea with the code name «NF». Based on the Hyundai-Kia Y5 platform. Called Hyundai NF in some countries, as well as other names. The launch of this model coincided with the launch of a factory in the United States, and production was also carried out in China. There were also assembly shops in Egypt, India, Korea, Sudan, Thailand and Turkey.
Basic equipment included ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and six airbags (front and side driver's airbag. and front passenger and side curtains).
The 4-cylinder petrol engines were completely new, all-aluminum, called Theta, 2.0 and 2.4 liters with 164 and 179 hp. Remained 6-cylinder V-shaped engine (Lambda, DOHC CVVT) volume of 3.3 liters with a capacity of 233 hp. For the first time, 2.0-liter diesel engines were installed on the Sonata (CRDi) 140 hp, which were available in Europe, New Zealand and Singapore, where they competed with taxis based on the Toyota Comfort. There are four transmission options - 4 and 5-speed automatic or 5 and 6-speed manual.
In 2008, they restyled the model, which was presented at the Chicago Auto Show. They changed the ancestor and grille, taillights and headlights, instrument panel, and also updated the engine line.
The 2006 Euro NCAP tested car received the scores shown in the table. In tests «Insurance Institute for Road Safety» (IIHS) Sonata received «good» score in a head-on collision, «acceptable» side impact score and «good» rating for rear impact protection. According to the agency «National Highway Traffic Safety Administration» (NHTSA) the 2006 car received the following ratings:
- Front rating (driver) — 5/5 stars
- Front rating (passenger) — 5/5 stars
- Side Rating (driver) — 5/5 stars
- Side Rating (passenger) — 5/5 stars
- Car flip - 4/5 stars
Sixth generation (YF, 2009—2014)
The development of the sixth generation began in 2005 and was spent $ 370 million. Sonata sales «YF» started in September 2009. In some countries, the car is called Hyundai i45. In the same year, this model was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and sales in the United States began in 2010. The following trim levels were available: GLS, SE and Limited. Production facilities were located in Indonesia, China, Malaysia, USA and South Korea.
The range of engines includes only gasoline of the following characteristics - 2.0 liters (Nu MPi, CVVL I4, 164 HP), 2.0 liters (Theta I4, 163 HP), 2.0 liters (Theta Turbo GDi I4, 274 HP), 2.4 liters (Theta II I4, 176 HP) and 2.4 liters (Theta GDi I4, 200 hp). All engines are 4-cylinder in-line. The transmission was of two types, both 6-speed automatic or manual.
In 2012, a restyling was carried out, which affected the grille, LED indicators, fog lights, daytime running lights, taillights and rims.
In the United States, the sixth Sonata received the Best Safety Pick award from «Insurance Institute for Road Safety» (IIHS). The ratings were as follows:
- frontal kick - «Fine»
- Side kick - «Fine»
- Rear impact protection «Fine»
- Roof strength rating - «Fine»
Agency «National Highway Traffic Safety Administration» (NHTSA) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars in the final rating. The Australian NCAP gave the highest possible rating of 5 stars. The Korean NCAP assigned the highest rating in frontal and side impacts. China NCAP has also given the highest rating of 6 stars.
Seventh generation (LF, 2015—present)
The Seventh Sonata was presented in South Korea at the end of March 2014, and a little later in America at the International Auto Show. In the US, the car was in greater demand than at home. In addition to Korea, the car was assembled in China, Korea, Russia and the USA.
In March 2017, a strong update of the car was carried out. The appearance has been significantly changed. The headlights, taillights, grille and LED lighting have been redesigned. The front end looks like Grandeur/Azera sixth generation. The interior has also been redesigned - changed the dashboard, air vents, steering wheel, gear lever, added a large touch screen. In 2018, a mid-range SEL trim level was added, in addition to the already available SE and Eco.
The line of gasoline 4-cylinder in-line engines is the following models - 1.6 liters (G4FJ, Gamma T-GDI I4, turbocharged) 177 hp, 2.0 liters (Nu MPI I4) 154 hp, 2.0 liters (Theta I4, turbocharged) 245 hp, 2.4 liters (Theta MPI I4) 171 hp and 2.4 liters (Theta GDI I4) 178 hp Diesel engine of one modification with a volume of 1.7 liters (D4FD, U2 I4, turbocharged) 139 hp There are four transmission options - 6 and 8-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch robotic box or 6-speed manual.