Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Hyundai Sonata III (Y3, facelift 1996) 2.0 GSi 16V (125 Hp) Automatic
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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1350 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. 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 GSi 16V (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for daily driving, but the automatic transmission dulls acceleration, making it feel less sprightly than its manual counterpart.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side for a 2.0L, especially in urban settings, reflecting the older automatic gearbox technology.
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 GSi 16V (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 62.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 168 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Sirius / G4CP [Same engine] More details about the engine Sirius / G4CP |
| Engine displacement: | 1997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 124.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1350 |
| Max. weight: | 1860 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your Hyundai Sonata.