The revised Hyundai Sonata has just gone on sale in Korea. For the new model year Hyundai has made very subtle changes to its Camry fighter.
On the exterior the Sonata gets a new grille, modified headlights and new alloy wheels. Inside the 2009 Sonata gets a revised dash with dual-zone climate control. Under the hood Hyundai upgraded both of the 4-cylinder and V6 engines. The 2.4L engine now puts out 169 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3L V6 now puts out 239 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. Both 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions are still offered.
The photos of the new Sonata are of the Korean spec version. Hyundai has stated that versions sold outside of Korea may differ slightly.
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Comments (19)
Rear looks pretty identical to my 07 Sonata, I suppose there will be a debate over whether or not the taller headlights are better than the current ones - overall, if you love current exterior, you'll probably love this one.
The interior is where this revision really shines. The current interior isn't bad, but man this one is damn nice.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 11, 2007 10:41 PM
Posted on November 11, 2007 22:41
@Sealboy:
I agree completely.
My wife has an 06 and I really wish hers had an interior like the one in the Pics.
I think they played it safe and didn't want to do too much, which is probably a good idea. I just hope they drop the body trim pieces on the USDM versions.
Posted by Gary | November 12, 2007 12:22 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 00:22
I like the way it looks, but the 3.3L V6 needs dropped and a 3.5 to fight the Camry's developed. I'm told the 3.3L is an incredibly durable powerplant, that Thai and Korean car owners have been doing modifications to it since it came out. Just bore and stroke until we have 3.5 liters and see what we come up with. Should be around 253 hp.
And SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. You could get away with a five speed in 2003, not now. Be nice if there was a five speed manual though, something with some good low gears in the first three and then some taller gearing for the 5th. Just for the sporty drivers, I can't see a 6 speed being much more beneficial with just 250 hp unless we are going for high highway gas mileage and such.
Posted by Allen | November 12, 2007 12:51 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 00:51
Whoa! That looks seriously good!
Maybe some aftermarket wing mirrors (maybe with lights!), lowered suspension, bigger wheels, subtle sporty body kit - the interior is great! (except I'm more partial to carbon fibre/aluminium/pianoblack panels than wood)
Pity I'm stuck with my BMW 550i...
(which doesn't have footwell lights)
Posted by weirdojenix | November 12, 2007 2:50 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 02:50
I think they should drop the 3.8L in it to make it really power competitive with the Camry/Accord/Altima's 3.5L.
Add that nice interior and it will finally be considered a player in the comparisons.
Posted by Noya | November 12, 2007 3:23 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 03:23
Looks a wee bit more like the Azera to me. I like the current exterior design more but the interior on this one looks great. Not bad!
Posted by Terence | November 12, 2007 8:36 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 08:36
@weirdokenix:
I'm sure you can choose to have the wood panelling or not... I doubt every model will ship with it.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 12, 2007 9:35 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 09:35
Those wood trim pieces need to go. Very tacky.
Posted by CS | November 12, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 09:52
Man, that looks sooo old already!
Posted by Z | November 12, 2007 10:27 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 10:27
Man, that looks sooo old already!
Posted by Z | November 12, 2007 10:28 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 10:28
Honda called, they want their 2005 RL design back...
No Seriously, this car looks great. I don't mind the interior, but they really need to add the following:
- Navigational Unit
- Handsfree Bluetooth
- 3.5L (min) V6 Engine
- 6 speed automatic transmission
- Premium brand Roadside Assistance Program
People who buy premium brands are going to continue to do so until the mainstream brands start offering these types of amenities.
Posted by Andrew | November 12, 2007 10:59 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 10:59
Doesn't the Azera already have a 260+hp V6? Put it in the smaller car like what Nissan has done with the altima and what Toyota did with the camry (vs teh maxima and the avalon.) It makes a perfect blend of performance and practicality for those of us who want something fun but need the 4 doors for child seats. ;-)
All in all the car looks great, and has a great warranty as well. A strong selling point for those who buy cards and actually hold onto them longer than 24 mos.
Posted by carluver | November 12, 2007 11:57 AM
Posted on November 12, 2007 11:57
@Andrew:
I'm sure there's a navi unit in the interior pic, possibly bluetooth as well. As far as the engine goes... well not everyone cares for bigger engines mileage is a bit of a more concern right now. I do agree about the 6-speed though.
And I believe Hyundai does have a roadside assistance program.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 12, 2007 1:04 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 13:04
The nav unit plastic looks like lexus'
Posted by Ted | November 12, 2007 1:34 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 13:34
Looks nice overall. Hyundai is playing it safe with the exterior design, but a very competent car overall. In regards to the 3.3V6 engine, a driver was caught doing 143mph on a Phoenix highway (via traffic cameras .per Car and Driver) so I think the engine is more than adequate for the platform.
The interior looks alot like the Azera. Not bad, especially at the pricepoint Hyundai's sell for.
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 12, 2007 3:34 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 15:34
@ SEALBoy:,
Larger engines don't necessarily mean more fuel usage. Honda has installed larger engines in their cars and they achieve better MPG than the previous generation's model.
This is usually because the engine does not have to work as hard to move the car. Also the car's engine can then stay at a low rpm and create a smoother quieter ride.
Posted by Andrew | November 12, 2007 5:07 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 17:07
I see. Thanks for enlightening me.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 12, 2007 5:45 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 17:45
A great car for what it's designed for. A low cost, low maintenance, long-lasting, semi-handsome, non-econobox family/commuter car for well under 25K. Very versatile. Remember, it's not intended for the luxury or sports sedan market segment. Hyundai has other upcoming models for that. The fact that it has some of those attributes is just icing on the cake. Comparing it to cars 10-20K higher is just irrational. And yes, one was clocked at 140+ on photo radar. How many commuter cars can say that?
Posted by Kell | November 12, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 17:57
@Kell
I wouldn't doubt that one did reach 140mph. I was driving my 07 4-cylinder Sonata on the highway and on a dare from the passenger, pushed it from 80 to 100mph in about 5 seconds... very smooth acceleration at 5K rpm.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 12, 2007 7:28 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 19:28