Hyundai takes the wraps off new Sonata

Hyundai has officially unveiled its new Sonata today, in the South Korean capital of Seoul. 

The new model is larger than the i45 Hyundai ceased selling in Australia last year, and resurrects the Sonata model name just four years after it was dropped in Australia.

Scheduled for a local launch at some point in the latter half of 2014, the Sonata may arrive as early as September, which could mean the Sonata beating the rear-wheel drive Genesis to market locally.

"It's likely to be Sonata [first]," said Bill Thomas, General Manager Public Relations for Hyundai Australia. "[But] we don't have confirmed timings."

The previous Sonata was replaced by the i45 – a larger sedan styled in North America and sharing its platform with the i40 – when Hyundai Australia settled on European ('i-badged') nomenclature for its Australian range. Since then the importer has opted to go with a mix of model names and i badges. Thomas foresees no problem with public acceptance of the re-emerged Sonata name. 

"We're quite comfortable with the i-badged cars being European designed and influenced, and the named cars being more global cars. That's the way it sits at the moment," Thomas told motoring.com.au today. "I don't think there's any bad baggage with the Sonata name."

Asked whether the new Sonata would replace or complement the i40 in the local product range, Thomas indicated Sonata would not displace the i40 in its entirety.

"[It will be] Probably complementary, but... we're still working on the model mix for that," he replied.

"We like that diesel engine [in the i40] and we certainly like the wagon, but the sedan's been doing well for us too. We're trying to look at the balance of it, and obviously it's complicated when you don't quite know what specs you'll be offered in the Sonata – to really look at the balance of it. 

"Sonata will come with a 2.0-litre Turbo for the top models – which is from the same family as the Genesis Coupe 2.0-litre... I'm told it's tuned for more low-down torque and less high-end power. 

"The base engine will be the 2.4 GDI."

Transmissions will be six-speed units. While there's a six-speed manual available for the Sonata, it's unlikely to be offered to Aussie buyers other than in the entry-level model, if history is any guide.

According to Thomas, the larger dimensions of the new Sonata leave the way open for the company to allow some clear air between it and the i40, with another prospect being an entry-level Sonata specifically targeting the rental market and fleet business. 

In styling terms, the new Sonata draws on cues from the Genesis, albeit with more of a cab-forward skew. Hyundai describes the new look for the Sonata as an evolved form of Fluidic Sculpture, focusing more on 'inner force'. Under the skin torsional rigidity has improved by 41 per cent and bending strength is enhanced 35 per cent, in contrast with the i45. Hyundai has specified 30 per cent higher content of high-strength steel for the new car – taking the total to 51 per cent of the body in white. The new model is 35mm longer (4855mm) and 30mm wider (1865mm), the revised external dimensions also contributing to spaciousness in the cabin. Boot capacity measures 510 litres.

Interior design places the switchgear and instruments in a driver-focused array, Hyundai claims, and the tactile quality of operation has moved up a step from the previous car's. While the Australian specification remains undecided, rear parking sensors, heated seats trimmed in leather, seat cooling, a panoramic sunroof, an electronic parking brake, LED lighting, a driver's knee bag and side curtain airbags are anticipated to be on the cards for high-grade models sold here, at the very least. Infotainment systems for Australian-delivered cars will support Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming and USB/iPod porting, plus touch screen displays will measure up to eight inches in size. 

Reduction of NVH in the new car was a key target of Hyundai engineers, with particular attention directed at the suspension mounting points and transmission. Both the electrically-assisted steering and the suspension members are also retuned, to deliver better ride comfort, handling and steering feel – although the Sonata for Australia will get its own suspension calibration for the MacPherson-strut front end/multi-link IRS setup. 

Active safety features expected to be available include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System, High Beam Assist and active cruise control.