Hyundai has equipped its Sonata saloon with an upgraded engine and minor design changes. Hyundai believes that this reworked Sonata has what it takes to offer buyers a solid alternative to market favourites such as the Honda Accord, Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat. We attended the local launch to see what this refreshed Korean saloon has to offer.
Design changes
It was emphasised that this is a product enhancement and not a facelift, so all the panels are the same with only a few minor tweaks here and there. At the front, Hyundai has changed the grille slightly, as well as the headlamps and the fog lamps, which gain LED strips. When viewed in profile it’s easy to see that the Sonata has been given a new wheel design, the side mirrors are smaller so as to reduce wind noise and there area newly designed indicator lights on the mirrors. There are new rear light clusters and the Hyundai name has been removed from the boot lid; it now only has the Sonata nameplate.
Inside, there is a newly designed centre console and, instead of the exposed gates for the gearshift, it’s now covered to create a cleaner and more elegant look.
On the road
The new 2,4 GDi (gasoline direct injection) engine produces 148 kW (up from 131 kW) at 6 300 r/min and 250 N.m (up from 228 N.m) at 4 250 r/min. When we tested the Sonata a few years ago, we accused the previous 2,4-litre engine (with variable valve timing) of being difficult to modulate smoothly. It lurched occasionally when you put the right-hand pedal to the floor and the transmission had a habit of hunting for gears. This time round, it’s a much smoother experience. The engine isn’t quite as revvy and the gear changes from the six-speed automatic transmission are slick and free of any annoying hunting sounds. Should you wish to intervene in the changes, there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. I did, however, find that when I used the paddles shifters, the car didn’t stay in manual mode for long before kicking into drive mode again.
The ride is slightly stiff and the Sonata gets quite jittery and unsettled over ridges and corrugations. Furthermore, the steering system completely lacks feel.
Hyundai claims that this new powertrain is more efficient than the previous model’s. The company claims an average consumption of 7,9 litres/100 km, but during the test drive we averaged in the region of 12,0 litres/100 km.
Standard features
With the Sonata, it’s a case of what you see is what you get. Everything is standard. There’s an upgraded sound system with Bluetooth, USB, and iPod connectivity. A touch-screen display is standard, but the driver can keep both hands on the wheel by using the satellite controls. The driver’s seat has full electric control and lumbar support, and both front seats are heated. A panoramic sunroof is standard, as is cruise control and park assist. There are safety features aplenty, including six airbags, ESP, brake assist and ABS with EBD as standard.
Overall
The Sonata isn’t as refined as its German rivals, but it offers a significant higher standard specification at a cheaper price. It’s ride and handling leave much to to be desired, but its value prospect cannot be denied. The new engine is a big improvement.
Specification
Price: R379 900
Engine: 2,4-litre, 4-cylinder
Power: 148 @ 6 300 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m @ 4 250 r/min
0-100 km/h: 9,0 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7,9 litres/100 km
CO2: 188 g/km
The Sonata comes with a five-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty; 5 years or 150 000 km Roadside Assistance and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.
