| Drivetrain |
|---|
| Configuration | Transverse, front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Turbocharged direct-injected inline-4, gasoline |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 1,998cc (122 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable intake + exhaust-valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 9.5 |
| Redline, indicated (rpm) | 6,500 |
| Fuel cutoff/rev limiter (rpm) | N/A |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 274 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 269 @ 1,750 |
| Fuel type | 87-octane acceptable + 91-octane for best performance |
| Transmission type | Six-speed automatic with console shifter and steering-mounted paddles |
| Transmission ratios (x:1) | 1st = 4.651; 2nd = 2.831; 3rd = 1.842; 4th = 1.386; 5th = 1.000; 6th = 0.772 |
| Final-drive ratio (x:1) | 2.885 |
| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multilink, coil springs, monotube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 14.5 |
| Tire make and model | Hankook Optimo H431 |
| Tire type | All-season, touring (35 psi cold front; 35 psi cold rear) |
| Tire size | P225/45R18 |
| Wheel size | 18-by-7.5 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 11.8-inch one-piece ventilated cast-iron discs with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 11.2-inch one-piece ventilated cast-iron discs with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Track Test Results |
|---|
| Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | 2.8 |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.4 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.6 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 9.3 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.6 @ 97.9 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 6.2 |
| 0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 2.8 |
| 0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 4.5 |
| 0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 6.7 |
| 0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 9.4 |
| 1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph) | 14.7 @ 97.4 |
| 0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 6.3 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 30 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 120 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 63.0 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON | 59.8 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.84 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON | 0.80 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 38.0 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 66.1 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 62.0 |
| Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm) | 2,050 |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | With traction control on, the Sonata 2.0T was a little slow off the line, not allowing wheelspin, but the time was still pretty quick. Running with the stability control system off enabled a bit of wheelspin about a second or so after launch as the turbo came on boost, but ultimately wasn't that much quicker. The car does not allow pedal overlap for power braking, nor does the transmission hold gears in manual mode -- it automatically shifts at about 6,000 rpm. Heat soak was fairly significant. |
| Braking comments | The first stop was the best, with only a moderate amount of fade on the following runs. A significant amount of dive causes the rear to get light, resulting in a bit of squirm. The pedal is initially firm, with some sponginess through the pedal travel. |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: The steering has less than favorable feedback, with an artificial-feeling boost. Understeer on the limit gets progressively worse if you try to over-drive it. ESP breathed off throttle to bring the car back in line. Slalom: With ESP off, the slalom was an exercise in front-wheel-drive oversteer. Slow in, fast out kept the rear in line, and steering smoothness was key. It's easy to get behind in your turns due to a slight yaw delay, compounded by the loose tail. ESP was fairly intrusive when pushing the Sonata hard -- but we found out why! |
| Audio and Advanced Technology |
|---|
| Stereo description | AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers |
| iPod/digital media compatibility | Optional iPod via propietary cable USB stick |
| Satellite radio | Standard XM with 90-day free trial period |
| Hard-drive music storage capacity (Gb) | Not available |
| Rear seat video and entertainment | Not available |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | Standard with optional music streaming |
| Navigation system | Optional DVD |
| Telematics (OnStar, etc.) | Optional XM Data with weather, stocks and sports |
| Smart entry/Start | Standard ignition doors trunk/hatch |
| Parking aids | Not available |
| Blind-spot detection | Not available |
| Adaptive cruise control | Not available |
| Lane-departure monitoring | Not available |
| Collision warning/avoidance | Not available |
| Night Vision | Not available |
| Driver coaching display | Not available |
| Dimensions & Capacities |
|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,338 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,388 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 61/49 |
| Length (in.) | 189.8 |
| Width (in.) | 72.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 110.0 |
| Track, front (in.) | 62.5 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 62.5 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 35.8 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 45.5 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 40.0 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.8 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 57.9 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 56.7 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Trunk volume (cu-ft) | 16.4 |
| Max cargo volume behind 1st row (cu-ft) | Standard 60/40 split/fold, no volume given |
