Hyundai Motor’s flagship sedan Sonata has evolved over the past 30 years and the latest seventh generation is surely another leap forward.
[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:9px;”]The new model has a higher-end and more refined appearance than the outgoing Sonata, which received mixed responses due to too radical changes in its design.
The application of so-called “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” to the new model is obviously in line with the automaker’s effort to appeal to a broader range of drivers as a family sedan.
Inside the car, you feel more comfortable using the instrument cluster, heating and ventilation controls, and audio system with bigger buttons rearranged for more intuitive use on the neat dashboard. The latest generation is the most advanced Sonata ever, packed with new features such as the Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warnings and Lane Departure Warnings.
But what’s most satisfactory is driving comfort.
As its marketing campaign “return to basics” implies, the automaker put more emphasis on four basic elements — run, turn, stop and protect, and it isn’t just an empty slogan, although there was no way to personally test the last element.
The Sonata’s 2.0-liter engine is efficient enough to deliver the right amount of power to give a stable and agile performance. Especially at low- and mid-range speed under 100 kilometers per hour, it accelerates smoothly. Given it is an entry model in this mid-sized sedan segment, it is highly competitive.
The engine can generate 168 horsepower with the maximum torque of 20.5 kilogram-meters. The fuel economy is 12.1 kilometers per liter. The Sonata does a good job on various road conditions — whether you are on a winding road, unpaved road or highway.
But what’s a bit disappointing is there is little difference between the three drive modes — eco, normal and sport, although the driving wheel feels harder and heavier on the sport mode. Prices for the new Sonata range from 22.55 million won to 29.9 million won.
Source: [KoreaTimes]
Good initial driving impression and the Sonata sounds like it will be a solid car. But my primary concern is the 12.1 liter fuel economy! Ouch! This converts to a poor 19.44 miles to the gallon. Perhaps the Sonata’s mileage was affected because it was mainly tested in City driving? Then it could be explained. But rivals Toyota, Honda and Nissan, even GM’s Malibu are averaging high 25’s in City driving.
I wonder how the U.S. spec version of the Sonata will do if their fuel economy is no better than average? If so, this is not the formula for success to gain market share and Hyundai will find the Sonata slipping further behind.
Indeed that’s a very poor mpg but probably that was on city which is pretty common while doing a test drive. Hopefully we will get one soon and do our test drive and get a more accurate mpg on this bad boy.
I don’t know how you did the conversion but 12.1 kilometers per liter converts to 28.46 mpg.
The fuel economy figures released in Korea:
‘Combined’ 12.1 km/l ==> 28.46 mpg
‘City’ 11.2 km/l ==> 26.34 mpg
‘Highway’ 14.8 km/l ==> 34.8 mpg
So I believe that Hyundai isn’t doing too bad regarding fuel economy compared to the rivals.
at2guch2 you are absolutely correct and my calculations were way off! Actually, I’m pleased that you replied otherwise I would have continued in blissful ignorance regarding my comments on the fuel economy. And, as I said in my earlier comments concerning the driving impressions, it seems that Hyundai has really buttoned down the Sonata’s driving dynamics and fixed the steering and suspension issues that plagued the U.S. version.
I really do like the new design direction of the fluidic sculpture 2.0 and especially the balance between the exterior and interior, which in my opinion, gives it a more premium look.
This can only mean very good news for the brand and consumers. I am looking forward to the media launch and their write up reviews.
We are also waiting on our opportunity to drive this new Sonata. Very excited for all new features this car is bringing.
Thanks for the clarification at2guch2. Hopefully we can get our hands on one of these cars soon, I can wait to test all the features they brought this year.
Big Fan of Hyundai and Kia. It seems i have seen this car before!! On that note i feel the new front looks too much like the Genesis and the rear looks very similar to the Optima. It does look good just doesn’t show a different look for Hyundai. IMHO