MELBOURNE: Hyundai has reintroduced the Sonata nameplate to Australia with the seventh-generation family sedan hitting local showrooms this week.
The new Sonata was first revealed in March last year, and now Hyundai has confirmed local pricing and specifications for the all-new sedan.
The new Sonata uses Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design language, which we first saw used on the Genesis sedan that arrived last year.
Three trim levels will be available – Active, Elite and Premium – following the formula used by several other Hyundai models.
The base Sonata Active kicks off at $29,990, cheaper than its Toyota Camry and Mazda6 key rivals and matching the entry price of the new Subaru Liberty.
The Active is powered by a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The entry-level Active comes with features including a 4.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system with all the expected connectivity options, six-speaker sound, cloth upholstery, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and 17-inch alloys.
Standard safety features include reversing camera, reverse parking sensors, six airbags, traction and stability control systems, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, emergency stop signalling as well as a brake assist system.
The $36,990 Sonata Elite steps up to a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and is also paired with a six-speed torque-converter automatic.
The Elite includes all the features of the Active, but adds an eight-inch touchscreen with satnav and live traffic updates, leather seats, dual-zone climate control and LED tail lights.
Priced at $41,990, the top-spec Sonata Premium builds on the Elite’s features and adds front parking sensors, panoramic glass sunroof, auto-levelling bi-xenon headlights with static cornering lights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function as well as 18-inch alloys.
Cargo capacity is a generous 462 litres for all Sonata models, with a full-size alloy spare beneath the boot floor.
