Hyundai Sonata

Overview:

Once upon a time this C-segment sedan was withdrawn from the market due to poor customer reaction, but now it is all set to create a huge uproar with its latest facelift. With the launch of the new seventh generation Hyundai Sonata, the Korean auto giant has made a giant leap in the Malaysian auto market. This mid-size, four door sedan is available in three variants- Elegance B, Elegance and Executive. The Hexagonal and three-Dimensional grille of the new refined fluidic sculpture adds amazing elegance to its framework. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps integrated with cornering lights will illuminate dark areas while cornering. Standard Daytime Running Lights (DRL) adds to the fluidic curves of the car. Chrome-coated outside handles comes with Welcome Light Door Handles which enable you to easily locate the handles in dark. The dual chrome muffler gives a sporty impression at the rear. Wraparound rear lamps integrate the trunk lid with the fluidic side walls besides giving day and night visibility. High-Mounted stop lamps alerts the traffic from a proper distance while braking. Apart from providing fresh air to the compartment, the Panoramic sun-roof (one of the best in class) gives a clear vision of the horizon above. Driver oriented T-shaped center fascia makes you realize that all the controls are at the right place. The newly altered steering wheel provides firm grip and better hand comfort. Audio controls and cruise controls embedded in the four spoke steering provides easy operation. 6:4 fold down configuration of the rear seats offers plenty of boot space to carry your bags and cargo.

Besides providing precise driving parameters the Display cluster on the dash is tremendously easy on the eyes. The Electronic Chromic Mirror (ECM) automatically senses and reduces the high intensity light from vehicles at rear. Dual Zone Auto Air Conditioning offers personalized temperature control at the front. AC vents at the rear provides ample cooling to the passengers. Under the fluidic sculpted hood in all variants sits a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre gasoline engine that churns out 154 PS at 6200 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 194 Nm at 4000 rpm. This Nu 2.0-litre MPI engine is coupled with a 6-Speed Automatic FWD transmission. Safe Drive Recorder enables you to record videos for eye-witnessing the whole drive. The Advance High-Strength Steel (AHSS) increases energy absorption and distributes the collision forces evenly. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) equipped in the car has two radars fitted in the rear bumpers that lets you know the approaching vehicles at the rear. Electronic stability control(ESC) coordinates the brakes, engine and steering to prevent skidding. Active cornering lights(ACL) increases visibility while cornering in dark. The Hill-start assist control (HAC) offers safe start on climbing, thus reducing the risk of roll-back. Apart from this, the drive also sports front and rear curtain airbags, driver-passenger airbags and front side airbags.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The flat under-body ensures maximum aerodynamics with a coefficient of 0.27, owing to which it offers an impressive mileage measuring 13.1 km/l. Multi point fuel injection or MPI system installed in the powerhouse, provides a very precise amount of fuel to each cylinder thus maintaining a highly decent fuel economy. The active Eco-drive mode also allows you to deliver maximum fuel economy.

Power:

The four cylinder 2.0-litre gasoline engine of the Sonata delivers a maximum power output of 154 PS at 6200 rpm. 6 speed automatic transmission allows it to deliver a maximum torque of 194 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Acceleration and Pickup:

Efficient dynamics and an excellent aerodynamic coefficient of 0.27 helps it to attain a top speed of 200 km/h. The 6-speed automatic transmission of Sonata enables it to touch 100 km/h in just about 11.1 seconds.

Exterior:

Signature fluidic design of the Sonata makes it to stand in the other elegant cars of its segment. The hexagonal and three-dimensional grille at the front ensures the dominance it acquires throughout the silhouette. Bi-Xenon HID lamps at the front are integrated with active corner lights that illuminates the dark area while cornering. The Daytime Running Lights at the front gives a decent look to the sedan. Wraparound rear combination lamps integrate the the fluidic side to the sporty tail. Chrome-toned door handle comes with welcome light that enables one to locate the handles in dark. Aggressive dual muffler tail with chrome finish adds a sporty finish at the rear. High-mounted stop lamp at the rear, makes the traffic alert, while braking from an adequate distance. Besides providing fresh air, the Panorama sunroof of the sedan enables the passenger to gaze at the open sky. The newly designed fog lamps located near the bumper adds to the fluidic sculpture of the Sonata. Rain sensor equipped in the car, automatically regulate the speed of wiper by sensing the rain intensity. The aero-blade wipers prevent the wipers to lift up at high speeds. Electronically controlled ORVM's are integrated with LED turn signals that adds glamor to the exterior of the sedan. Puddle lamps equipped in the door enables one to see what they are stepping in to.

Exterior Measurements:

With overall dimensions measuring 4855mm x 1865mm x 1475mm, the space inside Hyundai Sonata is ample enough to accommodate 5 persons at a time. Wheelbase measuring 2805 mm is sufficient enough to accommodate a decent legroom. Track width measures 1602 mm at the front and 1609 mm at the rear which makes it stable enough to encounter sharp turns.

Interior:

Driver oriented T-shaped center fascia allows you to operate the controls without any extra effort. The Dual zone air cooling enables one to personalize the cooling at the front. Rear AC vents provide ample cooling to the passengers at the back. Supervision cluster on the dash surface display each and every parameters of driving very precisely. Electronic Chromic Mirror(ECM) automatically senses high intensity light and prevents us from being blinded by the light of traffic behind. Spacious seats at the rear ensures maximum comfort and can be folded to 6:4, which eventually increases the boot space. Panorama sunroof provides ample sun rays on fine sunny days. On the centre of the finely poised dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen which houses all the infotainment, navigation and entertainment controls. The car automatically detects the smart key when you are near to it. Audio visual navigation offers decent quality audio as well as navigation system to avoid heavy traffic. The audio controls and cruise control engraved in the steering wheel ensures full driving pleasure while on long tours.

Interior Comfort:

The new Sonata comes with couple of decent comfort features. Smart trunk system enables one to load luggage in the trunk without even making any real effort to open it. The tunnel area has cup holder and a storage areas to carry basic amenities used in travel. Modular armrest at the rear, also accommodates a small storage area. Weather proof rear view camera provides clear vision of the rear when you take reverse. Start-Stop button ensures key-less ignition and stop. The auto-cruise control delivers easy driving at a constant speed without even engaging the throttle paddle. Drive mode control system offers different driving modes- normal, sports and active Eco mode. Tilt-able steering system allows to switch to your way of driving, the rain sensor automatically control the speed of wipers by detecting the intensity of rain. USB port in the connectivity system lets you connect iPod or mobile and switch to your favorite music.

Interior Measurements:

The Hyundai Sonata claims to have the maximum interior space than any other vehicle in its class. Boot capacity of this sedan is 462-litres (according to SAE standards). With foldable rear seats, the seats could be configured to a ratio of 6:4. Ample dimensions of the vehicle accommodates a decent legroom proving maximum comfort to the passenger as well as driver.

Engine and Performance:

The 16 valve 2.0-litre gasoline engine churns out 154 PS maximum power output at 6200 rpm. The double over head camshaft (DOHC) equipped in the engine allows proper opening and closing of valves, thus resulting in increased efficiency. Powerhouse of this car houses a 6-speed automatic transmission which delivers smooth shifts and claims better durability. This Nu 2.0 MPI engine boosts a maximum torque of 194 Nm at 4000 rpm. The multi-point fuel injection or MPI enables precise amount of fuel to be delivered to each cylinder for proper combustion.

Stereo and Accessories:

The sleek design of the audio system adds to the interior asthetics of the vehicle. Harmoniously arranged 2-DIN audio system of the new Hyundai Sonata accommodates a Radio MP3 CD system. Controls of the audio system are steering mounted. The connectivity system incorporates a AUX/USB connectivity through which you can plug-in you iPod or mobile and switch to you favorite list of songs. Audio visual navigator (AVN) enables you to operate social networking sites and the navigation system lets you bypass heavy traffic. The 8-inch touch wide screen worth infotainment system provides you crystal clear display of the audio controls and basic information like temperature, navigation and compass.

Wheels:

The wheels of the new sonata not only adds to the elegance but also improves the performance as well as NVH function. With 17-inch alloys, the car accommodates a tyre specification of 215/55 R17 at the rear as well as to the front.

Braking and Handling:

Ventilated Disc at the front and solid disc at the rear comes as standard in all the variants. The sedan is equipped with Anti-lock braking system that ensures safe braking on sudden response. In order to get better ride the vehicle is loaded with newly designed McPherson strut at the front having more bearing strength. On the other hand the rear is equipped with multi-link suspension that enhances stability during high speed and turning. The motor driven power-steering (MDPS) provides smooth and stable handling at any speed.

Safety and Security:

The brand has added plethora of safety features to the vehicle that enables the driver to cope with harsh circumstances. Electronic stability control(ESC) equipped in the sedan manages the braking, engine and steering coordination thus reducing the risk of skidding. Active cornering lights (ACL) integrated in the head lamps increases visibility while cornering in dark. The Hill-Start assist control (HAC) installed in the car enables the driver to ride on an uphill without rolling backwards. This is done by the coordination of engine and brakes. The brakes in this system remains engaged for a while in order to gain time for throttling up. Anti-lock braking system in the car prevents locking of the vehicle thus reducing the risk of skidding. Safe drive recorder enables video recording of the whole drive for witnessing purposes. The car is loaded with front, side and curtain airbags to avoid injuries during crash. Blind spot information system in the car aware you about the approaching vehicle at the back. The advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) body increases energy absorption and distributes collision forces evenly.

Pros:

Safety features are impressive
Elegant exterior
Decent mileage
Plush Interior

Cons:

Lacks power output as per the long dimensions of the sedan
Lacks sound quality
Available as a petrol only drive