The Hyundai Sonata 2-liter offers quality and reliability in a nifty package.

There is a common perception that Japanese car manufacturers lead in cutting edge technology, build quality and reliability. It may have been true right up to late last year, but since then, the Korean car manufacturers have been actively working harder to bring their automotive products to a height way above their closest rivals. So this year, we are privileged to be among the first in the country to get a first-hand view of their global products that are destined for phenomenal sales.

Walk around
First impressions of the Sonata 2-liter may be a little overwhelming. When compared to the crisply-drawn shapes of its Japanese rivals from Honda, Toyota or Nissan, or even the curves of the Mazda6, this all new Sonata’s designer exterior lends to an appeal that sets check books rustling.

It is, in most respects, a more readily recognisable product of possible European origin. The nose in particular effectively conveys a message of style, elegance and obscurity in design, a large chrome grille with the company’s emblem. And the rear deck, high and softly shaped, conceals a generous class leading cargo space.

The Sonata is offered in two engine variants using class leading 6-speed gearboxes. Both versions are well-equipped with aluminium alloy wheels, tinted windows and folding outside mirrors and an impressive catalogue of standard interior luxury and safety features that will have you goggle eyed after running through them.

Interior Features
Hyundai did a complete makeover of the Sonata’s interior, and created an excellent driving environment in the process. It is the strongest part of the Sonata’s appeal, presenting a European sport sedan flavour, while adding warm earthy feel in the knobs and levers and high-quality materials that should appeal to Malaysian executive tastes.

Thanks to its generous proportions, the Sonata is roomy enough for five adults, all of whom will find enough head, hip and legroom in which to get comfortable. The front seats are especially good, offering standard power adjustment as well as carefully designed cushion shapes and sumptuous padding.

There is keyless ‘GO’ and a start stop ignition button to the right of the steering wheel. The instrument panel is attractive and unusually comprehensive, if somewhat anonymous in shape. It holds large, readable analog gauges, plus the usual array of warning lights.

A long list of standard fitments dress up the Sonata’s cabin. In addition to the items mentioned earlier, both versions of the Sonata have a tilt steering wheel, automatic climate control, power windows/mirrors/door locks, panoramic glass roof and a good sound system which is iPod ready. Material and fit-and-finish quality are both well above average, rivalling the best from competing makes.

Driving Impressions
The Sonata’s biggest asset is its new suspension system that offers very precise steering feel and a true power delivery on tap. As such, it offers a driving experience more akin to that of a major German brand.

Traction is good and the Sonata is more fun to hustle down a winding road than any other competing product in its pricing range, which of course, is the basic idea of luring younger buyers who would otherwise be looking at more established brands.

Good steering and firm damping are fun for the driver, but in this case it is complemented by enough suspension compliance to ensure a smooth ride. Some light body roll is evident during fast cornering, but that’s not the kind of use most Sonata’s will get.

Far more important to this class is long-distance comfort; this Sonata scores high marks in this department. And does so regardless of how many people and how much luggage it carries.

The Sonata’s four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and ESP are simply outstanding, delivering short, un-dramatic stops in all driving situations. Add to the list, Hill start assist control and Brake assist system; the Sonata leads the Japanese competition in the features list. Twin front airbags are included and a 300,000 kilometer or five- year warranty (whichever comes first).

Summary
This Sonata is undeniably a quality product, one that offers the amenities and road manners of its best rivals at a reasonable price. It is a roomy car, attractively appointed, nicely finished and exceptionally well equipped for its asking price.

The only way to know for certain what your reactions will be, of course, is to go for a test drive. It will surely be a pleasant surprise.

Details

Hyundai Sonata 2-liter CVVT Specifications

Engine: In-line 4-cylinder Dual CVVT 16-V

Capacity: 1998cc

Gearbox: 6-speed TripTronic

Torque: 165Nm @ 6200rpm

Horsepower: 198bhp @ 4600rpm

Top Speed: 170km/h as tested

Price: RM135,888.00 Standard/RM143,888 High Spec

One Response to “Behind The Wheels: Luxuriously Sonata”

1. Villas in Mauritius says:

   December 28, 2011 at 1:39 pm

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