Hyundai Sonata Smartstream: Weekend Drive Review

Launched to the global market in April 2019 at the New York International Auto Show, this all-new premium Hyundai sedan made heads turn and got more camera clicks than expected at its unveiling. Hyundai had delivered their next design language and they were proud of it.

Revised Design Language

The new design starts with the newly designed Digital Pulse Cascading Grille spans the front of the new Sonata, finishing at the innermost points of new combination headlamps that feature a distinctive and innovative new lighting architecture.

A chrome line flows from the wing mirror, right around the side passenger windows, and returns to the front of the car by running down the length of the hood and ending at a sharp right angle beneath each headlight. This chrome strip features graduated LED Daytime Running Lights embedded with Hidden Lighting Lamps.

The side sections of the Sonata are accentuated by the light architecture, which connects two chrome lines that seamlessly link the windows and daytime running lights. Through these two character lines, the Sonata effuses a flowing and refined charm.

The high-tech appearance of the rear is intentionally suggestive of the Sonata’s advanced safety systems and technology-packed interior.

Revised Cabin Technology

Step inside and you are greeted with a new dashboard that features a first-in-class, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. At the center of the dashboard, a large, 10.25-inch HD screen enables occupants to interact easily with the audio-video and navigation (AVN) functions. The front seats are electric (10-way) and very well bolstered for great driving comfort. The rear passengers get very good legroom and there is enough space for three adults.

Must be noted is the Hyundai Blind Spot System uses a pair of cameras, one on the left and one on the right. Just flick the turn signal to the left and the speedometer is replaced with a colour monitor showing a clear view of what is coming alongside your sleek Sonata and use the right signal and the tachometer is taken over showing moving traffic alongside. This is the only system of its kind in the world for now, for both left and right side viewing.

This Sonata features a number of advanced comfort and convenience features typically found only in luxury cars, including a tilt and slide sunroof (with internal cover), heads-up-display, electric parking brake, Qi high-speed wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® and split-folding rear seats.

 

The top-of-the-line audio and navigation display is a wide, high-definition, customizable, 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor that provides four views: utility, driver assistance, navigation and parking assistance.

Taking The Drivers Seat

From ignition this new Sonata is quiet, cabin insulation is great, on par with German rivals and only when the engine is worked past 3,500rpm do you hear its murmur from the engine bay. The 180PS engine accelerates smoothly and progressively and only when you really push the throttle with haste do you hear the cylinders working to deliver its 232Nm of mid-range pulling power. Yes, the power delivery is progressively quick and linear and this is what luxury sedan drivers want. Not neck-snapping sports car acceleration.

You get four driving modes where Eco mode is best when in heavy traffic, Comfort mode for highway cruising, Sport mode when you need to arrive early and Smart mode when you let the intelligent on board computer decide what is best for you.

Driver and passenger comfort is high, even when you drive across the uneven tarmac (common on Petaling Jaya roads) and the rear leg and hip room is good for 3 adults. This Sonata has grown in size and this is where the consumers need to take notice. Its large size offers more value to buyers looking for that ‘big car’ feel when inside and also when arriving at a business destination.

Hyundai Sonata Smartstream 2.5L Specifications

Engine: Smartstream G2.5

Displacement: 2,497cc

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Max Power: 180PS @ 6,100rpm

Max Torque: 232Nm @ 4,000rpm

0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds

Top Speed: 180km/h

Price: RM189,888.00

Also Read: All-new Honda City RS test drive review