TEST DRIVE: Svelte Korean
If you're bored with Japanese convention, Hyundai's all-new Sonata could be on your shopping list for a mid-size saloon
The all-new Sonata is another good example of how Hyundai has caught up with the main players, particularly those from the Japanese camp.
The Korean mid-size (D-segment) saloon looks distinctive against its intended competitors like the Honda Accord, Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry. The latest Sonata also makes its predecessor look so dowdy.
In fact, Hyundai has not only made the Sonata appear more refreshing than the Japanese trio but has also sort of created a further niche in its segment.
The wavy lines and sleek profile make the Sonata a coupe{aac}-like saloon in the guise of a Mercedes-Benz CLS or Volkswagen Passat CC when actually it is not. That's because the Sonata still has proper door frames and five seats inside.
Although not as artistic as the exterior, the interior still oozes with enough style to stand out against its opposition _ and a great deal more than in the previous Sonata.
Some cool touches include the panel dials, soft-touch plastic on the top of the dash, perforated leather upholstery and glass-top roof (which can be opened up front).
Cabin and boot space is equally commendable. With a wheelbase second longest to the class-leading Accord, there is plenty of legroom for rear passengers.
This clearly shows that Hyundai understands the needs of buyers in Asia and the US, thus explaining why the Europeans get the i40 with smaller proportions. Just to let you know, the Sonata Thais are getting is known as i45 in Australia.
Hyundai has also paid attention to details in practicality terms. There are cup and bottle holders up front and stow areas for other small items.
However, there also seems a lapse in concentration. While the rear occupants get a centre rest with places to hold their cup of coffee, there are no door bins and pouches behind the front seats.
Another good thing in the new Sonata is the way it drives on the move.
Like before, the Sonata seems to stand out with a driver-oriented chassis, just that a touch more of comfort has been introduced so that it can cope with buyers' tastes in the car's targeted markets.
That obviously means the Sonata doesn't handle as sharply as before. You can feel this at the car's limits where there's pronounced roll and a lack of yaw control. But in general driving conditions, the steering is precise and the ride is controlled enough.
The only specific area where potential clients might moan is at low speeds. The steering is a touch heavy and the ride (due to the stylish 18-inch mag wheels) can be lumpy over road imperfections. At least, they never reach a point of irritation.
Which is to say the chassis isn't particularly perfect yet for the Thai market. But if that's a compromise you are taking by heart, then be prepared for more. That's simply because the Sonata tested this week is a fully built-up import, unlike the outgoing model that was assembled in the country.
Since Hyundai Motor Thailand wants to price the Sonata in the vicinity of its Thai built opponents, it had to be extra cautious with what's going into the car.
If you look what's on offer for the Sonata in world markets, you'll note that it has a complete petrol engine arsenal to corner the Japanese including a 2.0, 2.4, 2.4 turbo (effectively a downsized motor to match other V6 motors) and 2.4 hybrid _ all with six-speed automatic transmission.
The instrument panel looks good and the interior trim has improved vastly.
So you needn't guess which one is powering the Sonata in Thailand at the moment.
The entry-level unit yields only so-so performance, despite having a power advantage on paper over the 2.0s of the Accord, Camry and Teana.
The Sonata pulls away from the lights with ease but feels rather breathless elsewhere. Clearly, this is an engine (although it's a refined unit) for those who don't care about performance and is meant for reason of price (there's a 2.0-litre tax barrier in Thailand).
But, again, that can't do the Sonata any real marvel because its 1.5-1.8 million baht price range is in the region Honda and Nissan are pitching the 2.4 and 2.5 variants respectively.
And to make things worse for Hyundai (and already for Honda and Nissan), the Camry Hybrid also competes in this price range.
In pure rational terms, the Toyota comes first and Hyundai last.
It doesn't stop here with the Sonata's subsidised prices. The safety kit, for one, isn't enough for a car in this price range and considering the state of its competition.
There’s plenty of legroom space in the rear.
There are only two airbags, while the fifth occupant still has to be content with a two-point lap belt.
And if you opt for S trim, priced at 1.55 million baht, away goes stability control system, 18-inch wheels in favour of 17-inchers (it could make the ride better, though) and several other convenience items. If you're really going for the Sonata for its looks, it might be better to go for the G version as tested here that costs an extra 320k (it could sound a lot for some).
It's actually a pity why you need to face such compromises when weighing purchase of the Sonata.
But that's the price Thai consumers need to pay when the country still prefers to levy discriminatory levels of tax on cars.
Sure, you could argue that Hyundai only needs to turn to local assembly to plug the Sonata's deficiencies and make it a proper rival the Japanese should really beware this time.
The Sonata doesn’t handle as sharply as before.
But even such a notion has not been confirmed by the Thai Hyundai office, in spite of the old Sonata being made at Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant, the same site where Mercs are screwed together.
Major reasons are localisation of parts that can be costly if sales don't rack up throughout a product's lifecycle and the difficulty of penetrating the Thai parts supply chain dominated by the Japanese.
So as we see the Sonata as it is now, the only two good reasons why any Thais would ever want one is definitely for the way it looks on the skin and its commodious package _ at competitive prices, if you don't mind the basic performance and average kit.
Clockwise from above: Big wheels don’t necessarily punish the ride; glass-top adds to the Sonata’s appeal; engine is refined but lacks mid-range punch.
AT A GLANCE
Styling ............................... 8/10
Sleek profile and wavy lines make the Sonata's exterior and interior distinctive against its intended rivals from the Japanese camp.
Performance ....................... 6/10
Entry-level petrol engine is refined but provides so-so all-round performance. It's at its best during town-driving.
Handling/ride ...................... 7/10
Like before, the Sonata is decently good to drive. But for comfort seekers, the ride may be occasionally stiff and steering a tad heavy.
Practicality ......................... 8/10
There's plenty of space inside and a reasonably big boot, but cubbie holes are not evenly scattered through the cabin.
Safety kit ............................ 6/10
Hyundai has obviously omitted some safety features in the interest of pricing. This means it hasn't got a kit to boast over rivals.
VERDICT ............................. 6/10
Compared to its purported competitors, the Sonata stands out as a stylish saloon that's reasonably good to drive. But at such prices, the engine is not competitive and the equipment list is compromised.
OR TRY THESE
HONDA ACCORD 2.4
Price 1.574-1.697 million baht.
Power 180hp 2.4-litre inline-four petrol.
Gearbox Five-speed automatic.
Wheelbase 2,800mm.
We think Scores with roomy package and tidy handling, although performance is only so-so.
NISSAN TEANA 2.5
Price 1.509-1.676 million baht.
Power 182hp 2.5-litre V6 petrol.
Gearbox CVT automatic.
Wheelbase 2,775mm.
We think Comfy car to sit in that also comes with punchy engine and smooth gearbox.
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
Price 1.599-1.779 million baht.
Power 187hp 2.4-litre inline-four petrol/electric.
Gearbox CVT automatic.
Wheelbase 2,775mm.
We think The logical choice here since it is a hybrid both punchy and frugal, but driving manners are flawed.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment