NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: New Hyundai Sonata for Oz
All-new Hyundai Sonata to join second-generation Genesis sedan Down Under by OctoberHyundai used today’s New York motor show opening to stage the world debut of its seventh-generation Sonata, which is currently undergoing final hot-weather validation in outback Australia before its local release in September or October.
The all-new mid-size sedan – which will adopt the global Sonata nameplate in Australia, not the i45 badge of its discontinued predecessor – was revealed in range-topping 2.0T Sport form in the Big Apple.
Likewise, the 183kW/352Nm 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine will power premium versions of the new Sonata in Australia, where it could be badged as the Sonata SR, joining the Veloster SR Turbo, i30 SR and Accent SR.
The US-market Sonata 2.0T Sport also features a sportier body kit including more aggressive bumpers, a unique grille, deeper side skirts, quad exhaust outlets and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Australia’s mainstream Sonata range, which will rival the Toyota Camry and Mazda6, will be powered by a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre Theta II GDI naturally aspirated direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine.
It will be available with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, the latter opening the range from less than $30,000.
In the absence of the (left-hand drive-only) hybrid version, the new Sonata will therefore be positioned as Hyundai’s volume-selling medium petrol sedan, complementing the more expensive (from $31,990) i40, which is available in sedan and wagon body styles powered by petrol and diesel engines.
The new Sonata will arrive Down Under around the same time as the second-generation Genesis large rear-drive sedan, powered by a 3.8-litre petrol V6 matched to an eight speed auto (V8 and all-wheel drive models remain LHD only).
Both models are currently undergoing local development testing, and will feature locally tuned steering and suspension systems.
Hyundai’s local line-up is likely to be extended by a further three additional models next year, including the new-generation Genesis coupe, the all-new ix25 compact SUV to appear at Sunday’s Beijing show and, perhaps, the latest i10 city-car, for which Hyundai is currently reviewing a business case.
Apart from wearing Hyundai’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design language, the larger Mk7 Sonata is claimed to incorporate a stiffer body structure with better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and more advanced safety and convenience features than the previous YF Sonata, which was sold in Australia as the i45 between 2010 and 2012.
Despite having a super-slippery 0.27Cd aerodynamic drag coefficient, Hyundai says the new Sonata delivers best-in-class passenger, cargo and total interior volume – enough to classify it as a large car in some markets.
A naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol version of the Sonata will also be produced in South Korea, but is not on the radar for Australia. Similarly, the new Sonata will not be available Down Under with Apple’s new CarPlay in-car media platform.
It should, however, be available with the host of advanced new safety technologies offered in the US, including Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning System.
New convenience features include radar-operated Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with full stop capability, hands-free Smart Trunk boot opening and tyre pressure monitoring.
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