Sonata kicks off under $30K

Hyundai's all-new Sonata mid-size sedan will kick off under $30,000 and for the first time will offer a high-powered turbocharged petrol engine within its line-up when it goes on sale next week.

The new car is the seventh generation of Sonata sold Down Under and Hyundai is placing significant credence in the fact the all-new car has undergone suspension and steering tuning specifically for the Australian marketplace. Also key to the roll-out of the new model are boosted equipment levels which on mid and high grades include satnav, keyless entry and start, electric seats and other 'premium' features.

The range will comprise three models all fitted with six-speed automatic transmissions. The $29,990 2.4-litre atmo petrol Active kicks off the line-up, with both the $36,990 Elite and $41,990 Premium debuting Hyundai's latest turbocharged direct-injected 2.0-litre petrol four.

Rated at 180kW/350Nm, the new turbo engine delivers 30 per cent more power and over 45 per cent more torque than the entry-level mill. The official figure for the combined-cycle consumption test is 9.2L/100km – versus 8.3L/100km for the naturally-aspirated Theta II 2.4-litre four-cylinder powering the Sonata Active variant.

New styling yields significant aero improvements, says Hyundai. The Korean giant claims a Cd of 0.27 – commensurate with the best Euro sedans. Technology and convenience features have been inspired by the brand's new Genesis large car, says the company.

Also significantly improved, says Hyundai, is cabin and boot space. "Large-car cabin and boot space in a medium-size car," it claims, following on from the large-car packaging of its predecessor, the i45.

All Sonata models feature six airbags, full stability control suite and anti-lock brakes, auto headlamps and reversing camera. Other inclusions in the base Active include cloth seats, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth and aircon.

The Elite adds more equipment including satnav, dual-zone air, leather upholstery, electric driver's seat adjustment, keyless entry and start, and LED taillights.

The top of the range Premium includes features such as front and rear park sensors, auto defog, auto-hold park brake, sunroof, auto wipers, bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloys.

Look out for motoring.com.au's first drive of the new Sonata in mid-February.