Sonata Raises the Bar on Midsize Sedan Value for 2007

Lower Prices, More Variety, Greater Value and Unsurpassed Standard Safety Technologies Mark the 2007 Sonata

Fresh off of its record-breaking 2006 model year, Hyundai's award-winning Sonata continues to encourage consumers to rethink purchasing a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in 2007.

With new features, new trim designations, a lower base price, and continued leadership as the only midsize sedan under $20,000 with lifesaving Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard equipment, the American-made 2007 Sonata is set to continue its sales growth in the competitive midsize sedan segment.

NEW FOR 2007

  • MSRP reductions from $500 – $800 on GLS 4-cylinder models
  • New SE model features standard 17-inch wheels and tires and a 234 hp. 3.3 liter V-6 engine
  • New top-of-the-line Limited model features a new chrome grille and an optional Infinity® premium CD changer audio system
  • Five star crash safety rating
  • Dark Cherry Red and Natural Khaki added to paint choices
  • Black leather interior optional on Limited trim
  • XM® satellite radio standard (late availability)
  • Engines now meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ULEV)
  • Improved steering wheel audio controls (late availability)

The new-for-2006 Hyundai Sonata quickly set the benchmark for value and standard safety technology in the midsize segment. Upon its introduction last year, the 2006 Sonata beat Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to take first place in an Edmunds.com Inside Line comparison test. Edmunds.com reported, "In the end, it wasn't even close…in the areas of performance and features, the Hyundai won in a landslide ...Bottom Line: With the 2006 Sonata, Hyundai convincingly beats the long-standing class leaders in nearly every important category." In addition, MotorWeek recognized the Hyundai Sonata as the Best Family Sedan in its 2006 "Drivers' Choice Award", Kiplinger's Personal Finance named it a "Best in Class" midsize, Consumers Digest gave it a "Best Buy" award, and Popular Mechanics awarded it its first-ever "Safety Excellence" award for its leadership in the application of standard safety technologies like ESC. Also very impressive is how well Sonata scored right out of the gate in the 2006 Initial Quality Study issued by J.D. Power and Associates ranking third in the highly competitive midsize car segment.

Sonata's impressive trophy case is complemented by its combination of striking style, an extensive list of standard features, and the growing strength of Hyundai's brand, which now appeals to a broader range of customers than ever before. Drawing new customers to the brand is entirely by design, as Hyundai began the new Sonata program by surveying American consumers at clinics about their likes and dislikes, wants, needs and preferences for midsize sedans. This consumer-focus has succeeded in propelling Sonata to a 61 percent sales increase in 2006. It now ranks as the eight best-selling car in the country, and is cross-shopped most frequently against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord – the two best-selling cars in the U.S.

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 standard-setting active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has ESC with Traction Control as standard equipment, along with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and four-wheel disc brakes. 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.

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.

CONTEMPORARY EXTERIOR DESIGN

Following Hyundai's mission to provide more for the money, the Sonata measures 188.9 inches long, 58.0 inches tall and 72.1 inches wide – making it both taller and wider than the 2007 Accord and Camry.

But it is the sophisticated design that 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-fascia interfaces, and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. Furthering its look of solidity are 16-inch wheels on the GLS and standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the SE and Limited. The model range also offers a choice of 11 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" the 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 give it a 16 percent advantage over Accord, an eight percent advantage over the new Camry, and a four 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 passengers, who also enjoy either gray metalgrain or woodgrain interior trim accents with their gray, beige, or new-for-2007 black leather interiors.

Standard convenience features include tilt steering and an auto-up/down power-window function with pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders (deeper for 2007); two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.

Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise.

CHOICE OF TWO CLEAN, POWERFUL, FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

A pair of engines combine excellent front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder in the Sonata GLS 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, and twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets ULEV emissions standards and returns an impressive 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the Sonata's standard five-speed manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the optional four-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Sonata four-cylinder engine’s power output exceeds that of the 2007 Camry, while matching its fuel economy.

Standard in the Sonata SE and Limited models 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 engine also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata SE and Limited offer 15 lb.-ft. more torque than the Accord V6. Mileage estimates are 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway. For 2007, the 3.3L engine is enhanced to achieve higher mileage emissions durability through the introduction of a high-technology catalytic converter wash-coat.

All SE and Limited models use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither the Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation.

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 NEW, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From well equipped, to really well equipped, to downright luxurious, the 2007 Sonata lineup honors the needs and desires of midsize-sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. The new Sonata is available in GLS, SE and top-of-the-line Limited trim levels. Each delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above comparable models in the class.

SONATA GLS

With an MSRP of $17,195, the 2007 Sonata GLS is priced $700 less than 2006 Sonata GL base model. The GLS also has a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2006 Honda Accord and 2007 Toyota Camry by $1,030 and $1,075 respectively. Accord four-cylinder models are not available with ESC, which is standard on all Sonata models, 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 Sonata GLS's standard exterior features include 16-inch steel wheels with Michelin tires, power windows, door locks and outside heated mirrors and keyless entry with alarm. Interior features include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, air conditioning with cabin air filtration, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column. An impressive array of passive safety features includes six airbags and active front head restraints. A power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and fog lamps are optional.

New for 2007 is a GLS Premium-Sport package that combines the fuel-efficient 2.4L four-cylinder, the five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch tires with five-spoke flangeless aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and other premium features – it’s the sportiest four-cylinder in the Sonata family.

SONATA SE – V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE

The 2007 SE adds to Sonata's fun-to-drive factor with Hyundai's high-tech 3.3-liter V6 engine. The Sonata SE starts at $20,995 – that's $2,045 less than the lowest price 2007 Camry V6 model, and $4,105 less than the lowest price 2006 Accord V6 sedan. Equipped with all of the features found on the GLS, the SE adds chrome-tipped dual exhausts, five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, larger disc brakes and solar control glass. Other standard features include fog lights, chrome window belt molding, driver’s-seat lumbar support, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a trip computer. Options include a power/tilt sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, CD changer, subwoofer and amplifier, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED

A new range-topping Limited model replaces the 2006 LX model, adding a new grille and audio system. Priced at $22,995, the Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all—at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with lower-profile tires (shared with the SE), a new chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control with an automatic Air Quality System (AQS), an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, telescoping steering wheel adjustment and a sliding center armrest. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only options are a power/tilt sunroof and an Infinity® AM/FM/6-CD Changer/MP3 with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier. For the first time, a black leather interior is available on the Limited trim.

AMERICA'S BEST WARRANTY

The 2007 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, 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) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

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 725 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

2007 Hyundai Sonata Specifications

   ENGINE
Inline-four Sonata GLS
Type DOHC CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinder (transverse mounted)
Materials Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder head
Bore & Stroke (mm) 88.0 x 97.0
Displacement 2.4 liters
Horsepower 162 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 164 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Valves per cylinder 4
   
V6 Sonata SE, Limited
Type DOHC CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) V6 (traverse mounted)
Materials Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads
Displacement 3.3 liters
Horsepower 234 @ 3,5000 rpm
Torque 226 lb. ft. @3,500 rpm
Bore & Stroke (mm) 92.0 x 83.8
Valves per cylinder 4
   TRANSMISSION
Five-speed manual (four cylinder)
Gear Ratios
First 3.26:1
Second 1.79:1
Third 1.55:1
Fourth 1.17:1
Fifth 0.97:1
Reverse 3.41:1
Final-drive ratio 3.44:1
 
Four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® (four cylinder)
Gear Ratios
First 2.84:1
Second 1.52:1
Third 1.00:1
Fourth 0.71:1
Reverse 2.48:1
Final-drive ratio 3.77
   SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbone with coil springs, anti-roll bar, and twin-tube gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear Multi-link with coil springs, anti-roll bar, and twin tube gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers
   STEERING
Type Power-assisted rack-and-pinion, engine-rpm-sensing
Overall ratio 16.9:1
Turns, lock to lock 3.28
Turning Circle 35.8 feet (curb to curb)
   BRAKES / TIRES / WHEELS
Front: Power-assisted 11.0-inch vented disc
(4-cyl.) Power-assisted
11.8-inch vented disc (V6)
Rear: Power-assisted 10.3-inch solid disc
(4-cyl.) Power-assisted
11.2-inch solid disc (V6)
ABS: Four-wheel, four-channel with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Tires P215/55R17 Michelin steel-belted radials P225/50R17 or
P215/55R17 Michelin steel-belted radials (Limited and SE,
optional on GLS) Compact temporary use spare tire
Wheels 16 x 6.5-inch steel (GLS) 17 x 6.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum
alloy (Limited and SE; optional on GLS
   EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
(in inches unless otherwise noted)
Wheelbase 107.4 inches
Overall length 188.9 inches
Overall width 72.1 inches
Overall height 58.0 inches
Track, front 62.0 inches
Track, rear 61.4 inches
Coefficient of Drag (Cd) .32 inches
Ground Clearance 6.30 inches
   INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Head room
  Front 40.1 inches
  Rear 38.2 inches
Leg room
  Front 43.7 inches
  Rear 37.4 inches
Shoulder room
  Front 57.4 inches
  Rear 56.9 inches
Hip room
  Front 55.5 inches
  Rear 55.3 inches
EPA passenger volume 105.4 cubic feet
EPA cargo volume 16.3 cubic feet
EPA total volume 121.7 cubic feet
  CAPACITIES
Fuel 17.7 gallons
Oil 4.2 quarts (3.7 quarts V6)
Coolant 7.3 quarts (9.4 quarts V6>
   CURB WEIGHT
5-speed manual 4-cyl. 3253 pounds
4-speed automatci 4-cyl. 3266 pounds
5-speed automatic V6 3458 pounds
   MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY
With trailer brakes 2000 pounds (V6); 1500 (4-cylinder)
Without trailer brakes 1000 pounds
   FUEL ECONOMY
  (city/highway)
5-speed manual 4-cyl. 24 mpg/34 mpg
4-speed automatic 4-cyl. 24 mpg / 33 mpg
5-speed automatic V6 20 mpg / 30 mpg

2007 Hyundai Sonata Features

n = standard o = optional -- = not availible
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES GLS SE Limited
Body Construction
  Steel unibody w/perimeter subframe n n n
Engine
  2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder n -- --
  3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 -- n n
Steering
  Rack & pinion, power-assisted engine rpm sensing n n n
Suspension
  Front: Double wishbone w/coil springs, gas-filled shocks and anti-roll bar n n n
  Rear: Multi-link w/coil springs, gas-filled shocks and anti-roll bar n n n
Transmission/drive system
  5-speed manual n -- --
  4-speed electronic automatic w/overdrive lock-up torque convertor, shift lock and w/SHIFTRONIC® manual shift control o -- --
  5-speed electronic automatic w/overdrive, lock-up torque convertor, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift control -- n n
  Front Wheel Drive n n n
EXTERIOR FEATURES
  Bodyside moldings, bodycolor n n n
  Bumpers, bodycolor n n n
  Door handles, bodycolor n n n
  Door handles chrome -- -- n
  Grille, black n n --
  Grille, black with chrome center bar -- -- n
  Tinted glass n -- --
  Solar control tinted glass -- n n
  Headlights, jeweled projector-lens n n n
  Front fog lights o n n
  Center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) o n n
  Bodycolor side mirrors, dual power remote heated w/timers n n n
  Sunroof, power glass o o o
  Window belt moldings, black n -- --
  Window belt moldings, chrome -- o o
TIRES & WHEELS
  P215/60R16 Michelin tires n -- --
  P225/50R17 or P215/55R17 Michelin tires o n n
  16 x 6.5J steel wheels w/wheel cover n -- --
  17 x 6.5J aluminum alloy wheels, 5-spoke n o* o
SAFETY / SECURITY FEATURES
  Power assisted front vented disc/rear solid disc brakes n n n
  4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) n n n
  Electronic Stability Control n n n
  Traction Control n n n
  Front seat belt pretensioners n n n
  Rear 3-poin seat belts (3) n n n
  Driver and front passenger advanced airbags (2) n n n
  Driver and Front passenger side-impact airbags (2) n n n
  Rear side curtain airbags (2) n n n
  LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors n n n
  Front dual active head restraints n n n
  Childproof rear door locks n n n
  Power window lockout button n n n
  Remote keyless entry system w/alarm n n n
  Shift interlock system o n n
  Front crumple zones n n n
  Hood buckling creases and safety stops n n n
  Rear crumple zones n n n
  Bodyside reinforcements n n n
  Energy-absorbing steering column n n n
  Panic brake assist n n n
  NHTSA 5-star frontal crash ratings (driver and passenger) n n n
  NHTSA 5-star side crash ratings (front and rear) n n n
INTERIOR FEATURES
  Air conditioning o n --
  Air condtioning w/automatic temperature control, outside temperature display and air quality system -- -- n
  Air filter, cabin n n n
  Ash trays, front illuminated & single rear n n n
  Air Quality System (AQS) -- -- n
  Assist grips (4) n n n
  Cut-pile carpeting n -- --
  Premium cut-pile carpeting -- n n
  Carpeted floor mats o o o
  12V power outlet, center stack mounted n n n
  Clock, digital n n n
  Console, fixed armrest storage box (dual tier) n n --
  Console, sliding armrest storage box (dual tier) -- -- n
  Cupholders, front (2), rear (2) n n n
  Door trim, full door trim w/cloth inserts n n --
  Door trim, full door trim w/simulated leather inserts -- -- n
  Glove box, illuminated & lockable n n n
  Painted mteal interior accents n -- --
  Woodgrain interior accents, beige interiors - n n
  Metalgrain interior accents, gray interiors - n n
  Door sill scuff plates n -- --
  Premium door sill scuff plates -- -- n
  Inside rearview mirror, manual day/night n n --
  Electrochromatic auto-dimming -- p n
  Rear center armrest w/dual cupholders n n n
  Overhead console w/map lamps and sunglasses holder n n n
  Rear coat hangers (2) n n n
  Shift knob, leather-wrapped (A/T only) n n n
  Leather-wrapped steering wheel n n n
  Steering wheel-mounted audio controls (volume up/down, mode, mute, <seek/track late availibilty for seek function>) o n n
ILLUMINATION
  Overhead dome light w/delay out n n n
  Illuminated ignition key cylinder surround n n n
  Glove compartment, cargo area ashtray n n n
  Front map lights n n n
  Driver and front passenger-side vanity mirrors n n n
  All window switches n n n
  I/P switch (hazard) n n n
Convenience Features
  Cruise control n n n
  Power door locks n n n
  Dual heated bodycolor power outside mirrors n n n
  Power windows w/driver's auto-down, auto-up w/pinch protection n n n
  Steering column, tilt n n n
  Steering column, telescoping -- -- n
  Steering wheel-mounted audio controls o n n
  Remote fuel door and hood release n n n
  HomeLink® integrated transceiver -- o n
Seats
  colth seat trim n -- --
  Premium cloth seat trim o n --
  Leather seating surfaces -- -- n
  Black leather interior with light gray stitching -- -- o
  Multi-adjustable bucket seat n n n
  Driver's seat adjustable lumbar support o n n
  8-way power driver's seat o o n
  Heated front seats -- -- n
  Front seatback pockets n n n
  Rear center headrest n n n
Meter / Gauges
 &nsbp;Speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, odometer, trip odometer & clock n n n
  Trip computer (average fuel economy, average speed, range to empty, trip timer & trip distance) o n n
Warning Lights
  Oil pressure, change, door ajar, airbag, seatbelt, low fuel, trunk lid open, brake, check engine & ABS n n n
Warning Chimes
  Key in ignition w/door ajar seatbelt n n n
Wipers
  Front two-speed w/variable intermittent speed sensitive n n n
  Rear window defroster, electronic w/timer n n n
Warranty
  Bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles n n n
  Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles n n n
  Corrosion, 7 years/unlimited miles n n n
  Roadside assistance, 5 years/unlimited miles n n n