Hyundai Sonata (2015)

The new Sonata completes the ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy treatment that Hyundai first introduced with the Verna. The results are a serious contender for the spot on the most-wanted list of sedans in the country. This though was the first car to adopt this philosophy – first introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show as a concept. Available in both manual and automatic versions, the new Sonata has what it takes to face the competitors like the Camry and the Accord. Technologically adept, the new Sonata introduces the latest in power-train technology from Hyundai to its customers. While the earlier launches did not see Hyundai meet much success, the Sonata has turned enough heads already and takes the fight to its competitors instead.

Hyundai India has launched the much-awaited 2012 model of Sonata in India at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi on 4th January. Hyundai Motor unveiled the replacement for the Sonata - the "Sonata YF" at the Frankfurt Auto Show 2009. The new Sonata is set to be a revolutionary redesign for the mid-size sedan, incorporating a more modern, sportier design that radically deviates from the current generation's more conventional style. Development of the 6th generation Sonata sedan took Hyundai engineers and designers 4 years and $372 million to develop. It is also equipped with the company's latest power-train technology that offers class-leading performance at no compromise of efficiency. It is expected that all new Sonata will shake the D+ sedan segment with its polarizing new design and features.

Exterior

It is easy to make the connection with the rest of the Hyundai line-up and the latest Sonata. Distinct, flowing curves from the front to the rear and back to the cascading front grille, makes for an imposing presence leading up to a swept up rear, making this one of the most striking cars in its segment. Indeed, you may be forgiven for thinking that the Hyundai punches well above its weight and easily bests the entry level Mercedes C class and the BMW 3-series in this department. From tip to toe, it is also one of the longest cars in the super-sedan segment, at 4820 mm. The newly designed alloys lend a classy finish to what is a terrific package, as far as looks are concerned.

Interior

The interiors in the new Sonata are in the favoured two-tone finish of beige and steel grey with a leather wrapped steering wheel with multiple functions integrated completing the classy layout. The center console provides for a novel lighting scheme; called the ‘vacuum fluorescent display’ cluster, the Tron-like blue provides for beautiful night-time illumination. Night drives in this sedan are going to be much longer than budgeted for! Passenger space is ample and rear legroom as well as head clearance more than comfortable – making this as fun to sit in the rear as drive.

Comfort and Convenience

There is ample storage in nooks and crannies in this behemoth of a car. A leather reclining armrest in the rear is complemented by the front armrest that neighbours space to keep one’s music player between the driver and the passenger’s seat. An iPod, Auxiliary and USB interface is provided as well along with steering mounted controls for the excellent stereo that comes with the car. The drivers’ seat is electrically adjustable in ten different ways and carries two preset memory buttons to store the settings for future reference. As such, the features offered on the car are not only class-leading but class-defining.

Music System

The stock system on the Sonata benefits from Hyundai’s experience in the territory of audiophiles, and is the best-sounding stereo in the class hands down. Low range bass and high range treble are excellently reproduced and the multi-function steering wheel controls allow easy accessibility. A standard 6 speaker setup that has served Hyundai well, traditionally has been favoured here, and to good effect. With rear seat arm rest controls, the designers have exhibited foresight for a sedan that is intended primarily for rear-seat customers.

Engine and Gearbox

The petrol 2.4 litre engine in the Sonata is a beautiful work of engineering, with lower exhaust emissions made possible due to the direct injection of fuel into the combustion, making this, in the process one of the most powerful inline injection engines in the segment. The engine delivers 201 PS of power while harnessing the benefits of a continuously variable valve timing terrain. The engine is smooth as silk and with excellent insulation there is hardly any ambient noise in the cabin. The economy figures for the engine are impressive too with a promised 18.2 kmpl from the 2.4 L petrol power-plant. With a healthy dose of power, the big Hyundai has no problem zooming around either in urban traffic or on the highways straights. The power is usable all through the power-band and low-end torque which has been an issue in Hyundai drivability in the past, makes no appearance here. This car is smooth from start to finish.

Safety Features

The D+ segment is rife with examples of cars taking the safety of the rear passenger seriously as well, and the Sonata is no exception. The ESP first seen in the Frankfurt Auto show on the Sonata makes an appearance along with the ABS and brake assist systems. A 6 airbag system including curtain impact and passenger sensing systems make this easily the safest D+ sedan on the road. To ensure safety of the desirable car itself, a keyless system with an alarm and a built in engine-immobilizer are included. Auto headlight control and auto wipers along with the big 17” radials make this a complete package even in the unpredictable weather conditions of the countryside.

Suspension and Brakes

Included in the ‘vehicle dynamic control’ package of the Sonata are suspension setups that automatically take into account the weight ratios of the big car. It is essential also for cornering that the big car does not over-commit at speeds, into the corners. Indeed, body roll can be an issue in cars that are close to 5 metres long, but the Sonata corners with remarkable ease and with no hint of roll or leaving that centre line of balance. Even when enthusiastically thrown in to sharp bends, the wheels stay firmly planted on the tarmac. The big disc brakes (air-ventilated on both sets) do their job amply at maintaining driver confidence even at three-digit speeds.

Shades

The Sonata maintains some semblance of historical lineage with its predecessors in terms of the shades it is being offered in. Coral white (tinged with blue) harks back to the elegant shade the earlier Sonata ‘gold’ was first offered in. A silver, beige and black ensemble completes the line-up of the four shades the car is offered in. A surprise is there not being a shade of red that the big car would have graced. The pick of the lot is the signature coral white.

Main Features

6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Rear view camera, Smart key with push button start, VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) cluster, Front and rear seat ventilation plus front seat warmers, 10-way adjustable power seat with lumbar support, 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, High intensity Xenon head lamps, Cruise control, Paddle shifts (only in automatic variant).

Reasons to Buy

Biggest car that is big on features in a segment that thrives on wooing buyers just short of the German saloons. The Sonata is easily the new benchmark in its segment.

Warranty

Standard manufacturer warranty of 2 years with an option to extend it by another year available

Verdict

A compelling statement of intent from Hyundai and by the looks of it, it would strike gold where Maruti-Suzuki combine has failed in the bid to woo more upscale buyers. The sedan would make a serious dent in the sales of the Camry even though it is launched merely months after the Sonata. The Accord would have a fight on its hands, and the beleaguered Japanese maker would be forced back to the drawing board. The Fluidic design philosophy is here to stay.