Hyundai YF Sonata 2.0, Inspired by Nature
The all New Hyundai Sonata is inspired by nature as the design cues are taken from an orchid flower. It is not your everyday Hyundai that was used to be known as. This car strikes it big on design, drive and value. The car resembles a luxurious marquee, and is possibly a good mix between Japan technology and German engineering. The New Sonata is dynamic, luxurious, and looks ‘not’ like a Hyundai!
Driving the car, you would be impressed on the refinements that made this car such a steal. The Hyundai YF Sonata comes in two variants, the 2.0L and the 2.4L. Both identical in platforms and looks, the power train are the only separator between the two. The engine for the 2.0L features a max output of 165PS @ 6,200rpm, with 198Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. The 2.4L features a max output of 178PS @ 6,000rpm, with 229Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Both cars run an all aluminium alloy engine, with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing or D-CVVT. The Sonata meets Euro 4 emission standards, and has an electronic ignition system that is maintenance free and a variable air intake system for more torque throughout the rev range. Both cars run a 6 speed automatic transmission box with a gate shift styled shifter. The ECU runs a fuzzy logic for the gear changes, and has a life-time maintenance free package on it. Thinking ahead, why would a car manufacturer want to reduce serviceability of a car, hence reducing servicing bills with a maintenance free gearbox? The answer is simple, reduce ownership, reduce cost, make it easy to own, and lastly give the Japanese boys a hard time.
It is a great car in features, but does it really drive well or what else does it really have! The car has a very sleek design, and runs a keyless entry system. Makes this a plus point for owning a Hyundai Sonata especially when you are walking up to your car or leaving the car to lock up, or even plainly holding stuff in your hand as you cannot reach for your keys in your pocket. In the cabin area, the dashboard sits slightly higher than usual, but it has the cool effect of having a plusher feel and also tucks you neatly in the driver’s seat with all this luxury surrounding you. No problems in terms of blind spots or when driving about, the car has no issues on exiting junctions or reversing into a spot. The instrument cluster is basically in blue, and the dials are laid out big and very easy for reference. The air-con panels resembles the Swedish marquee brand of a Volvo car, which I reckon is possibly the best design for anyone wanting to get air-con onto their legs or upperbody with a turn of a dial.
In the ‘good to have’ division, it comes with a dual sunroof, and an Ipod auxiliary connectivity slot. It also is having the largest boots in its class, and the steering wheel is equipped with remote switches for the in –car entertainment system. The dashboard area is sleek in design, with all the ergonomics in the right place. Hence even the clock is placed smacked in the middle for both front and rear passenger views. Why would anyone want a Dual Sunroof and not one but two sunroofs! Well if you buy a Hyundai Sonata, it comes free with it and they included another unit as well with no extra charges!
The new Sonata is 5-star NCAP and has a new reinforced unitary body shell. A special cross member sits across the dashboard for added protection. The car features ESP with HAC ( Hill Start Assist Control ) and Brake Assist. Pedestrian safety has also been tuned into the car’s exterior styling to reduce pedestrian injury.
The Sonata features a MacPherson front type strut with a Multi Link at the rear. The car handles pretty smoothly on the roads. The sense of driving is pleasurable and with ease as the feeling is ‘empty’ throughout the ride. The description is ‘empty’, as it gives you a very comfortable drive, and hardly any feedback is felt while driving. Just enough of feedback to give you an idea of how you are driving and how it is handling but we normally feel that in the more expensive luxurious marquees. Taking this car to the highways, one will not feel tired after a long journey. It is after all a Class C/D segment car, but the feeling of luxury at the price offered is just immensely great. I must affirm and say that Hyundai has got a winner this time. Lots of engineering has gone into this car to keep it years ahead of its competitors.
Upon idling and moving on highways, the car has very little engine vibration, this is due to the design of putting the engine lower in engine bay, and also ensuring that sound deadening materials are used into the main engine bay area. The new Sonata is committed into protecting the environment with a 140g/km of CO2 emission levels it matches any regular family hatchback as it does in fuel economy. On the dash there is an ECO Drive indicator to remind you to adopt more fuel efficient, economical drive habits.
The new Hyundai YF Sonata comes with a standard 5 years warranty package or 300,000km whichever comes first. No other car manufacturer in this segment offers this currently, and it is testimony on Hyundai’s confidence in the all new Sonata. Prices are at RM135,888.00 for the Standard Automatic 2.0L, RM143,888.00 for the High Spec Automatic 2.0L and RM163,888.00 for the 2.4L High Spec Automatic. The new Hyundai YF Sonata is really a bargain with the features added to the car. It is not the same Hyundai car that was known a year ago, as today’s Hyundai is bigger on value, features and luxury. Do go to the nearest Hyundai showroom to seek a test drive, as this car will surprise you. Log onto www.hyundai.com.my for further details.
