2008 Hyundai Sonata Review

Specifications

I’ve had few complaints with Hyundai’s stellar Sonata since its total redesign a couple of years back. Even after ten months of long term testing it proved to be unflappable in the face of duress, making me and most who know me into believers. Truly, all that still bothers is a dash layout that is less than inspired, nowhere to plug in my iPod, and alloy wheels that leave me flat (not literally flat, thank goodness). Certainly its handling could be a little more sport-oriented, and a few aerodynamic add-ons might spice up its design a bit, although without any modification it easily continues on as the best looking entry-level midsize sedan in my books.

Well, Hyundai did make some updates to the 2007 model that continue forward for 2008, including the addition of a button for changing stations within the steering wheel mounted audio controls, and XM satellite radio is now standard. Additionally, every Sonata now includes six airbags, with two up front, two thorax bags at the side for front occupants, and side-curtain airbags for all outside occupants, plus active front head restraints. The SE also gets a revised grille with a slick strip of chrome running horizontally, black carpets and dark charcoal plastics, although black leather still can’t be had. And while its curtain airbags allow for a five star crash test rating and its V6 is now more environmentally friendly with the ability to meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ULEV) standards while achieving slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, safety and the green movement isn’t what this particular review is all about. No, today we’re going to talk performance.

Just before I get to that, mind you, there are a few 2008 updates that need a going over. First on the list is the addition of black fabric for entry-level models, plus a powered driver’s seat, rear center head restraint, and trip computer for all Sonata models but the base GLS five-speed. Moving up to the SE and above, chrome trimmed door handles now come standard, as does the auto headlight control feature, while a new 6-disc CD player with subwoofer and external amp makes for more enjoyable tunes. And yes, as already mentioned an aux plug-in for your external mp3 player or iPod still isn’t available (but just in… it will be in next year as a 2009 model along with an all-new interior) at a time when some manufacturers, Chrysler and Volkswagen being two, are offering USB ports as well. Such is life with this conservative automaker. But wait a minute … the Sonatas pictured in this review certainly aren’t conservative.

At a recent event unveiling Hyundai Canada’s new Performance Parts program, a program oddly not offered in the U.S., the Korean brand’s forward-thinking Canadian division brought a bevy of souped up Accents, Tiburons and Sonatas … yes you heard that right, Sonatas, to Ontario’s Dunnville Autodrome, a converted airport turned into a particularly entertaining racetrack. The Accents were SR models, available through Canadian Hyundai dealers, and the Tiburons were all in various stages of tune thanks to parts also available at the dealer level, featuring upgrades starting at the wheels and tires right through to turbochargers and short shifter kits. The two Sonatas on hand didn’t feature any drivetrain modifications, however, the 3.3-liter V6 never being short on output thanks to 234 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque, and the five-speed automatic already standard with a manual mode, but there were other changes starting below the beltline that completely transformed the cars from the stock versions I’d already come to know so well.

The wheels and low-profile tires are most noticeable, with both sets of FAST alloys, available from a list of more than forty aftermarket wheels sold through www.hyundaiperformance.ca. The silver car pictured sported a set of Falken FK-452 225/40ZR18 performance tires on gorgeous graphite black, 10-spoke, 18-inch rims, while the blue sedan boasted a set of 8-spoke, bright alloy, 18-inch wheels wrapped in the same rubber sized to fit at 225/45ZR18. Both cars were lowered about an inch on new sets of Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs, while larger diameter sway bars were fitted for less roll in the corners.

The difference these upgrades made to performance in the corners was night and day, from a comfortable cruiser with a tendency to understeer when pushed beyond its adherence capabilities, to agile track masters with much greater grip overall, and nice even balance even when thrown into corners with wild abandon. The latter was due to a downpour of the wet stuff during our test, plus a little button on the dash that defeats the traction and stability control. With the new running gear the Sonata could be forced into oversteer quite easily, power sliding its way through sharper corners and coming out the other side with front wheels spinning. What a hoot!

I’ve always felt that the Sonata’s V6 powertrain was unfairly disadvantaged by a suspension setup designed for pampering. The speed available down Dunnville’s straight was astonishing, considering both engines’ completely stock setup, and the revised suspensions’ newfound high-speed tracking ability, staying straight and true at full power even around the track’s mid-straight dogleg, was confidence inspiring. When turn one arrived only the brakes caused concern, as nothing was done to either set which was unfortunate. Still, a light tap was all that was needed in order to load up the front suspension prior to the turn, and the sticky Falkens and stiffer, lower suspension did the rest. Each turn was much more controlled than would have been in the stock car, almost making me wish the Sonata came standard with this setup. Of course, only pampering to a niche market of sport-oriented Sonata buyers probably wouldn’t be the smartest idea, as most buyers in this segment demand comfort over performance. Then again, I think there would be enough enthusiast buyers interested in one of these SR-R models to produce one for the road, and even if the take-rate was low, enough of them on the road would do wonders for the Sonata’s cool factor.

Adding to the cars’ cool quotient was a blacked out grille treatment, lower lip spoiler and rocker panel ground effects on the silver car, plus a tweaked grille, ground effects and a discreet deck lid spoiler on the blue car. Neither car needed chrome exhaust tips, as the stock oval units look fabulous, although the silver Sonata did get subtle “Hyundai Performance Parts” decals on the front fenders to spice things up a bit.

The interiors remained stock, and tastefully the performance division went with the optional faux carbon fiber trim instead of the woodgrain, while the seats were covered in black leather with contrasting light gray stitching. To this end I would have rather seen an upgrade to the driver’s seat at least, being that the comfortable chairs weren’t supportive enough laterally to keep me in place, considering the faster pace the revised suspension allowed. And now that I’m offering suggestions, modifications to the brakes would be a good idea too. I suppose a sportier sounding exhaust note wouldn’t hurt either, so an axle back exhaust system would be a nice touch, or possibly something a little less intrusive would be better for what would be a slightly more conservative crowd than those who regularly step up for tuned Accents and Tiburons. And lastly, it would be great if the automatic would shift a little quicker and hold its gear when at redline.

All-round though, Hyundai Canada’s unique Sonata SR-R is a great package, and one that I’d like to see available at the dealer level across North America. That’s right, for the time being it’s only an idea the Korean automaker’s Canadian division is floating around, but with enough interest I think it’ll become reality, at least in Canada.

I certainly am impressed, and my guess is that a select group of sport-oriented midsize sedan buyers will be too. So, if you want one, whether reading from Canada or the U.S., contact your local Hyundai dealer and ask for a Sonata SR-R, and when he doesn’t know what you’re talking about, send him a link to this article so that he can request the car from Hyundai. If enough people do this, it’ll happen. And when it does, one of the best values in the midsize family sedan segment will also become one of the best values in the midsize sport sedan segment.

Then again, you could always drive your Sonata V6 up to Canada after prearranging everything with a Canadian dealer. But go soon or wait until next year unless a combined skiing / snowboarding vacation is on the agenda, as the flying white stuff can make traveling miserable.