While the test mules of the next-gen Hyundai Sonata (codenamed as DN8 – the “8” is due to it will be the 8th gen) continues its development, here at Korean Car Blog we want to make a review through 7 generation of Sonata models. Today is the turn for the second generation.
[ads id=”9″]The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) was manufactured for the first time in 1985 and through many years it has changed its looks and technology to become one of the most popular models in the world. The first generation Sonata through the concept of “Art of Technology” showed a much different concept with simplistic straight lines.
The second generation Sonata (codenamed Y2) was a part of Hyundai’s expansion in North America after the success of the Excel. It was introduced in South Korea on June 1, 1988. Then it was introduced in Canada in September 1988 as a 1989 model year.
Hyundai Sonata Commercials in South Korea
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Seen as the succesor of the Excel in North America, the Sonata was launched on November 14, 1988 as a 1989 model year, and in March landed 1989 in Australia. The exterior was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro from ItalDesign. The vehicle received a mid-term facelift in 1991. It replaced the Stellar as Hyundai’s large family car. Sonatas were built in Ulsan, South Korea, and in Bromont, Quebec.
Sonata V6 export ceremony to US-market
The Sonata was designed by Hyundai and featured Mitsubishi’s engineering, including the platform from the Galant Σ and its 2.4 L 110 hp (82 kW) Sirius I4 engine as used in American-market models. A 3.0 L V6 based on the Mitsubishi 6G72 arrived in 1990. Other markets received 1.8L and 2.0L engines carried over from the first generation, but equipped with MPI, replacing their carbureted counterparts used in the Y1 Sonata. The U.S. model received the 2.0 L (131 hp) engine for the 1992, replacing the original 2.4 L (114 hp) engine.
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Trim levels in the US were:
- GL (2.4 engine and 2.0 in 1992)
- GLS (3.0 engine)
Hyundai Sonata in The Netherlands
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| Second generation (Y2) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1988–1993 |
| Assembly | Bromont, Quebec, Canada Ulsan, Korea |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Mitsubishi Galant Σ |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 SOHC Mitsubishi Sirius engine (105 hp) 2.0 Mitsubishi Sirius engine (110 hp) 2.0 L (131 hp) I4 Mitsubishi 4G63 2.4 L (114 hp) I4 Mitsubishi 4G64 3.0 L (146 hp) V6 Mitsubishi 6G72 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104.3 in) |
| Length | 4,680 mm (184.3 in) |
| Width | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) |
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