Hyundai’s Sonata badge has returned to
Australia this week, after having first been replaced by the now retired i45
back in 2010.
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.
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