Monthly Motor - June 2014

Saloon Review
All-New Hyundai Sonata
– Refined and eye-catching
Theta II turbocharged GDI has been revised as
well. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is also
optimized for lower-RPM drivability and it produces
182 kW (245 hp) and 352 Nm of torque.
Both Theta engines are paired with a six-speed
SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission. The allnew
Hyundai Sonata uses MacPherson strut
front and multi-link rear suspension systems.
The revamped multilink rear suspension design
enhances responsiveness, handling and stability
while reducing impact harshness.
Roomy interior
Confident, energetic lines define the allnew
Hyundai Sonata’s exterior and are complimented
by a premium interior with a special
emphasis on ergonomics. Intuitive buttons and
controls are placed on the center stack, which is
The original BMW X5 was the German automaker's first entry into the luxury SUV
(Sports Activity Vehicle) segment. Realizing that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever,
venture off-road, BMW designed the X5 for on-road performance and handling.
The Sonata is a comfortable and likable
midsize saloon that proves Hyundai
can build cars that are not just easy
on the pocketbook, but also easy to
live with as well. Like most cars in
the midsize saloon class, the Hyundai Sonata offers
front-wheel drive, numerous safety features, and
a choice of trim levels that include sporty and
plush variants. Setting the Sonata apart, however, is
Hyundai’s lower pricing and outstanding warranty
coverage.
The outgoing Hyundai Sonata raised the
bar for design in the mid-size saloon segment
when it was introduced in 2009. Consumers
noticed the groundbreaking design and so did
the competition. Following the incredible success
of the outgoing Hyundai Sonata, the allnew
generation offers a more refined look
through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design
language, stiffer body structure, better ride
quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness
and advanced safety and convenience features.
Striking looks
The Hyundai Sonata’s design matures for
the 2015 model year with energetic and crisp
lines complimented by smooth and subtle surfaces.
Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is a confident evolution
of the original fluidic sculpture design
language that perfectly expresses Hyundai
Sonata’s premium look and excellent value. A
larger, more refined grille with wide air intake
defines the face of the all-new Hyundai Sonata.
Simple, harmonious lines adorn the exterior
while taut, horizontal rocker panels reflect
the chassis’ increased stability. The coupe-like
roofline remains, but it is balanced by a larger
windows that emphasizes the roomier interior.
Horizontal lines in the rear underscore saloon’s
width and also give the car a planted look. The
all-new Hyundai Sonata features standard LED
daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a
rear lip spoiler and chrome touches.
Refined performance
Hyundai continues its all four-cylinder
engine lineup for the all-new Sonata. The
revised 2.4-liter Theta II GDI produces 137
kW (185 hp) and 241 Nm of torque. Hyundai’s
power train engineers slightly reduced peak
power for the all-new saloon to shift the power
band downward for better responsiveness in
lower-RPM situations where customers spend
the majority of their time. The powerful 2.0-liter
Confident, energetic lines define
the all-new Hyundai Sonata’s
exterior and are complimented by
a premium interior with a special
emphasis on ergonomics.
angled toward the driver to make the controls
easier to reach. Confident, energetic lines define
the 2015 Sonata’s exterior and are complimented
inside the cabin by a premium interior with
a special emphasis on ergonomics.
Intuitive buttons and controls are placed
on the center stack, which is angled toward
the driver to make the controls easier to reach.
The 2015 Sonata’s efficient packaging delivers
outstanding passenger and interior volume. All
Hyundai Sonata come standard with iPod/USB
and auxiliary input jacks and Bluetooth phone
connectivity with voice-recognition. Available
upgrades include an 8.0-inch display for the
infotainment system paired with a 400-watt
Infinity premium audio system.
Verdict
For the most part, the all-new Hyundai
Sonata is now more up market and refined.
The all-new model is not only a fully competitive
choice for a family saloon, but a standout
among its peers. In addition to the strong value
proposition, it adds a few things previously not
seen in this conservative nameplate namely,
daring styling and sporty driving dynamics.
Hyundai EA is the franchise holder for the
Korean automaker. The firm is located along
Mombasa Road in Nairobi County. Prices for
the African market had not been released by
the time we went to press. More details about
the all-new Hyundai Sonata will be revealed on
subsequent Monthly Motor issues.
What we like
Refined engines
Striking design
Roomy interior
What we dislike
Interior plastics
Limited rear visibility
Hash ride on sport model
Rating:
Value:
Presence:
Interior:
Styling:
Equipment:
Overall:
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MOTOR JUNE 2014
MOTOR JUNE 2014
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