2014 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L launched in Malaysia, price from RM143k [+Video]



It’s finally here now, after nearly nine months since its global debut in South Korea. The seventh generation Hyundai Sonata is undoubtedly a handsome looking car, and as per previously reported, its design is based on the evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, and looks strikingly similar like the flagship Genesis, also on its way here.

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QUICK FACTS

Name 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L
Engine 1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology
Transmission 6-speed automatic, conventional torque converter
Max Power 152 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque 194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price from RM143,163.30 (OTR with insurance and road tax)

 

The new Sonata is offered here in three flavours – Elegance B being the base model, Elegance and Executive. All three variants will be powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Nu MPI engine, so gone is the 2.4-litre mill previously offered in the superseded sixth-gen YF Sonata.

EXTERIOR

Hyundai’s designers are evidently outdoing themselves here in their pursuit for visually alluring aesthetics, and this Korean D-Segment sedan’s styling revolves around the brand’s evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and Human-Machine Interface technology. To put it simply, the whole design of the new Sonata is made to be more driver centric, as you’ll see in a bit.

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Standard exterior feature across the range are projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, trapezoidal single exhaust pipe, electric folding side mirrors, welcoming lights on the door handle and LED rear fog lamps. Both the Elegance variants sit on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 215/55R17 profile tyres, while riding on MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link type suspension at the rear.

Another interesting feature of the Sonata is the new Smart Trunk System which automatically opens the trunk when you stand at the back of the car for three seconds. This only works when the car detects the smart key though, so don’t be surprised if the boot suddenly opens when you carry out casual conversations behind the car for the first time.

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Features exclusive to the range-topping Executive trim are the 18-inch wheels shod with 235/45/R18 series rubbers, auto leveling bi-xenon HID headlights with Active Cornering Lamp and rain sensors.

INTERIOR

Inside, the Sonata’s cabin is a clear departure from the model it replaces, and this time it is designed to be more driver centric, meaning that its ergonomics are easily operable via intuition.

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The change begins with what Hyundai describes as T-shaped centre fascia, where the dashboard and centre fascia is obviously laid out. This layout proves Hyundai’s claims of improved ergonomics, which we tested on your behalf.

Now, standard interior features in all Sonatas are: dual zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, keyless entry with push-start ignition, rear reverse sensors, leather seats, 12-way electrically powered driver’s seat, leather wrapped gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches and auto headlights.

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The Elegance trim gives you Hyundai’s Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with Bluetooth and Micro SD card functionalities, as well as additional front parking sensors and a reverse camera. The AVN runs on Android 4.4.2, and it supports Waze and Youtube, too.

In the Executive trim, you get electric chromic mirror, 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-info display (also shared with the Elegance variant), 8-way electrically powered front passenger seat, retractable panoramic sunroof and rain sensors.

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The top two trims also come with a built-in Safe Drive Recorder, one of the more popular in-car aftermarket gadgetry these days. Its placed between the windscreen and the rear view mirror, and comes with an 8GB SD card for storage purposes.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the Sonata is Hyundai’s trusty 2.0-litre inline-four naturally aspirated engine that now makes 152 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 194 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s paired to the familiar six-speed automatic torque converting gearbox, driving the front wheels only.

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Driving modes can be selected through the Drive Mode Control System, and there are three modes to choose from – Active Eco, Normal and Sports. It works by tweaking the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), throttle response and air-conditioning to optimise vehicle performance.

SAFETY

On the safety side of things, dual front airbags, ABS, ESC, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) are standard, but the upper two variants get four additional airbags (two side and two curtain airbags), making a total of six. Wrapping up the new Sonata’s safety front is the extensive use of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS; 30 percent more than the previous generation Sonata) in the body structure, which is two times stronger than ordinary steel.

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WHAT ELSE?

Pricing of the new Sonatas, OTR with insurance and road tax are as such – Elegance B (RM143,163.30), Elegance (RM149,845.30), Executive (RM158,053.30). There are six colour options to choose from, namely Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Remington Red, Dark Horse and Phantom Black.

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First hand owners of this Sonata will benefit from the country’s first 8-year or 300,000km warranty programme offered by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors. The first five years covers manufacturing warranty, whereas the additional three years will cover the engine and gearbox. All buyers will also be entitled to a 2-year free membership of Hyundai Malaysia’s proprietary concierge service known as The Leader.

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Members of The Leader can enjoy VIP privileges such as worldwide access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at selected airports in Malaysia, and a one-time complimentary chauffeur driven ride to or from KLIA, KLIA2 or Subang Skypark. There’s also the personalised medical assistance and priority will be given to you when you service your Sonata at selected 3S Centres nationwide.

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