Summary
The four-cylinder engine powering the GLS I4 displaces 2.4 litres and features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It develops 162 horsepower, which is a substantial 73 hp less than the V-6. There is but one transmission choice: a four-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual-shift feature. And let's be honest: It makes a big difference in performance. The V-6 Sonata is actually a fairly lively car, whereas this version is, at best, adequate. On the other hand, it returns better fuel consumption and carries a base price tag about $1,000 below the GLS V-6. (The base-model four-cylinder Sonata offers a choice between the four-speed auto and a five-speed manual; the GLS has only the auto.)
It has that intangible feel-good factor. Most people, when they slide behind the wheel of a Sonata, say "nice car" or something similar. Like the Toyota Camry, the Sonata is spacious, comfortable, well-built, and somehow conveys the feeling that you've spent your money wisely. Most people interested in this type of car place value over flash anyway, and practical considerations are much more relevant than skidpad accomplishments or zero-to-100 km/h numbers. On that score, the Sonata delivers: It has a decent-size trunk, at 462 litres, and total passenger volume of 2,985 litres, with a nice, roomy back seat and excellent ingress and egress. This gives it a slightly larger caboose than the Camry's 425 litres, and roughly the same interior volume. Just for the sake of comparison, the four-cylinder Camry develops 158 hp and starts at $25,900 for the LE with an automatic transmission..See the full content of this document
Extract
Nice Composition, Minus the Allegro
Loaded four-banger new and fuel efficient, but it is slower
By Ted LaturnusONE of the most important vehicles in Hyundai's economic turnaround is the Sonata. It is their bread-and-butter sedan and has garnered all manner of awards and accolades, including sedan of the yea...See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
