1999 Hyundai Sonata Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The new Sonata comes in two trim levels, a standard and GLS model. Each is surprisingly well equipped.

The base model comes standard with a double overhead-cam 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Large and powerful for engines in this class, it produces 149 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 156 foot-pounds of torque at 3000 rpm.

A V6 engine comes standard on the GLS and is an option on the base model. This double overhead-cam 2.5-liter V6 produces 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 166 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmissions choices are a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed electronically controlled automatic. Both transmissions are new designs.

Interior Features

Totally new for 1999, this Sonata has raised the bar in the mid-sized class. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is easily done. The front bucket seats are supportive, but not overly constrictive, making them quite comfortable on long trips.

There is plenty of legroom in the rear seat. Tall passengers had plenty of room when sitting behind tall drivers. Rear access is a little restricted by the Sonata's relatively small rear door opening.

The quality of the leather upholstery, including the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter knob and handbrake handle, was surprisingly good for a vehicle in this price range. The fit and finish of the interior equates the detail with which Hyundai paid to quality control. The dash, instrument panel and door panels are finely trimmed and complement each other.

During the day, the instruments and controls are easily read but as the sun fades away and the lights come on, we had a bit more difficulty reading some of the labels. The center console mounted cup holders are too shallow to hold anything larger than a small cup of coffee.

One of our female testers felt that the emergency brake handle (mounted in the center console on the right side of the driver's seat) was far to close to the side of the seat cushion. With the seat moved forward in her driving position, her fingernails snagged on the seat each time she operated the hand brake.

Several interior schemes are available and each offers a different wood trim. Our test vehicle sported a grayish wood tone that at first sight made us wish for any tone other than what we had. But as the days passed we became fond of the trim and by the end of the session we changed our opinion and are able to say that we actually liked the trim tone.

Trunk space is average and you'll need to lift groceries and baggage up a bit when loading.

The clamor to provide more and more safety equipment is creating quite a stir among auto manufacturers. One, even two air bags, one for driver and front passenger was the cat's meow just last year. Today, manufacturers must offer these supplemental restraints. The Sonata offers dual front air bags along with side impact air bags. The Sonata is also equipped with Hyundai's Passenger Presence Detection, a front passenger seat that automatically disables the air bag if it senses the seat is empty or if a child under 66 pounds occupies that seat.