The D-segment is known to consist of vehicles that only appeals to men of a particular vintage, perhaps a reflection of the often-stoic designs of the cars in that class. Hyundai has broken that image once with the sixth-generation Sonata, and it looks like the Korean carmaker is doing it again with the car you see here.
The new-generation Hyundai Sonata’s design comes from the Le Fil Rouge four-door coupe concept unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The Sonata now sports the new Digital Pulse Cascading Grille that covers nearly the entire fascia. Hyundai also debuted the Hidden Lighting Lamps in the Sonata, which appears to be chrome when switched off.
Usually left as an afterthought, the Sonata’s rear looks well designed. Sweeping lines from the front and sides that end with a ducktail spoiler. The rear lights are also striking, consisting of an LED strip that extends across the rear. The lighting strip joins up with the rear lights to form one continuous line from left to right. The 18-inch alloy wheels complete the Sonata’s exterior.
The Sonata’s design is also functional, offering a drag coefficient of 0.27. Flat underfloor covering and small fins on the taillights are just some of the body enhancements done to allows the vehicle to achieve the low coefficient figure.
The interior design follows a ‘Beautifully Smart’ theme, which translates the exterior’s light show to the ambient mood lighting on the dashboard and doors. In the cockpit, a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver as well as a HUD. To its left at the centre of the dashboard is an eight-inch HD screen that can accommodate a split-screen function to allow audio and navigation to be displayed simultaneously.
The Sonata comes with several convenience features that include a smart trunk, wireless charging pad with cooling fan, electric parking brake and is ready with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sedan also comes standard with the Surround View Monitor that gives the driver a bird’s eye view of the car, making it easier to park and get out of tight spots.
In addition to the standard safety systems, the Sonata is also equipped with the Blind-Spot View Monitor that fits cameras on the wing mirrors. These cameras activate when the turn signals are activated, and displays the view of the corresponding side on the instrument cluster. Audio and visual alerts will blare if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
Powering the Sonata is a 2.5-litre engine that produces 180hp and 232Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with gear selections done through the new Electronic Shift Button instead of a gear lever.
The Hyundai Sonata SmartStream G2.5 is priced at RM206,888. However, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia is selling the first 50 Sonata at a special price of RM189,888. Is the RM17,000 discount enough to convince you to have one in your driveway?
