Aug. 15, 2000 – The Hyundai Sonata enters the new millennium by continuing to generate a new form of sticker shock: Who would imagine that world-class safety, performance, handling, comfort and luxury features are available at such a low price? Hyundai also introduces a new upscale trim level for 2001 Sonata – the GLS Leather.
From its distinctive styling to its advanced safety features, state-of-the-art powertrains, double-wishbone suspension and spacious interior, the Hyundai Sonata is a high-quality, long-lasting vehicle that offers driving enjoyment and pride of ownership for years to come.
And since it’s a Hyundai, the Sonata also is loaded with value. For the 2001 model year, Sonata continues its value leadership in the midsize sedan segment with low prices on such options as anti-lock brakes/traction control and power moonroof.Designed-In Quality The Sonata is the product of extensive research, during which Hyundai engineers benchmarked some of the world’s finest automobiles, then used state-of-the-art supercomputer analyses to design and manufacturer a top-quality vehicle. This quality and competence begins with the Sonata’s rigid unitbody structure, which was developed with the use of sophisticated supercomputer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools.
A key in the development process that culminated with the Hyundai Sonata was the development and construction of one of the world’s most modern, highly automated automotive manufacturing facilities. All Sonatas are built at Hyundai’s $1.25 billion Asan Plant, located 30 miles southwest of Seoul, South Korea.
World-Class PowertrainsPart of re-engineering the Sonata from the ground up was the development of two world-class engines and two new transmissions, which represented a major technological advancement for Hyundai when introduced two years ago.
The base Sonata is equipped with Hyundai’s 2.4-liter, DOHC Sirius II four-cylinder engine. Delivering 149 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, it’s one of the largest, most powerful four-cylinder engines in the mid-size class.
With an aluminum DOHC cylinder head and four valves per cylinder, the Sirius II engine offers strong performance and refined operating characteristics. Advanced features include dual balance shafts, hydraulic valve-lash adjusters, a toothed-belt camshaft drive, aluminum oil pan and a serpentine accessory belt.
Buyers who select the top-of-the-line GLS and GSL Leather models get Hyundai’s sophisticated Delta V6 engine – the third engine completely designed and engineered by Hyundai. Exceptionally quiet, smooth and refined, the Delta engine is an all-aluminum 2.5-liter V6 DOHC powerplant that develops 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Compared with the V6 engine offered on 1988 and earlier Sonatas, the Delta V6 is lighter and more fuel-efficient. At its heart is an advanced engine management system, which integrates fuel and ignition controls, providing maximum performance and fuel economy while reducing emissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors all major systems affecting performance, emissions, smoothness and durability.
With its 10.0:1 compression ratio, the Delta V6 delivers excellent torque output over a wide rpm range. Acceleration is smooth and responsive in all types of driving conditions.
To accompany these technologically advanced engines, Hyundai offers a sophisticated, electronically-controlled automatic transmission and an improved manual transmission. Standard equipment on both the base Sonata and the GLS version is a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission.
Available on Sonata models is the HIVEC (Hyundai Integrated Vehicle Electronic Control) automatic transmission which represents another technological advancement for Hyundai. It’s an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission featuring a lock-up torque converter and overdrive. Shift quality is smooth, precise and unobtrusive. The transaxle is controlled by a computer chip that uses “fuzzy logic” technology.
This enables the transmission to adapt to driver preferences by adjusting shift characteristics to match the owner’s typical driving style. This technology is particularly effective in uphill and downhill conditions where it selects the proper gear without having to make numerous shifts as the gearbox “hunts” for the correct gear.
Advanced Suspension DesignThe 2001 Hyundai Sonata features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which together provide a balance between the smooth ride of a luxury car and the handling performance of a sport sedan.
The double-wishbone suspension consists of upper and lower A-arms. The upper A-arm is rotated to minimize camber changes, assuring that the front wheels remain upright and in full contact with the road surface.
The lower wishbone A-arm is anchored by a front subframe with a square-tube design. This design improves lateral rigidity and reduces the amount of vibration and road noise reaching the passenger compartment.
The five-link rear suspension features a trailing link, two longitudinal links and an upper A-arm. This suspension design permits the wheels to react independently when the car encounters a rough road surface. Anti-roll bars and gas-filled shock absorbers in both front and rear further enhance the Sonata GLS and GLS Leather handling characteristics without sacrificing ride quality.
In normal driving, the Sonata is smooth and refined. Yet it’s highly competent when driven hard. Thanks to power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, the Sonata’s steering is responsive and predictable, giving the driver a sense of confidence and control.
The 2001 Sonata also is exceptionally quiet. In designing the Sonata, Hyundai engineers used advanced supercomputer simulations to achieve impressive reductions in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
All Sonatas are equipped with all-season P205/60HR-15 high-performance steel-belted radial tires mounted on alloy wheels. All 2001 Sonatas are fitted with front disc brakes. The base model has power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum brakes, which provide precise braking response. Four wheel disc brakes are standard on the Sonata GLS and GLS Leather models.
Optional on the Sonata GLS and GLS Leather is a sophisticated package combining a four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic traction control.
World-Class SafetyThe 2001 Hyundai Sonata offers such advanced safety features as seat-mounted side airbags, second-generation front supplemental airbags and automatic front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters. Very few cars in any segment offer such an array of state-of-the-art safety features.
The Sonata’s safety story begins with the vehicle’s basic structure – a highly rigid unitbody structure designed as a steel safety cell that helps protect occupants from crash forces in front, rear and side impacts.
Key structural components are reinforced with high-strength steel. Crumple zones in the front and rear absorb impact and deform in a predetermined manner, dissipating crash energy while protecting the driver and passengers. Additional side-impact protection is afforded by high-strength steel crossmembers in the doors.
The 2001 Sonata’s front supplemental restraint system employs industry-leading technology. The Sonata is equipped with dual front supplemental airbags, as well as side airbags, which are mounted in the sides of the front seats.
Separate sensors for the side airbags are located under the front seats. The front airbags are second-generation units.
The Sonata also offers the high-tech Hyundai Passenger Presence Detection system, which prevents front passenger airbags from deploying if the seat is empty. The passenger presence system reduces crash damage costs by eliminating unnecessary passenger side airbag deployment.
Advanced technology also is incorporated in the 2001 Sonata’s seat belts. The Sonata’s seat belt pretensioners automatically remove all slack from front safety belts at the onset of a collision. This prevents occupants from moving too far forward; it also positions them optimally for airbag deployment.
A single, highly advanced sensor located under the center console controls the front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners. Other interior safety enhancements include Sonata’s child-proof rear door locks, adjustable rear seat headrest and a three-point safety restraint in the rear middle position.Sonata Loaded with Standard FeaturesTrue to its Hyundai heritage, the 2001 Sonata offers one of the lowest purchase prices in its segment. Yet the Sonata is loaded with standard features, making it the clear value leader of the midsize segment.
Every Sonata is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, digital quartz clock, AM/FM ETR stereo radio with CD player, locking glove box, center console with double storage boxes and dual cupholders, map pockets in the doors, cargo area lamp, 12-volt DC auxiliary power outlet and remote releases for the trunk, hood and fuel door.
Buyers who select the Sonata GLS and GLS Leather also get a split 60/40 folding rear seat, deluxe cut-pile carpeting, cabin air filtration system, twin overhead map lamps with sunglass storage box, power telescopic antenna, illuminated ignition keyhole and a folding rear center armrest with beverage holder and storage box. Options include a power moonroof, 120-watt stereo with CD and cassette player and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
America’s Best WarrantyUnderscoring the Sonata’s value leadership in the midsize segment is its industry-leading assurance package, the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. With this package, Hyundai is demonstrating its confidence in the quality of its products by providing warranty coverage exceeding that found on cars costing twice or even three times as much.
The Sonata, like all 2001 Hyundai models, is backed by limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles.
Hyundai also provides original Sonata owners with limited powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Even if the car is sold, Hyundai still backs the Sonata’s powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles.
Sonata buyers also receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five full years (no mileage limit). The warranty includes emergency towing, lock-out service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. In addition, Hyundai backs Sonata with corrosion coverage for five years or 100,000 miles.
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley,Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and light trucks are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are serviced through more than 500 dealerships nationwide.
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