SYDNEY: The new Sonata, which promises to be Hyundai’s most refined volume-selling offering yet, kicks off from $29,990 for the entry Active.
But, while the Active is powered by Hyundai’s 138kW/241Nm 2.4 litre petrol engine, it’s the new turbocharged models that are likely to attract the most attention.
While the Active’s outputs will satisfy fleets and the thrifty, buyers eager for more urge can instead look to the 180kW and 350Nm 2.0 litre turbo models in the middle and top of the range.
Both engines in the new Sonata are matched exclusively to a six-speed auto, with lock-up torque converter and sequential manual shift mode
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 l/100km for the 2.4 litre Active, while the turbo models return 9.2 l/100km.
Available in Elite and Premium trim, the turbo GDi engine could make the Sonata a more compelling option than Toyota’s 135kW Camry, while facing up to the challenge from Ford’s incoming 177kW 2.0 turbo Mondeo.
Nissan’s 183kW/312Nm 3.5 litre V6 Altima Ti-S and Volkswagen’s 220kW/350Nm 3.6 litre Passat V6 FSI are loosely comparable for power output and fuel efficiency (with consumption listed at 9.3 and 9.7 l/100km respectively).
Other key rivals in the volume-selling midsized market include the Mazda6, Subaru Liberty, Honda Accord and Holden Malibu.
All-new Sonata inside and out
On the styling front, the new Sonata takes its cues from the larger Genesis premium sedan, although its lines are softer and more focused on snagging buyers in the fleet market.
There’s a broad new grille and long headlights that reach back into the front quarter panels, matched to a long flowing roofline and a short rear deck.
The new Sonata is also larger than its predecessor, measuring 35mm longer and 30mm wider, with a 20mm longer wheelbase.
Inside, Hyundai promises a more premium feel, with higher-grade materials and soft-touch surfaces, leather and metal accents, and advanced new technologies.
The company also promises dramatically improved Noise/Vibration/Harshness qualities, thanks to new construction materials, methods and significantly enhanced suspension.
There’s a new front MacPherson strut setup at the front and a “heavily revised” multi-link arrangement at the rear, both matched to damper, spring and sway bar components specified and tuned directly by Hyundai Australia.
Features
Active
2.4-litre GDi engine – 138kW & 241Nm
6 airbags (driver & front passenger, driver & front passenger side (thorax), full length curtains)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Automatic dusk sensing headlamps
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Rear view camera
Rear parking assists system (4 sensors)
17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tyres
Keyless entry with burglar alarm
4.3-inch touchscreen audio system with CD player, MP3 capability & 6 speakers
AUX / USB audio input with digital iPod compatibility
Bluetooth connectivity (hands free phone & audio streaming)
Steering wheel mounted audio and phone controls
Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
Front & rear power windows
Height adjustable driver’s & front passenger’s seats
One touch turn signal operation (3, 5, or 7 flashes)
One touch window up/down on driver’s window
Rear seat centre-fold down armrest
Tilt & telescopic steering column
Trip computer
Metallic painted centre fascia panels, textured dashboard / door inserts, and interior door handles
Cloth interior
Premium steering wheel & gear knob
Premium door centre trim
LED high mount stop lamp
LED side repeater integrated into side mirrors
LED front positioning lamps
3.5” OLED display in dash cluster
Ambient lighting for front centre console
60:40 split folding rear seats
Manual air conditioning with rear centre console cooling ducts
Elite (in addition to Active features)
2.0-litre Turbo GDi engine – 180kW & 350Nm (+42kW & 109Nm)
Electric folding external mirrors
Electrically adjusted driver’s seat (12 way incl. lumbar)
8-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with 3 yrs. HERE MapCare
Proximity smart key with push button start
Smart boot lid (hands-free boot opening)
Leather and artificial leather appointed seats
Alloy look interior door handles & chrome exterior door handles
Carbon fibre effect dashboard/door inserts
Stainless steel door scuff plates
LED tail lamps with bulb turn signal & reverse lights
Dual zone climate control air conditioning
Premium (in addition to Active and Elite equipment)
18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tyres
Front parking assists system (4 sensors)
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Bi-Xenon headlamps with washer system, auto-levelling, and static bending lamps
Automatic windscreen defog function
Electro-chromatic auto dimming interior mirror (ECM)
Electrically adjusted front passenger’s seat (8 way)
Electronic Park-Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function
Heated external mirrors
Heated & air ventilated front seats
Integrated Memory System (IMS) on driver’s seat & ext. mirrors
One-touch window up/down function on front windows
Panoramic glass sunroof
Rain sensing wipers
Rear door curtains (sunblind’s)
4.2-inch TFT LCD colour display in Supervision cluster
