The Hyundai Sonata has always been a great luxury saloon but has never quite had the image of a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The fourth version to hit India is now about to be launched after a very successful run in America, Europe and other countries. It has been benchmarked to be superior to its competitors on most parameters but, frankly, is not so significantly superior in any area except for its brilliant ‘fluidic’ design that has made the Verna, i20, i10 and Eon such successes. Hyundai has gone to town with the Sonata that is quite a head turner. Its big ‘waterfall’ effect chrome grille, cat’s eye Xenon headlights and fluid creases on its bonnet and sides is dramatic but within the four walls of good taste. Wealthy buyers, who do not want to spend the huge sums necessary for an Audi, BMW or Merc, will probably find the Sonata very acceptable in terms of space, comfort and image.
On a test drive from Chennai to Puducherry, I found it to be a great luxury saloon. The 2,359cc GDI high pressure petrol engine has been beefed up by 28HP to 201HP through six-speed automatic and manual transmissions to give excellent performance. It has not however been designed as a sprinter but a smooth operator. The pickup is slick with sufficient gear overlap to ensure smooth jerk free acceleration. When the gas pedal is pumped hard for overtaking the big saloon responds enthusiastically. The suspension is also set for a good ride rather than sharp handling. The automatic model also has paddle shifting to make driving effortless.
Needless to say it comes loaded with all the goodies that the buyers will want. The air-conditioning with vents for ionized air to the rear is aided by ventilated and heated seats to create a new benchmark in cabin comfort. Except for a sun roof it also offers all the goodies from 10 way power seats to smart key push button start and a multi information display in the stylish instrument console. The sound system offers all that a car needs. There is also a rear parking camera that displays an image in the rear view mirror. There is also a long list of safety features as one would expect. We can expect the prices to be announced soon after the budget in mid March.
The writer is an automotive expert and the former editor of a national magazine