Motoring
Daring to be Unique
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata is imbued with quality, smooth and quiet performance and has a roomy, comfortable interior
When Hyundai, the Asian automobile maker, rolled out the 2007 Sonata, the belief that a company can change its products and image for the better in a fairly short time was reinforced. For a long time, the auto maker, appeared incapable of building a car that could place it in its rightful place. However, with the 2007 Hyundai Sonata, the tide may have changed for the manufacturer. For its inviting cabin, abundant standard features, polished on-road demeanour and confidence-inspiring warranty, the car has become a strong choice for car freaks.
The Hyundai Sonata is offered in three trim levels: base GLS, sporty SE and Limited. The GLS comes with features like airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control and a CD/MP3 player. The SE has a 3.3-litre V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and automatic headlights. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a power driver seat, seat heaters, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror and Homelink. The premium sport package for the GLS adds a power driver seat, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and a trip computer. Available packages on the SE and Limited versions add features such as an infinity audio system with six-disc CD changer and a sunroof. All the versions’ engines now meet the ultra-low-emission vehicle, ULEV, standards.
The GLS comes standard with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 162 horsepower, hp, and 164 pound-feet, Ib-ft, torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission as optional. A 3.3-litre V6 engine is standard on the SE and Limited trims. The V6 engine makes 234 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Both automatics can be shifted manually if so desired. The power and refinement of both engines is notable, though the V6 revs at a faster rate. It is also very fast, attaining 0-60 miles per hour, mph, in less than eight seconds.
Abdallah Balarabe, a businessman, explains that the Sonata has ample interior space. This, he says, makes him love the car. “Although the exterior dimensions make it fall within the midsize family sedan, the 2007 Sonata is a large car, having plenty of room for rear passengers, and is still relatively easy to manoeuvre; it is imposing on the road”, Balarabe said. Driver and passengers in the 2007 Sonata need not worry about the safety of the car. This is because all the versions are well-fitted with the latest safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active head restraints. The ambience of the interior makes occupants feel very comfortable. Balarabe describes it as “exuding quality via an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and a precise feel to the various controls, thus making you long to remain inside the car for a longer time”. According to a local sales representative of the company, the braking performance has been greatly improved on, with stopping distances from 60 mph taking less than 130 feet, a feat he ascribes to the company’s desire to ensure a great drive.
On the road, the car is well-balanced; an attribute the manufacturer hinges on the well-tuned suspension, which is structured to smoothen the effects of bumps and keep its composure firm without the passenger feeling any serious impact. At very high speed, passengers can still enjoy the benefit of a serene drive as the Sonata’s cabin remains quiet.
For all of this offering, the Sonata sells for N3.5 million. |
