Tyre upgrade for Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has loaded more kit into its highly-regarded Sonata sedan for the new model year, starting with shift paddles as standard for all variants.

At entry level the Sonata Active now runs Continental tyres on its 17-inch alloys, as does the Sonata Elite. And the Sonata Premium moves up to Michelins for its 18-inch wheels. The change complements and enhances local suspension tuning according to Hyundai.

“We were very happy with our Australian-focused suspension tune of the all-new Sonata, including the tyres, when we released it last year,” says Hee Loong Wong, Hyundai Australia's General Manager of Product Engineering.

“However, earlier this year Hyundai head office, in South Korea, gave us the option of testing the Continentals and Michelins on the car, and we jumped at the opportunity.

“We engaged former Hyundai WRC driver Chris Atkinson to evaluate them at the limit of adhesion under controlled conditions. His feedback, along with that of HMCA chief test driver Andrew Tuitahi, was very pleasing. We have seen gains in outright grip level, ride comfort and quietness.”

The mid-range Sonata Elite also gains the new tyres and shift paddles of the base model, but is additionally upgraded with rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, front parking sensors and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. A new option for this variant is a panoramic sunroof priced at $2000.

Topping the range the Sonata Premium is now equipped with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and radar-based active cruise control.

Hyundai is offering a new range of exterior colours, including a metallic/mica option named Shade Bronze. Inside, the Elite and Premium variants can be optioned with beige leather upholstery when the buyer specifies White Cream, Midnight Black or Shade Bronze exterior colours.