engine was shuffled out to make way for the 2.7L found in the Santa Fe. The
Sonata is ... The other controls are problem-free in layout and shape. The quick ...
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA GL The Sonata was considerably revamped for 2002. Aside from its new lines, it is 3.7 cm longer, 0.2 cm wider, 1.2 cm taller, and gains 1 cm in rear-track width. The wheelbase remains unchanged. The cabin also received a serious overhaul, while the 2.5L V6 engine was shuffled out to make way for the 2.7L found in the Santa Fe. The Sonata is available in GL, GL V6 and GLX models. Roomy interior With its roof that edges down rather low, the Sonata requires people of average height and above to bend more than usual to access the roomy cabin. Despite the absence of an adjustable lumbar support, the front seats—borrowed from the XG350—are very comfortable, and the driver’s seat affords a good driving position. However, as it is just the steering wheel that tilts and not the entire steering column, some people will have to fiddle around with different angles before finding one that more or less suits them. Some may be able to skirt this problem by playing with the two seat height adjustment wheels. The rear bench proves comfortable for two adults allowing them to enjoy ample legroom, though for taller people head clearance is a bit tight. The ‘60’ section of the 60/40 split fold-down seatbacks has an armrest—very practical for long journeys. Of good capacity, the trunk has a flat floor and a rather large opening. Note that the hinges are on the outside of the trunk, allowing items to be placed inside the trunk without fear of crushing them. The cabin is very well-finished and equally well soundproofed except for heavy acceleration. We notice constant progress at Hyundai on those two levels with the advent of each new generation. Also, the quality of the materials continues to improve. On the downside, Hyundai’s car radios feature Lilliputian-sized buttons that not only are impractical to operate but also force the driver to take his eyes off the road because of the concentration required to adjust them. To give you an idea of how small the buttons are, the radio comes with a remote control. The other controls are problem-free in layout and shape. The quick, powerful heating system is well adapted to our winters. Even though the GL is the base model, the standard equipment list is quite generous: power windows, central door locking system, air-conditioning, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic transmission, intermittent wipers, lighted interior mirrors, rear central armrest, and more. From a safety standpoint, the Sonata features dual front airbags with an occupant sensor on the passenger side, four locking head restraints, good headlights and impeccable visibility—except out the back due to the rear head restraints. Hyundai should, however, consider adding side airbags, at least as an option, and make antilock
brakes available for all models, and not just the GLX, which now offers the system only as an option. Engine and transmission The 4-cylinder 2.4L engine has 149 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque— borderline for this car. While acceleration and pick-up are satisfactory with two people on board, the engine labours when the car is loaded and protests a bit in heavy acceleration. Once it reaches cruising speed, however, it is able to hold its own in the majority of situations. The automatic transmission works smoothly, but is a little slow to shift both in automatic and manual modes. It does allow you to start in second gear, which is always handy when on slippery surfaces. On the road The four-wheel independent suspension rides smoothly thanks to flexibility with a touch of firmness, proving very comfortable on all surfaces. It manages curves well, with respectable and predictable road holding and a good, sturdy feel. Though a bit heavy at low speed, the power steering is a pleasure with its stability, quickness, precision and short turning circle. It’s too bad that it transmits hardly any road feel. The brakes lack a bit of power, and have average fade resistance. At the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Center, we found the Sonata to be well-built and sturdy. However, the brake discs should have a protective plate. Conclusion At the very least, we can say that the Sonata puts forth an excellent quality/price ratio in all its models. This Hyundai is roomy, has a generous standard feature package and manages the road well. The only low note is that the four-cylinder engine lacks conviction upon initial acceleration and while passing. With its quality constantly improving, the Sonata is, more than ever, a car that cannot be ignored within its category. HIGHS Room Comfort Pleasant steering Smooth ride Quiet Standard equipment
LOWS Moderate power (four-cylinder engine) Slow transmission Average braking Tiny radio buttons Optional ABS for GLS only Low roof edges
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4 cylinder; 24-valve, 2.7-litre V-6 Horsepower: 149 h.p. @ 5,500 rpm; 181 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 156 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm; 177 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/drum (4-wheel disc with V-6) Length: 474.4 cm Width: 182 cm Height: 142.2 cm Wheelbase: 270 cm Weight: 1,459 - 1,476kg Tires: P205/65R15; P205/60R16 Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: standard dual Fuel consumption with four-cylinder engine: − Transport Canada rating: city: 10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg); highway: 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg) − Test result: 10 L/100 (28 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds
60-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds
Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Daewoo Leganza, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Kia Magentis, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima, Pontiac Grand Am, Oldsmobile Alero, Saturn L, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,092 Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $688 Brake pads: $45 Front fender: $280
Front brake disk: $94 Muffler: $402 with tailpipe
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $759 - $946 Price according to trim line: GL: $21,195 GL V-6: $22,695 GLX: $25,695 Main options: Antilock braking system: $1,105 Price as tested: $21,195 Freight and preparation: $850 Dealers: Quebec: 51; Canada: 139 © CAA-Quebec, February 2002
