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Hyundai Sonata III (Y3, facelift 1996) 2.0 (115 Hp)
Overall Rating
Hyundai Sonata:
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea, China, and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata. It was formerly manufactured in the United States from 2005 until 2022, though after 2022, American production was phased out....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (Y3, facelift 1996) Overview:
Hyundai Sonata (III (Y3, facelift 1996)). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1320 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 (115 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A basic entry-level engine, offering modest performance suitable for city driving but likely struggling on highways, especially with a full load.
Fuel Economy
Should offer reasonable fuel economy for its era, benefiting from lower power output and likely a manual transmission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
- • Good value for money on the used market
- • Range of engines, including a smooth V6 option
- • Generally reliable and easy to maintain
Cons:
- • Dated automatic transmissions can be sluggish and fuel-inefficient
- • Interior materials and design were not class-leading
- • Handling is more comfort-oriented than sporty
- • Lack of advanced safety features common in newer vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III (Y3): 1993 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Hyundai |
| Model: | Sonata |
| Generation: | III (Y3, facelift 1996) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 (115 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 134.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1320 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 373 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4700 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1770 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1510 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 170 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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