Not only bringing a strong new design, the 2015 Sonata introduces a 2.0-litre ‘Theta II’ turbo engine to the class. It’s the first turbo Sonata to hit the market, promising to be vastly improved over the predecessor.
Starting with that design though, it’s like a junior version of the new Genesis sedan. And that’s a good thing as it looks brilliant in the metal, with stern lines, sophisticated trimmings, a pronounced front grille and proportionate overhangs. It looks expensive.
Hyundai is calling the new model “easily the best-built, most technologically-advanced and drivable Sonata yet”, building on the success of the nameplate which is the longest-running Hyundai nameplate in Australia.
Under the bonnet there’s two engine options, including a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 138kW and 241Nm, and a new 2.0-litre Theta II GDi turbo producing 180kW and 350Nm. Both come matched to a six-speed automatic with sports shifting modes.
Despite being built overseas, the new Sonata has been fully tested and engineered in Australian conditions for the Australian market. It comes with unique front and rear suspension with retuned dampers and spring and sway bar settings, and a special electric power steering setting for Australia.
Compared with its predecessor, the new version is 41 per cent stiffer in torsional rigidity, with 50 per cent of the platform made from advanced high-strength steel and a lighter body structure sitting on top. All variants are comprehensively equipped and significantly more advanced than the old model too. See below for the standard features of each variant;
Sonata Active
- 2.4-litre GDi engine – 138kW and 241Nm
- Six airbags
- Electronic stability and traction control
- Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
- Rear view camera
- Rear parking assist system (4 sensors)
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tyres
- Keyless entry with burglar alarm
- 4.3-inch touchscreen audio system with CD player, MP3 capability and 6 speakers
- AUX / USB audio input with digital iPod compatibility
- Bluetooth connectivity (hands free phone & audio streaming)
- Steering wheel mounted audio and phone controls
- Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
Front & rear power windows - Height adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats
- One touch turn signal operation (3, 5, or 7 flashes)
- One touch window up/down on driver’s window
- Rear seat centre-fold down armrest
- Tilt & telescopic steering column
- Trip computer
- Metallic painted centre fascia panels, textured dashboard / door inserts, and interior door handles
- Cloth interior
- Premium steering wheel and gear knob
- Premium door centre trim
- LED high mount stop lamp
- LED side repeater integrated into side mirrors
- LED front positioning lamps
- 3.5-inch OLED display in dash cluster
- Ambient lighting for front centre console
- 60:40 split folding rear seats
- Manual air conditioning with rear centre console cooling ducts
Sonata Elite (in addition to Active equipment)
- 2.0-litre Turbo GDi engine – 180kW and 350Nm
- Electric folding external mirrors
- Electrically adjusted driver’s seat (12 way incl. lumbar)
- 8-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with 3 years HERE MapCare
- Proximity smart key with push button start
- Smart boot lid (hands-free boot opening)
- Leather appointed seats
- Alloy look interior door handles and chrome exterior door handles
- Carbon fibre effect dashboard/door inserts
- Stainless steel door scuff plates
- LED tail lamps with bulb turn signal and reverse lights
- Dual zone climate control air conditioning
Sonata Premium (in addition to Active and Elite equipment)
- 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tyres
- Front parking assist system (4 sensors)
- High Intensity Discharge (HID) Bi-Xenon headlamps with washer system, auto-levelling, and static bending lamps
- Automatic windscreen defog function
- Electro-chromatic auto dimming interior mirror (ECM)
- Electrically adjusted front passenger’s seat (8 way)
- Electronic Park-Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function
- Heated external mirrors
- Heated and air ventilated front seats
- Integrated Memory System (IMS) on driver’s seat and side mirrors
- One-touch window up/down function on front windows
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Rain sensing wipers
- Rear door curtains (sunblinds)
- 4.2-inch TFT LCD colour display in Supervision cluster
The new model will be looking to swipe sales from the likes of the Toyota Camry and Mazda6. It’s now available from dealers around the country, with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2015 Hyundai Sonata Active 2.4 – $29,990
2015 Hyundai Sonata Elite 2.0T – $36,990
2015 Hyundai Sonata Premium 2.0T – $41,990
