Alongside the launch of the Kona compact SUV, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today also officially unveiled the Sonata here in Malaysia. Hyundai’s latest D-segment offering will be available in only one variant, fully-imported from South Korea, priced at RM206,888.
HSDM is also offering a special introductory price of RM189,888 for the first 50 units of the Hyundai Sonata sold in Malaysia, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.
EXTERIOR
Based on Hyundai’s latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the Sonata features a striking exterior that is quite a stark departure from its predecessor, and almost every other Hyundai model for that matter. The four-door-coupe look is inspired by the Le Fil Rouge Concept, shown off at the 2018 Geneva motor show.
Main highlights of the exterior styling include the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, intersected by a chrome trim that connects the two side air intakes, as well as the LED combination headlamps with a unique daytime-running lights that are integrated right into the chrome trim, extending across the entire length of the bonnet onto the window surrounds at the side.
Using an array of laser-cut micro perforations, the daytime-running lights become virtually invisible when switched off – Hyundai calls this the Hidden Lighting Lamps. At the back, the Hyundai Sonata features C-shaped LED taillights – seemingly inspired by the Honda Civic – connected by a light bar that spans the entire width of the tailgate.
Attention to detail is the name of the game here on the all-new Hyundai Sonata; Hyundai put significant effort into the intricate details of the exterior styling, such as the character lines on the side, small aerodynamic fins on the taillights, and even a knurling effect on the hub cap of the 18-inch alloy wheels that resembles that of the knobs on the interior!
Overall height of the Hyundai Sonata has also been lowered for a sportier stance, while at the same time improving the centre of gravity for an enhanced handling performance. The all-new Hyundai Sonata is available in six exterior colours – White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Grey, Oxford Blue, Midnight Black and Flame Red – all with their corresponding interior colour schemes.
INTERIOR
The extravagant design language is continued inside, modelled after the “Beautifully Smart” motif, with a significant focus on technology. Key highlights on the interior include:
- Highly-customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, split-screen view function
- Panoramic sunroof
- Qi wireless mobile charging pad with cooling fan
- Electric parking brake
- Head-up display
- Power-adjustable driver seat with memory function
Instead of a regular gear lever, Hyundai designers have also thrown out the rule book and replaced it with individual P,R,N, and D buttons, which significantly decluttered the centre console. The designers also emphasised on the the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin by minimising the height of the dashboard and air con vents, while the luscious leather-topped dashboard elevates the sense of luxury.
As for colour pairings, the Oxford Blue and Flame Red exterior colours are matched with the black leather interior; Shimmering Silver
exterior colour with the Greige two-tone leather interior; while the White Cream, Nocturne Grey and Midnight Black exterior colours are matched with the Camel two-tone leather interior.
PERFORMANCE
The Hyundai Sonata is available in Malaysia only in one single variant, featuring a 2.5-litre SmartStream G2.5 powerplant underneath the hood.
- Engine: 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front engine, front wheel driven
- Max horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Max torque: 232 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
The Hyundai Sonata is also the first model to utilise the brand’s third-generation modular vehicle platform. Significant emphasis was placed in the safety and driving performance of the vehicle, thanks to the platform’s multiload path structure which increases the energy absorbs during collisions, hot stamping, as well as super-high-tensile steel plate.
SAFETY
Unlike the Kona, the Hyundai Sonata is not specified with the SmartSense advanced safety features for the Malaysia model. Standard safety features include:
- Six airbags
- 360-degree around view monitor
- Blind-Spot View Monitor which displays the side views on the digital instrument cluster when turn indicators are activated
- Blind-spot collision warning
- Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist System
- Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management
- Hill-start Assist Control
PRICING
As mentioned above, the all-new Hyundai Sonata is priced at RM206,888 in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance. Pricing includes a five-year/300,000km warranty as standard.
The first 50 units of the Hyundai Sonata is also eligible for a special introductory price of RM189,888, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are in effect until the end of December 2020. The Hyundai Sonata is now available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
GALLERY
