The Hyundai Sonata lives on, even as rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Kia Optima have disappeared.
The redesigned, eighth-generation model will arrive mid-year in a single, fully-loaded N Line trim priced at $50,990 before on-road costs.
Though initially set for a late 2019 launch and set to offer 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines, the new Sonata will instead be offered only with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
It produces 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift-by-wire, push-button gear selection and paddle shifters.
The dual-clutch auto features rev-matching for downshifts.
The Sonata also features launch control and N Power Shift. The latter increases the throttle opening during upshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes.
Hyundai says the Sonata N Line is one of the first Hyundai models to benefit from a new approach to local tuning, with the Australian arm involved early in the development of the model.
While there have been distinctive Sonatas before, including the quirky 1998 fourth-generation and the rakish sixth-generation model sold here as the i45, the new model is the most eye-catching yet with four-door coupe styling.
There are also distinctive details, including the full-width lighting down back and the LED daytime running lights up front that appear to blend into the chrome strips framing the bonnet.
It’ll be available in just four colours: the standard White Cream mica, and the optional Hampton Grey and Flame Red metallics and Midnight Black mica which cost $595.
An N Line body kit is standard, as are 19-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting all-round.
The N Line comes fully-loaded, with features like heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and Hyundai’s new blind-spot view monitor. A full list of features is below.
Pricing
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line: $50,990
Price excludes on-road costs.
Engines
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque.
It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Sonata N Line is front-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata uses 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
It requires 91RON regular unleaded fuel and has a 60L fuel tank.
Dimensions
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line measures 4900mm long, 1445mm tall and 1860mm wide on a 2840mm wheelbase.
It has 510L of luggage space and has a space-saver spare under the boot floor.
Unbraked towing capacity is 700kg and braked is 1400kg.
Servicing and Warranty
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Capped-price servicing costs for the Sonata have yet to be released.
Safety
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has yet to be tested by ANCAP.
It comes standard with the following safety equipment:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and junction assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Blind-spot assist
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Lane-following assist
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Safe exit assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Surround-view camera
- Rear view monitor
- Front and front-side airbags
- First and second row curtain airbags
Standard Equipment
The Sonata comes standard with the following features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- DAB+ digital radio
- Head-up display
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Paddle shifters
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- 12-way power driver’s seat
- Four-way power passenger’s seat
- Black Nappa leather and suede upholstery
- Dual-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charging
- 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
- LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights
- Automatic high beam
- Keyless entry and start
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electronic parking brake
- Power rear sunshade
- Electro-chromatic rear-view mirror
- Tilt and telescopic steering column
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
