As gas prices surge, Hyundai is smartly offering the powerful, yet fuel-efficient 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine in all trim levels, including SE and Limited models, for the first time.
Shoppers still looking for low-priced V6 performance can now find the Sonata GLS V6 for $450 less than last year’s lowest price V6 model. The sporty SE version has also been upgraded with standard performance tires, decklid spoiler and a power driver seat. The previously optional Infinity® AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system is now standard on the Limited model.
NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
· 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder now available on SE and Limited trim levels
· GLS V6 offered
· XM satellite radio standard on all models
· Eight-way power driver’s seat now standard on SE
· New SE performance tire and standard decklid spoiler
· Limited model now features the Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/6-CD Changer/MP3 with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier as standard equipment
· New aluminum bodyside molding on Limited
· New premium seat cloth fabric on GLS and SE
These new features and continued leadership as the only midsize sedan under $20,000 with lifesaving Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard equipment, make the American-made 2008 Sonata the smartest choice in the competitive midsize sedan segment.
The 2008 Hyundai Sonata raises the benchmark for value and standard safety technology in the midsize segment. The Sonata combines striking style, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features, to further strengthen the Hyundai brand and appeal to a broader range of customers than ever before.
UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
The Hyundai Sonata has earned the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata’s unbeatable active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC with Traction Control as standard equipment. This is important because the NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.
The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.
In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags—along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.
SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN
Sophisticated design is what really defines the Sonata. The unibody, made of high-tensile steel, features a bold, concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces, and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. Furthering its sporty look are standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the SE and Limited (16-inch wheels are standard on the GLS). New aluminum bodyside moldings match the chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range also offers a choice of nine solid, metallic and mica colors.
A WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS A “CLASS-ABOVE” THE COMPETITION
The Sonata is classified by the EPA as a Large Car, truly a “class above” Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it a 16 percent advantage over Accord, an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a six percent advantage over Altima.
Sonata likewise delivers on Hyundai’s pledge to offer more sophistication and refinement. For instance, premium doorsill scuff plates greet Limited model passengers, who also enjoy either metalgrain or woodgrain interior trim accents with their gray, beige or black leather interiors.
Standard convenience features include tilt steering and a driver’s auto-up/down power-window function with pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders; two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.
Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise, while precise aerodynamic refinements reduce wind noise.
CHOICE OF TWO CLEAN, POWERFUL, FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
A pair of engines combine confident front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder now offered in all trim levels is part of Hyundai’s “Theta” group of engines, and is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a durable stainless-steel exhaust manifold, plus twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) emissions standards and returns an impressive 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (New EPA figures) with the Sonata’s standard five-speed manual transmission, and 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the optional four-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. These economy figures conform to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new-for-2008 methodology to provide more real world fuel economy figures.
Now available for the first time in the Sonata GLS is the 3.3-liter V6 that produces 234 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque. As the first member of Hyundai's “Lambda” engine family, this modern engine design also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. It also features a variable intake system to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata V6 engine pumps out more low end torque (15 extra lb.-ft. @ 1,500 rpm) than Accord V6 making it a more impressive daily driver. New mileage estimates are 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment.
SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system provides occupants with a smooth, supple ride combined with excellent roadholding. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, twin-tube gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The system’s lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.
In back, a sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation.
The Sonata achieves a 29 percent torsional stiffness advantage over Honda Accord. This rigid body allows Hyundai's chassis engineers to tune suspension settings to achieve a more comfortable, quieter ride than Accord, while still maintaining precise steering and handling.
THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS
From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2008 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of midsize-sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above comparable models.
SONATA GLS
With an MSRP of $18,195 (including freight), the 2008 Sonata GLS continues to provide a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2007 Honda Accord and 2007 Toyota Camry by $1,025 and $895 respectively. All Sonata models have standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In comparison, Accord four-cylinder models are not available with ESC, while Toyota offers ESC as a $650 option on the 2007 Camry.
Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional. The new Sonata GLS V6 starts at $21,645 – that’s $2,515 less than the lowest price 2007 Camry V6 model, and $2,300 less than the lowest price 2007 Accord V6 sedan.
The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and active front head restraints. Other standard features include new premium seat cloth, power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column.
The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, metalgrain/woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer.
S ONATA SE – I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE
The sport-focused SE adds a responsive, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment for 2008, matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with new 215/55R17 all season performance tires for more steering response and capable handling, a new rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and an eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support (optional in 2007 MY). The new tires have stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds a five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission and dual chrome exhaust tips.
Other standard features include automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.
SONATA LIMITED
Priced at $22,995 (including freight), the range-topping Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all—at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include new aluminum bodyside moldings, chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier (optional in 2007 MY), an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option is a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The Sonata Limited four-cylinder comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 features a five-speed automatic transmission. Both include the added control of the SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.
WARRANTY
The all-new 2008 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 750 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
