A4 B9 vs Sonata VII (LF): which is better?
Audi A4 B9 (2015–present) vs Hyundai Sonata VII (LF) (2014–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A4 B9Specifications
| Audi A4 B9 | Hyundai Sonata VII (LF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2015–present | 2014–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 TFSI (40 TFSI) | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 190 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque, up to | 320 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 726 mm | 4 855 mm |
| Width | 1 842 mm | 1 865 mm |
| Height | 1 427 mm | 1 475 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 820 mm | 2 805 mm |
| Fuel tank | 54 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A4 B9
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 190 hp
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox DSG/S tronic with wet clutch: clutch and mechatronics wear at high mileage
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (DSG/S tronic with wet clutch): clutch and mechatronic wear at high mileage; wears quickly without oil changes.
Hyundai Sonata VII (LF)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 188 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Theta II (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ)): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ); knocking and oil consumption; catalytic converter debris in the cylinders.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- A4 B9 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Sonata VII (LF) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A4 B9 or Sonata VII (LF)?
A4 B9: up to 190 hp, Sonata VII (LF): up to 188 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A4 B9 — about 16 475 ₸, Sonata VII (LF) — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.