- Spacious interior
- Generally comfortable ride
- Quiet interior
- Unsupportive seats
- Clunky manual gear shift
- Entry-level engines lack low-rev torque
- Steering kickback when on mid-corner bumps
Review: Hyundai EF-A Sonata (1998-01)
Overview
Released in August 1998, the Hyundai EF-A Sonata was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Asan, South Korea, the EF-A Sonata range initially consisted of three variants: the four-cylinder GLE and V6-powered GLS and Levant. The Levant was discontinued in 1999 and, in March 2000, the GLE was also discontinued and an entry-level Executive was introduced.
Compared to its Y3 predecessor, the EF-A Sonata was 10 mm longer (at 4710 mm), 45 mm wider (1818 mm) and 5 mm taller (1410 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2700 mm). Furthermore, the EF-A Sonata was fitted with double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE | 1998-00 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 |
4sp auto, 5sp man. |
103 kW at 6000 rpm | 180 Nm at 4600 rpm |
| Executive | 2000-01 | 2.5-litre petrol V6 |
4sp auto, 5sp man. |
127 kW at 6000 rpm | 230 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| GLS | 1998-00 | ||||
| Levant | 1998-99 | 2.5-litre petrol V6 |
4sp auto | 127 kW at 6000 rpm | 230 Nm at 3750 rpm |
Safety equipment
Initially, standard safety equipment for the EF-A Sonata included a driver’s airbag (i.e. for the GLE and GLS variants), though the subsequently introduced Executive was not fitted with a driver’s airbag. The range-topping Levant, however, was fitted with dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , a Sonata GLE variant without a driver’s airbag received a two star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 9.8. Zero points were awarded for the frontal offset crash test as the passenger compartment was substantially deformed and the driver was poorly protected from serious injury to the head, chest and legs. In the side impact test, there was a high risk of life threatening chest injury for the driver.
Features: Sonata GLE, Executive, GLS and Levant
Standard features for the Sonata GLE and Executive included a six speaker sound system, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Sonata GLS added 15-inch alloy wheels and a six-disc CD player. The range-topping Sonata Levant was further equipped with leather seats and trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
1999 Sonata GLE Classique
In June 1999, a limited-run Classique edition of the GLE variant was introduced; the GLE Classique was distinguished by its 14-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player and rear spoiler.
2001 Sonata Executive Classique
In March 2001, a limited-run Classique edition of the Executive variant was introduced; the Executive Classique was distinguished by its driver’s airbag, 14-inch alloy wheels and six-disc CD player.
Review: Hyundai EF-B Sonata (2001-05)
Overview
Released in September 2001, the EF-B Sonata was a significant update with a revised range, mechanical upgrades, more features and a significant facelift. The EF-B Sonata range consisted of a single GL variant, but the 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre V6 engines were replaced with 2.4- and 2.7-litre units, respectively.
Visually, the EF-B Sonata could be identified by its quad ovoid headlights, taller grille, new bonnet with headlight fairings, squarer front bumper with louvered intakes, rounder tail-lights, raised boot and chrome rear plate recess. Inside, the Sonata was fitted with seats from the Grandeur GL and there was a revised dashboard with audio controls above the buttons for the air conditioning system.
Compared to its EF-A predecessor, the EF-B Sonata was 37 mm longer (at 4747 mm), 2 mm wider (1820 mm) and 12 mm taller (1422), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2700 mm). The EF-B Sonata also had a stronger body shell, thicker front ventilated brake discs, wider rear track, retuned front suspension and new Sachs shock absorbers. Greater refinement was achieved through the use of extra soundproofing, including foam-filled A-pillars and inside the boot lid.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
104 kW at 5500 rpm | 202 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
132 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included a driver’s airbag, anti-submarining front seat pans and rear seat ramps and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; an optional ‘Extra Safety Pack’ added a passenger airbag and ABS. From October 2003, the EF-B Sonata was fitted with a front passenger airbag, ABS and electronic brake force distribution as standard.
Features: Sonata GL
Standard features for the Sonata GL included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet in the boot and an immobiliser; V6 models were also fitted with cruise control.
From October 2003, standard features were extended to include front fog lights and adjustable front seat lumbar support.
April 2004: Sonata update
From April 2004, MP3-compatibility and cruise control were standard across the range; V6 models were also fitted with 16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels (from March 2004). Inside, the black and charcoal interior was replaced with beige patterned seat trim and door inserts and tan dashboard and door trim plastics in all non-silver painted models.
Related links
