Hyundai Sonata N-Line Review

Sonata was once something only older buyers might enjoy, but not anymore. New Hyundai Sonata is an absolute cracker.

Is starts with a 4-door sedan that looks utterly gorgeous.

The Looks:

The large sedan market is rapidly evaporating, and for that reason, Sonata comes only in the range topping N-Line.

The side view presents a graceful coupe-style silhouette that sits long and low on 19” alloys. While it may look like a hatchback, the fastback sedan has a regular boot.

The roof slopes in such a way as to make the rear cargo area quite generous at 510L.

The front and rear are more daring, in line with the current Hyundai group ethos of modern, cutting edge looks. Projector beam LED headlights include a DTRL that runs up the bonnet to join the trim that runs along the window sills.

The leading edge of the bonnet is low, in a sporty coupe kind of way, and the grille is huge. It is striking, without being so dramatic that it frightens small children. Elegant line give the exterior interest with being jarring on the eye.

N-Line models have body kits, and in this case is incredibly subtle. We don’t have a regular Sonata to compare to, but it certainly leaves N-Line with a youthful feel.

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ABOVE: 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The Cabin:

Two large LCD displays take care of driver data and infotainment. It lacks the beautifully integrated look of Kia’s new Sportage, but still feels modern, with the judicious use of piano black. Dual zone climate controls have their own array, just below the vents.

The centre console has a wireless charger and push buttons for the gears, There is no manual mode, even though there are paddle shifters, but more about that later.

Seating is powered in the front, and covered soft suede-look fabric. While leather might be in vogue, it does nothing for the driver in spirited cornering.

Rear space is more than adequate, and headroom is ample for a 6 footer, even though there is a sunroof lowering the lining somewhat.

There is an ambience that feels classy, with lots of soft surfacing.

Bose sound is excellent, but we needed to give the bass a boost for extra oomph.

The Drive:

From the outset, it is obvious Sonata has thrown off her dowdy reputation for being a car only fit for geriatrics. The 2.5L turbo petrol 4cylinder is spritely, especially in sport mode.

Ride is firm, with a hint of body roll in hard corners. Our usual route covers highway, freeway, city driving, and stints of sharp cornering. It was here that were discovered the lack of manual mode. Sport and Sport+ liven the steering, acceleration, and gear changes, but slecting gears with the paddles in a temporary affair.

To keep the engine really singing, you want to hold lower gears, but Sonata insists on switching back to automatic, selecting too high a gear for my tastes.

Sonata was at home on the highway, with lovely long legs making the best use of driver and safety aids. Lane centering can be used, otherwise lane departure cleans up that momentary lack of attention to steer you back where you belong. What’s the difference? The latter acts only when needed, whereas lane centering constantly applies slight force to the steering wheel.

Steering is column-mounted electric, but still manages to feel sharp, yet gentle.

213kw and 422Nm feels nice under foot, especially if you’ve managed to keep the turbo spinning. Torque starts are 1650rpm but power is at its maximum at 5800 rpm. There is little turbo lag, but that is a moot point at 3000 rpm or more. The DCT is the wet-clutch kind, and has 8 cogs. Everyone should find a cog to suit them.

Sonata runs on 91ron and E10, with the Euro5 engine managing 8.1L/100k with CO2 of 188gm/km, so the 60L tank would get you almost 1000km on a long trip, with highway economy dropping to 6.1L/100k. Towing is a fairly low 1400kg

Sonata weighs 1623kg, but the Macpherson strut front, and Multi-Link rear end, makes the ride sophisticated, yet firm.

Conclusion:

Sonata deserves a wider audience, but I fear few will get to experience it.

Passengers feel cosy, and convenience features taking care of the tough stuff to iron out their experience. The vents automatically close when the windscreen washers activate, so there is none of that nasty chemical smell entering every time you clean bugs off the glass. I like that.

Sonata is thoughtful, powerful, comfortable, and excellent value.

Price: $50, 990

Engine: 2.5L turbo 4 cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 213kw/422Nm

Trans: 8sp DCT auto

Econ: 8.1L/100k

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