The updated Hyundai Sonata was released in 2019 in a new body. Interested in the question: whose assembly will be presented on the Russian market? You will find out about this later in the article, as well as a video review of the new Hyundai Sonata 2019, a test drive and a description of the new car.

For several years, the domestic market has not seen the Sonata model, because in recent years it has been replaced by the i40 model of the same class. Sales were not so popular, apparently, that is why the manufacturer decided to return the forgotten sedan to our market, only of a new model. What has changed in the model, its cost and when will it be released? You will also find this information in this article.

Body

What will the body of the new Hyundai Sonata be like? The new model is distinguished by rather impressive dimensions. In style, the car is more solid and strict than the sporty one, although it has elements from the sporty style. The first photos of the new Hyundai Sonata, of course, have already been published. Let's see.

The updated Hyundai Sonata looks original and is more and more close to the appearance of premium cars. The black car looks especially representative.

The restyling of the new car mostly affected the front end. The sculpted bonnet with flowing lines from the radiator grille to the pillars is eye-catching. The radiator grille is trapezoidal with thin horizontal lines. Chrome trims along the edges of the grille.

The optics are made in a triangular design, with high quality xenon filling, giving the new 2019 model a more aggressive look. The strong slope of the windshield lends a bit of sportiness. The bumper is not massive, but with an interesting body kit. A thin strip of air intake goes to the bottom. You can additionally purchase a stylish fly baffle for the hood. Fog lights designers have made a very non-standard shape in the form of polygons.

In the side of the car, the emphasis is on solidity. Imitation of a body kit at the bottom, a smooth line above the door handles add charm to the model. The side mirrors are equipped with an automatic folding function when the engine is turned off. Branded discs look more stylish than it was possible to observe even in 2018. But a clearance of 155 mm can cause cross-country problems when driving on roads in Russia.

The rear window is impressive in size, is at an acute angle and smoothly goes into the trunk lid. The cover has a stylish spoiler-like bezel. The optics of the rear of the novelty are almost triangular in shape. Bumper with many dimples and protrusions, at the bottom of the protective strip. The exhaust of the new generation car is four-pipe, made in the form of trapeziums from two pipes on both sides.

Salon

It looks quite expensive and prestigious. The interior equipment of a Korean-assembled car is made of expensive and high-quality materials: soft genuine leather, eco-friendly plastic, wear-resistant fabric.

Management and control systems

The center console has a multimedia system with a touchscreen display, air ducts, traditional controls in the form of buttons and washers, as well as a fairly roomy glove compartment.

The tunnel is equipped with standard elements, several buttons for setting the chassis, cupholders, place for a smartphone and other gadgets. Large armrest for added comfort and multiple movement switches.

The steering wheel has become larger in girth and more functional. The massive center section contains many switches that can be used to adjust most of the car's functions. Anti-slip steering wheel cover made of high quality leather. The dashboard is standard, with an on-board computer in the center.

Seats

Judging by the photo of the salon, its appearance has become quite respectable thanks to the seats. High-quality upholstery material and elastic filling, lateral support and heating, adjustment in a wide range - everything is done for your comfort, and an abundance of security systems will protect all car passengers on the road.

The front seats are equipped with an electric drive for adjusting a comfortable position and, of course, heating. For rear passengers, a spacious sofa is installed, it is equipped with an adjustment of the back and head restraints, the middle protrusion is pulled out into a comfortable armrest. In expensive trim levels, there is a heated rear seat.

The salon is neat and spacious. When fully seated in the car, no person, no matter how large they are, will feel constrained. At the exhibition of the new model, the manufacturer assured of complete sound insulation in the cabin.

Specifications

Power units for the Russian market are atmospheric gasoline engines. They ensure the reliability and durability of cars. The technical characteristics of the new sedan will make it comfortable to drive both in the city and on the highway, with a relatively low gas mileage.

The basic version of the Hyundai Sonata 2019 will be equipped with a 2L engine with 150 hp. The best engine for this car will be a 2.4L engine producing 188 hp.

The box will be able to choose a 6-speed mechanical or 8-band automatic.

The high-quality suspension will also please, which will ensure a smooth ride. In cars of this price category, this is a rarity.

Options and prices

How much does the car cost and what configurations will the new model have? Prices will vary from 1,300,000 rubles. and up to 1,740,000 rubles. for the maximum configuration. What do they promise to complete for this cost?

• The basic equipment Primary will include a fairly solid list of functionality: air conditioning, electric folding and heated rear-view mirrors, heated front seats, power windows, EUR. Management is supplemented by two driving modes, tire pressure monitoring, brake lights duplication and some other basic functions.
• The next classic equipment will be supplemented with deflectors for the rear row, climate control for 2 zones, daytime running lights, parking sensors, a rearview camera, a 5-inch multimedia monitor and more.
• The penultimate lifestyle trim will include all of the styling options, including quality leather trim. Engine start from a button, electric boot lid, electric boot lid.
• Business equipment will be equipped with 3-zone climate control, heated all seats, a system of "dead" zones around the perimeter of the car, front and rear parking sensors, sun blinds in the rear doors and many other additional control and safety functions.

How much the new Hyundai Sonata of a specific configuration will cost, you can check with an authorized dealer.

When will it be released in Russia

In Russia, the assembly of the new model has already begun in Kaliningrad at Avtotor, as well as at the TagAZ plant. The 2019 model is already available for purchase. And in 2020 we may be able to see the 8th generation Hyundai Sonata, pictures of its body can already be found on the Internet.

Video

Conclusion

Hyundai Sonata 2019 in a new body is already conquering the Russian automotive market. Whose assembly, domestic or Korean, will be more durable, only time will tell. It should be noted that during the absence of Sonata on our market, its competitors have gained wide popularity.

Hyundai is one of the best-selling car brands in Russia. It is not for nothing that the name of the concern is translated as "modernity", because the developers always keep up with the times and always use the latest technologies.
Photo: Kia plant in Slovakia

Hyundai cars are produced in many countries of the world, and according to the level of market filling, the company is in the top three.

The productivity of the company is impressive: in 2010, 1,750,000 vehicles were assembled at all Hyundai branches. South Korea made the largest contribution as a producing country.

For Russia, "Koreans" are assembled at many factories, both domestic and foreign. Among them:

• the South Korean plant in Ulsan, which is rightfully the most powerful enterprise of the company;
• taganrog plant "TAGAZ", which made Hyundai cars until 2010;
• a plant in St. Petersburg, construction of which began in 2008, and the first cars rolled off the assembly line in 2010;
• the Turkish branch of Hyundai, which has been operating since 1998.

Also, Hyundai cars are manufactured at factories in Brazil, the USA, the Czech Republic and India. However, their products are not supplied to the Russian market.

Solaris is one of the leaders in sales in Russia. The debut of the model took place in 2011, and a very heavy burden was placed on her shoulders - to become a quality replacement for the Hyundai Accent.

After the Koreans opened a branch in St. Petersburg in 2010, serial production of Solaris for the domestic market began.

It is worth noting that this enterprise undergoes a complete assembly of the model, including welding and painting.

Hyundai ix35

If you ask any domestic car enthusiast the question: "What is the best Korean crossover?", The answer will be: "Hyundai ix35".

The debut of the model took place in 2009, and she was supposed to replace Tucson.

2010 was marked by the fact that the producing countries, including South Korea, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, began mass deliveries of ix35 to Russia.

Representatives of the company promise that the production process of the crossover in Russia should soon be adjusted.

Photo: Assembly process at a plant in South Korea

Hyundai i30

After the 2007 Hyundai i30 was first presented to the public, it immediately became clear that the car was simply doomed to success.

Today the assembly of the third modification of the model is already underway. i30 are supplied to the Russian market from a Czech company located in the town of Nošovice.

It should be noted that until 2009, exclusively Korean-made cars were exported to Russia.

Hyundai Santa Fe

To date, Hyundai Santa Fe can already be safely called the legendary crossover, which is the older brother of Tucson and ix35.

At the moment, the model is being assembled at American and South Korean branches. However, for the Russian market, the model is supplied only from Asia.

The first two generations of the model were assembled at an enterprise in Taganrog.

Hyundai i10

The subcompact car Hyundai i10 was officially presented in 2007. Of course, the model did not become as popular as the developers expected, but it has its fans all over the world.

At the moment, i10 is being assembled at the facilities of India and Turkey. It is the Turkish-assembled cars that can be purchased at dealerships. But, in fairness, it should be noted that until 2013, more preference was given to cars from India.

Photo: Hyundai plant in Russia

Hyundai i40

Hyundai i40 is one of the few models that is assembled exclusively at Korean factories.

It was first presented to the public in 2011 - a station wagon, and 2012 - a sedan.

Hyundai i20

The car appeared on the domestic market in 2009. It was supplied from South Korea, Turkey and India. But, due to low demand, now Hyundai i20 is exported only from Korea.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra is one of the most "ancient" models of the company. It began to be assembled back in 1990, and since then the car has remained one of the best-selling in its class.

To date, the model is assembled at the South Korean plant in Ulsan. From 2000 to 2007, the car was produced at the Taganrog enterprise "TAGAZ".

Video: assembling Hyundai in Russia

Hyundai Sonata

Even older than Elantra, the car. Today, Hyundai Sonata is produced in South Korea, and at subsidiaries in the United States. In the second case, cars are supplied only to the local market.

From 2003 to 2010, the Sonata was released in Taganrog.

Hyundai Coupe

One of the youngest Korean cars, the Hyundai Coupe was produced until 2009.

Its assembly took place at factories in South Korea, Turkey and Thailand.

Models of the South Korean assembly were supplied to the Russian market.

Output

The Hyundai company produces some of the most recognizable cars. The production workshops of the concern are located all over the world, which in no way affects the quality of the vehicles.

“I came - I didn't get dust” - this Russian proverb fits perfectly with the latest generation of the Korean mid-size sedan Sonata, which is now sold in the Russian Federation. The famous model of the Hyundai brand returned to Russia almost five years after its departure, and in the seventh generation (LF) of the sample already in 2014, and even after restyling. Needless to say, the seventh "Sonata" is a novelty, if you do not mislead, you cannot call it. For the time being, it is supplied to the Russian market directly from South Korea, which, perhaps, had a good effect on the build quality, but had a bad effect on adaptation to the harsh road realities of Russia. Read all the details about this "new" Hyundai in our review!

Design

In terms of appearance, the Korean Sonata with the LF index is the same as the overseas. It looks very impressive - thanks to Chris Chapman of the California Hyundai Design Center. Whether Mr. Chapman will be able to go down in the history of the world auto industry, like Chris Bangle, who was engaged in the appearance of BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, is anyone's guess, but one thing about him is certain: he managed to bring a certain amount of avant-gardeism into the image of the Sonata. That there are some sill moldings stretched up to the head optics between the fenders and the hood. And what does an ordinary car enthusiast who only dreams of a "new" Sonata say about the huge corporate emblem on the radiator grille or the fashionable touch panel for opening the trunk located at the top of the Hyundai logo again? Yeah, Chapman is great!

Design

The foundation of the Sonata LF is the YF chassis, inherited from its predecessor and subjected to a number of improvements. The changes affected both the settings of the springs and shock absorbers, and the geometry of the suspensions. In the course of modernization, the rear multi-link suspension acquired extended and reinforced lower arms (the thickness of the steel sheet increased from 2.9 to 3.5 millimeters), which better distribute lateral forces and allow more accurate kinematics adjustment. In addition, the steering column has become stiffer, and to improve the accuracy of the car's response to steering wheel turns, the EUR was equipped with a higher-performance processor. The steering program can be changed using the Drive Mode Select button.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

Despite the fact that the seventh "Sonata" is assembled not on the territory of the Russian Federation, but in South Korea, its price is significantly lower in comparison with many competitors of the Russian assembly. However, saving in this case is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, everything seems to be fine, the car is nice and roomy, the sound insulation is modified, and the manufacturer even allows you to pour inexpensive 92nd gasoline into the fuel tank, which is very important in our reality. But on the other hand, the model is not specially adapted for Russia, and its suspension settings are not the most suitable for bad roads.

Comfort

There are no serious complaints about the Sonata LF salon. By the standards of the class, it is spacious - there is enough space for people of any size, both in front and behind, where the floor is almost flat. The driver's comfort is ensured by the electric seat adjustment and the ability of the steering column to adjust for height and reach. Adjusting the driver's seat "for yourself" will not be difficult, especially since its configuration does not need a special fit. The driver's seat itself is quite comfortable - it is moderately hard, with developed lateral support and a rather comfortable headrest. If we forget about the textile, overly synthetic to the touch, seat upholstery in the basic version (although it is much more practical than leather heated in the sun), then everything inside the sedan is done conscientiously and with attention to detail. Only the one who, for whatever reason, needs to find fault with something, will be able to determine by the type of plastic whether it is hard or soft - praise for a well-chosen texture. The combination of different types of plastic is basically the same - however, in the door panels there is still more “tin”.

Great attention is paid to ergonomics. Hyundai decided not to reinvent the wheel and use classic solutions. The result is the following: almost all large keys are placed in 2 rows on the center console, for the sake of normal human logic. It is very convenient to turn on the steering wheel heating, which is adored in our country, as well as display the navigation map on the touchscreen of the media system. The dashboard in Sonata is strictly traditional, analog, but with a digital appendage between the "wells" of the speedometer and tachometer, as well as backlit bluish shade loved by Asian manufacturers. There are no complaints about its readability and information content. Remembering the rivals of the "Korean", one cannot get rid of the thought that his interior looks simpler than that of Kia Optima or Mazda6. Although in this regard it is not inferior to the same Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat. His trunk is by no means ideal: despite the impressive volume of 510 liters, he is not at all happy with the quality of the finish and the height of the doorway. The luggage compartment contains a full-size spare wheel on an alloy wheel (in the basic configuration - on a steel one), and next to it is bare metal. Not solid somehow, but by the way - "for an amateur".

As a result of the last generation change, the proportion of extra high strength steels in the body has increased from 21 to 51%. In addition, the share of hot-formed steels, the number of additional reinforcements, the length (up to 119 m) and the number of adhesive joints increased, while the torsional and bending stiffness of the body increased by 41 and 30%, respectively. The Sonata LF's standard "safe" equipment is far from poor: it includes front and side airbags, curtains, Isofix mounts for child car seats, an Era-Glonass panic button, and stabilization systems with 2-stage shutdown (ESC) and Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assistant (HAC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). For an extra charge, parking sensors, light and rain sensors, a rear-view camera, cruise control with buttons on the steering wheel, blind spot monitoring and an electric parking brake are offered.

In the most affordable version, the car is equipped with a conventional radio tape recorder with MP3 support, 6 speakers, buttons on the steering wheel, wireless Bluetooth protocol and AUX / USB connectors for connecting gadgets. In the more expensive version, the radio is complemented by a modest five-inch display and rear video review. The more expensive trim levels include a full-fledged multimedia complex with an eight-inch touchscreen and Navitel navigation (alas, without displaying traffic jams), capable of connecting to Apple and Android. Fortunately, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies is provided, like any other self-respecting modern sedan. The media system works, fortunately for Hyundai fans, without much complaints.

Hyundai Sonata Specifications

The engine range of the seventh "Sonata" is represented by two gasoline atmospheric engines that are unpretentious in terms of fuel quality. The first engine, Nu 2.0 MPI, received a lightweight aluminum block and cylinder head, a low-noise timing chain, a continuously variable valve timing system at the inlet / outlet, a plastic intake manifold with variable geometry and distributed injection technology. The power of the two-liter engine is 150 hp, and the torque is 192 Nm. The second motor is an aluminum "four" 2.4 GDI series Theta-II. Such an engine is equipped with intake phase shifters and a direct injection system at a pressure of 200 bar. The 2.4-liter unit develops 188 hp. and 241 Nm of peak torque. Both it and its alternative in the form of a 150-horsepower "aspirated" complies with the Euro-5 eco-standard, is combined exclusively with front-wheel drive and works in tandem with a 6-speed automatic transmission A6MF2 of Hyundai's own design. Average fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer, is 7.8-8.3 liters. by 100 km (depending on the modification), but the actual figures may be higher.

Model 1983. The car was sold locally and exported to Canada (under the name Stellar II) and New Zealand. The Sonata was equipped with licensed four-cylinder Mitsubishi engines of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters, paired with a five-step "mechanics" or Borg Warner automatic transmissions with three or four steps.

2nd generation (Y2), 1988-1993

The first "Sonata" was not very successful, and already in 1988 the second generation of the model was presented, developed, among other things, with an eye to the American market. The car became front-wheel drive, it was designed on the model platform.

From the predecessor, the Hyundai Sonata II sedan got 1.8 and 2.0 engines, but not carbureted, but with fuel injection. American buyers were offered versions with engines 2.4 (later replaced by a two-liter) and a V6 with a volume of three liters and a capacity of 146 liters. with. All powertrains were manufactured under license purchased from Mitsubishi. Transmissions - mechanical five-speed or automatic four-speed.

In 1991, the model was restyled, in this form the Hyundai Sonata was produced at factories in Korea and Canada until 1993.

3rd generation (Y3), 1993-1998

The third generation of the model, introduced in 1993, was produced only in Korea. The car received a completely new design, but the range of power units did not undergo significant changes. At home, the Hyundai Sonata was offered with 1.8 and 2.0 engines, and versions 2.0 (126-139 forces) and a V6 3.0 with a capacity of 145 hp were supplied to export markets. with. Transmissions - five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

In 1996, the model was restyled, as a result of which the sedan received a completely different front end design. The release of the third generation of "Sonata" continued until 1998. The car was officially offered on the Russian market as well.

4th generation (EF), 1998–2012

The fourth generation Hyundai Sonata sedan began production in 1998. The overall design of the car was the same as that of the first generation sedan, these were the first joint models of the Hyundai and Kia brands, after the absorption of the latter in 1999.

The car was equipped with the previous four-cylinder engines of the Sirius series with a volume of 1.8 liters (only for Korea), 2.0 liters and 2.4 liters, as well as a new Delta V6 2.5 power unit with a capacity of 168 liters. with. Restyling in 2001 significantly changed the appearance of the "Sonata", and the 2.5-liter engine was replaced by a new 2.7-liter V6 engine with a capacity of 173 liters. with.

In Korea, the car ceased to be produced in 2004, at the Tangrog Automobile Plant, cars for the Russian market were made until the beginning of 2012.

5th generation (NF), 2004-2010

The fifth-generation sedan was put into mass production in Korea in 2004, and in 2005 the car entered the American market, where cars assembled at a plant in Alabama were sold. But in Russia the model was sold as TagAZ continued to produce the previous generation "Sonata".

The car was equipped with four-cylinder engines 2.0 (136 HP) and 2.4 (164 HP), as well as a 3.3-liter "six" with a capacity of 237 forces. The two-liter turbodiesel developed 140 hp. with. The cars were equipped with mechanical and automatic transmissions.

At the end of 2007, the Sonata was restyled, which slightly changed both its exterior and interior. At the same time, the cars for the Russian market were renamed Hyundai NF Sonata. The modernization also affected the range of power units: the power of all engines increased by 10-15 liters. with.

Hyundai Sonata car engine table

Power, hp with.

Version	Engine model	engine's type	Volume, cm3	Note
G4KA	R4, gasoline	1998	136	2004-2007
G4KA	R4, gasoline	1998	165	2007-2010
G4KC	R4, gasoline	2359	164	2004-2007
G4KC	R4, gasoline	2359	175	2007-2010
G6DB	V6, petrol	3342	237	2004-2007
G6DB	V6, petrol	3342	250	2007-2010
Hyundai Sonata 2.0 CRDi	D4EA	R4, diesel, turbo	1991	140	2004-2007
Hyundai Sonata 2.0 CRDi	D4EA	R4, diesel, turbo	1991	150	2007-2010

Hyundai i45.

In Russia, the "Sonata" was offered with a two-liter engine (150 hp) or with a 2.4-liter engine (178 hp). The car was equipped with six-speed gearboxes, the version with the base engine - a mechanical or automatic, and a more powerful version - only automatic. At the end of 2012, sales of the model on the Russian market were discontinued.

In other countries, Hyundai Sonata was also equipped with a new 2.4 GDI engine with direct injection with a capacity of 200 hp or a two-liter turbo engine (274 hp) There were no six-cylinder and diesel versions in the model range, but in 2011 sales of a hybrid sedan modification began in the USA and Korea. with a 2.4-liter "four", a six-speed "automatic" and a 30-kilowatt electric motor.

In 2012, a minor restyling of the model was carried out. In this form, the car was produced until 2014, it was made at factories in Korea, China, and the USA.