Hyundai Sonata III (Y3) 3.0i GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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) Overview:

Hyundai Sonata (III (Y3)). With 231 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1267 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.1 s). The top speed reaches 200 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.

3.0i GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers significantly better acceleration and smoother power delivery than the 4-cylinder models, making highway driving more effortless. The automatic transmission is smooth but can dull responsiveness.

Fuel Economy

As expected for a 3.0L V6 from this period, fuel consumption is high, especially in urban settings. A trade-off for the added power and refinement.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising / Long distance

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and comfortable interior for its class.
  • • Good value for money compared to Japanese and European rivals.
  • • Range of practical and relatively efficient engines.
  • • Improved build quality over previous generations.
  • • Smooth ride quality.

Cons:

  • • Styling was somewhat generic and less distinctive.
  • • Handling could be uninspiring, leaning towards comfort over sportiness.
  • • Resale value might have been lower than competitors.
  • • Limited advanced safety features (typical for the era).
  • • Some interior materials felt less premium than rivals.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Y2, facelift 1991): 1992 - 1993).

General:
Brand:Hyundai
Model:Sonata
Generation:III (Y3)
Modification (Engine):3.0i GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1993
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:146 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:49.1 Hp/l [20mm more]
Torque:231 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Sigma / G6AT More details about the engine Sigma / G6AT
Engine displacement:2972
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:8.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:91.1 mm mm
Piston Stroke:76 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 1
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.1 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.7 kg/Hp, 115.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 182.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1267
Max. weight:1800
Max. roof load:70 kg
Max load:533
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:373 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:500 kg
Size:
Length:4700 mm mm [20mm more]
Width:1770 mm mm [19mm more]
Height:1405 mm mm [3mm less]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [50mm more]
Front track:1515 mm
Rear (Back) track:1500 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your Hyundai Sonata.