NEW FOR 2015:
– New model.
After giving its midsize Sonata a comprehensive update just last year, Hyundai has taken the wraps off an all-new Sonata. Those with a keen eye will recognize the outgoing model’s sleek greenhouse shape remains in tact, but it’s been significantly overhauled.
The Sonata’s chassis is now made of over 50-percent ultra-high tensile steels and comes clothed in sheetmetal that shows Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. Overall, it’s a more subdued look, inspired no doubt by the impressive Genesis sedan. Inside, the formerly curvy dashboard gives way to an angular design that apes the outgoing Benz C-Class. Attention to interior noise levels should ensure a more refined feel down the road, while available contrast stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel add visual flair. Fun fact: The cabin is also big enough for the EPA to classify it as a large vehicle.
The Sonata maintains its two-powertrain lineup, though some changes have been made. Both the 2.4-litre four and 2.0-litre turbo four return, though both have given up peak power for enhanced driveability. Those numbers stand at a still-decent 185 hp for the 2.4, and 245 hp for the 2.0T. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Oddly, Hyundai Canada opted not to bring in the Sonata Eco model on offer in the states; it has a unique 1.6-litre turbo-four engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The Sonata Hybrid is carried over from last year’s model.
Evolving with the times, the Sonata also gains new active safety technology including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, and lane-change alert – though most are limited to the range-topping Limited and Ultimate trims.
The latest Sonata should also be better to drive; its steering and suspension have been thoroughly revised, and Hyundai even went so far as to test it on the Nurburgring. Last year’s Sonata offered drivers Driver Selectable Steering; all models go one step further with selectable drive modes that also tweak throttle response and gear shifts.
The Sonata 2.4 comes in GL, GLS, Sport, Sport Tech, and Limited trims. The 2.0T can be had in Sport and Sport Ultimate trims.
The 2.4 GL features 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic projector beam headlamps, LED daytime running lights, power adjustable heated mirrors, body-colour door handles, chrome grille, solar tint, six-way manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest, cloth upholstery, armrest with dual storage compartments, 5.0-inch display audio system with six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio audio, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in jack, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering column, 3.5-inch OLED instrument cluster display, power windows with driver’s side auto up/down, power door locks, Driver Mode Select adaptive drive modes, reverse camera, cruise control, and keyless entry with alarm.
2.4 GLS adds integrated mirror turn signals, chrome door handles, windshield wiper de-icer, eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat air vents, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, proximity key with push-button start, hands-free trunk, rear parking sensors, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.
2.4 Sport adds 17-inch Sport alloy wheels, tire mobility kit, LED tail lights, chrome body-side mouldings, chrome interior door handles, Sport body kit, Sport seats with cloth and leather upholstery, and panoramic sunroof.
2.4 Sport Tech adds seven-speaker Dimension audio system, 8.0-inch navigation screen, rear side window shades, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and garage door opener, and aluminum scuff plates.
2.0T Sport adds 2.0T engine, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps, quad chrome-tip exhaust, aluminum pedals, leather upholstery with Sport embroidery and contrast stitching, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, paddles for manual shifting, and Sport-tuned suspension. Deletes panoramic sunroof, rear side window shades and heated steering wheel.
2.4 Limited builds on 2.4 GLS and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, door handle welcome lights, HID headlamps, high-beam assist, leather upholstery, six-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, 8.0-inch navigation display, nine-speaker Infinity audio system, chrome interior door handles, deluxe door scuff plate, leatherette door panel trim, leather-wrapped instrument cluster cowl, Supervision instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT display, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and garage door opener, rear window sun shades, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, electronic parking brake, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning.
2.0T Ultimate builds on 2.0T Sport and adds panoramic sunroof, nine-speaker Infinity audio system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, ventilated front seats, rear side window shades, six-way power adjustable passenger seat, high-beam assist, electronic parking brake, high-beam assist, and memory driver’s seat and mirrors.
2.4 GLS trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat, driver’s seat lumbar support, heated rear seats, fog lights, sunroof, and front windshield wiper de-icer.
2.4 SE trim adds leather seating, chrome interior door handles, dual exhaust from the 2.0T model, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
2.4 Limited adds proximity entry with push-button start, side repeater mirror, chrome outside door handles, dual zone automatic climate control, rear console air ventilation, auto light control, deluze door scuff, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, HomeLink, 7-speaker Dimension audio with external amplifier, piano black or woodgrain interior accents, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
2.4 Limited with Navigation adds 9-speaker Infinity audio with external amplifier, navigation system, backup camera, and panoramic roof.
2.0T Limited and Limited with Navigation models add 18-inch alloy wheels.
