2007 Hyundai Sonata

SONATA RAISES THE BAR ON MIDSIZE SEDAN VALUE FOR 2007

Lower Prices, More Variety, Greater Value and Únsurpassed 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 Últra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ÚLEV)
- 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. Úpon 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 Ú.S.

ÚNSÚRPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

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, POWERFÚL, FÚEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

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.

SÚPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system provides occupants with a smooth, supple ride combined with excellent roadholding. Úp 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-EQÚIPPED 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 VALÚE

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. (concept carz) 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.

Source - Hyundai