Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Design

The ‘Le Fil Rouge’ is a concept car that showcases all the principles underlying Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy. The design elements exemplified within the concept is reflected in Hyundai’s current and future model lineup including the recent 2021 Hyundai Elantra.

The all-new Hyundai Sonata features a massive signature Cascading Grille, which according to Hyundai, is inspired by the flow of molten metal contained within a blast furnace when combined with the elegant lines of classical Korean pottery. Innovative design features like the gradient hidden light technology, allows the LED daytime running light to be brightly lit when ON and appears to be part of the chrome trims when OFF. Also featured are a pair of functioning integrated side air curtains on the lower bumper.

The chrome strip runs across the entire bonnet and continues to the side of the car along the belt lines. A strong shoulder line coupled with a slopping roof line gives the car its fastback silhouette like the Volkswagen Arteon. The 18-inch multi-spoke dual-tone alloy wheel complements the elegant side profile.

At the rear, the boot lid features an integrated spoiler lip along with a slim horizontal rear LED combination lamp that runs across the boot, giving it a wide and stable stance. Right underneath the horizontal LED light, you will find the ‘Sonata’ brand inscription. Chrome accent is minimal at the rear with a single chrome strip running across the rear diffuser.

Hyundai Sonata Dimension

Based on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, the Hyundai Sonata shares the same underpinnings as the Kia Optima. It Is one of the longest cars in the segment second only to the new Honda Accord, bested by a mere 1 mm. Weighing in at 1,448 kg, it is one of the lightest too.

Hyundai Sonata Interior

The Hyundai Sonota is available in six different exterior colours and each comes with a specific interior theme. The all-Black theme goes with the Oxford Blue and Flame Red, Greige two-tone with the Shimmering Grey and finally the Camel two-tone with the White Cream, Nocturne Grey and the Midnight Black.

The clean and minimalistic approach to the interior design is reminiscence of the elegant interior of the Mazda 3. The centre console is slightly oriented towards the driver with a floating trapezoidal shaped centre touchscreen panel.

Materials used in the cabin are of high quality and quite a drastic departure from the Hyundai of old. You get colour themed leather upholstery with extensive use of soft touch materials across the cabin. The seats are comfortable, and all touch points are ergonomically designed. Driver also gets leather wrapped steering wheel and a fully digital instrument panel.

The massive panoramic sunroof allows natural sunlight into the already spacious interior. Knee room is generous and head room is sufficient too despite the slopping roof line and the sunroof mechanism. Interior storage though is not class leading, is perfectly sufficient for the average driver and the boot space of 510 litres is pretty respectable.

Hyundai Sonata Features

As standard, the Hyundai Sonata comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with integrated driving mode (comfort/smart/eco/sport), a head-up display, an eight-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a shift-by-wire electronic shift button.

There’s also a Qi wireless charging pad with temperature sensor and cooling function, an eight-way power adjustable seats with 2-way lumbar support and memory function for the driver, four-way power adjustable seats for the front passenger, and an electronic chromic rear-view mirror.

Exterior features include automatic LED headlight with daytime running lights, electric folding side mirror, LED high mount rear stop lamp, a smart trunk release and a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of safety, the Hyundai Sonata comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) as standard. Driver assistance feature such as Automatic Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Blind Spot View Monitoring are also available.

Hyundai Sonata Driving Performance

Hyundai Sonata Engine

Powering the front wheels is Hyundai’s new all-aluminium 2.5 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Smartstream engine with multi point injection (MPI), delivering 180 PS at 6000 RPM and 232 NM of torque from 4000 RPM.

Hyundai Sonata Transmission

The Smartstream engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring shift-by-wire system using the electronic shift button. Paddle shifters are also available for manual gear changes.

Hyundai Sonata Ride Comfort

The structure on which the Hyundai Sonata is based on is now lighter and more rigid thanks to the extensive use of high-specification steel alloys. The body is now stiffer than ever but yet it is 24kg lighter and quieter than previous generation models.

Safety critical sub-substructures, particularly the dash crossmembers and A-pillars are made with hot-stamped steel to attain the highest possible rigidity. With a MacPherseon Strut up front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, the car deals with bumps and road imperfections with much sophistication, riding as good if not better than its Japanese counterparts.

Hyundai Sonata Conclusion

In the span of just a decade, Hyundai has managed to transform the Hyundai Sonata from a second-rate cheaper alternative in the segment to a worthy contender amongst its Japanese and German counterparts. Some may be put-off by the lack of ADAS, the steep price tag or in fact the stereotypes surrounding the brand. But putting aside badge stereotype for a moment and evaluate the car objectively, you will find that the price tag is totally justifiable.