Sampled here in base model Active grade, the LF-series Sonata arrives with the 'lesser' 2.4-litre direct-injected Theta II engine, with higher-spec (Elite and Premium) variants offering an optional 2.0-litre turbocharged unit. For the Active, the four-cylinder unit produces a flexible 138kW at 6000rpm and 241Nm at 4000rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic the drive is best described as linear and predictable, without necessarily being brisk.
But it isn't what you'd call slow either. Even with four passengers on board, the Sonata Active manages reasonable acceleration from standstill (0-100km/h in 9.3 sec, as tested) and has sufficient remaining for safe overtaking. The driveline is refined, with little in the way of vibration or harshness, delivering smooth gear shifts and appropriately matched response through three mapping modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. These change transmission and steering reaction, though not to any significant degree, and for most users are best thought of as 'highway', 'urban' and 'slightly-more-eager'.
Like nearly all it competes against, the Sonata is front-wheel driven. It copes well with hard starts and heavy throttle applications with virtually no torque steer to speak of. To be fair, the relative lack of torque could have a lot to do with that, but in relation to its rivals the Sonata's torque output is competitive, beating the Holden Malibu (225Nm), Subaru Liberty (235Nm) and top-selling Toyota Camry (231Nm).
New from the ground up, the Sonata – which essentially replaces the i45 in Hyundai's line-up – returns a nameplate familiar Down Under (the Sonata was last sold here in 2009), and does so at a good price point and with a healthy list of equipment.
Starting at $29,990 (plus on-road costs, which we might add is $500 less than the equivalent Camry), the Sonata Active brings six airbags, cruise control, the usual infotainment items (including Bluetooth and USB connectivity) accessed via a small 4.3-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera and parking sensors, auto headlights, dual-zone climate control (with rear-seat ventilation outlets), LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
It's a shame, then, the entry-spec Sonata Active omits the electric park brake found on higher-grade models in favour of a clumsy foot-operated set-up. We also found that the passenger-side mirror doesn't self-dip when reverse-parking and that the Sonata misses out on some of the electronic driver assist technologies found (optionally) in some new rivals – such as blind-spot assist, lane-departure warning and autonomous braking.
In reality the list, and its minor shortcomings, are expected of most cars in the price bracket. But in terms of user-friendliness and refinement all offer a standard usually reserved for more expensive European or Japanese marques (excluding that clunky park brake, of course). We also found the driving position easy to set and vision excellent through all but the high-set rear window.
Night-time vision is equally impressive with a good spread and range of light from the halogen headlights. Cabin illumination is also uniform and appropriately dimmable, with the infotainment screen capable of being switched off entirely while remaining in use. This may sound like a small detail in the scheme of things, but anyone familiar with extended duration country driving at night will understand the significance the combination of good headlights and a dim cabin plays in benefiting one's night vision.
Cabin space is generous – especially where rear-seat legroom is concerned – however, the rakish roof of the rear could limit headroom for the taller amongst us; a good thing then the seats are well cushioned and amply supportive. The level of fit and finish is up there with the best in the segment; however, I personally found the decor drab and quite monotone.
In the back, the Sonata offers a liberal 510 litres of cargo space, expandable of course via a 60:40 split-fold rear bench. It's a figure that pegs the Sonata above the Mazda 6 (483 litres), Subaru Liberty (493 litres) but below the Toyota Camry (515 litres) and ginormous Skoda Octavia (568 litres) – yet still manages to do so while including a full-size spare wheel.
Considering the Sonata's 1587kg kerb weight ranks it in the 'Goldilocks' range. Relatively speaking it feels lighter on its feet than some competitors, thanks primarily to its localised suspension tune. Hyundai Australia worked closely with David Potter and his team in tweaking the Sonata to ride and handle appropriately on Australia's myriad road surfaces. A tall ask, perhaps, but one that endows the Sonata with a refined and capable ride quite unlike any direct competitor we care to recall – even when loaded with four adults.
The steering too feels well metered with assistance and feedback appropriate to the car's application. 'Sport' mode adds a mildly unnecessary level of resistance, though when viewed against its segment peers feels sharper and more consistent overall.
It seems, then, that not quite the same level of attention has been issued to the brake pedal. While initially progressive, the pedal softens considerably in its middle reaches, requiring more input as you near the final few metres of your stop. There's ample stopping power, mind you, but the action of the pedal does take a little time to become accustom to.
Like all new Hyundai passenger vehicles, the Sonata is backed by a five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty, ten-year roadside assistance scheme and a lifetime capped-price servicing schedule known in Hyundai parlance as iCare. Service intervals are set annually (or at 15,000km, whichever comes first) and are priced at $259 apiece for the first three years. Models equipped with sat-nav also receive three years of free software updates.
The Sonata runs happily on regular (91 RON) unleaded petrol and is said to consume 8.3L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle. In a week covering a mix of city and freeway driving (roughly a 40:60 split), the medium sedan achieved 8.1 (see performance break-out below). Hyundai does not offer the Sonata with fuel saving technology such as idle stop-start, but it's reassuring to see the model can undercut its claim without it.
It may have taken almost a year to drive the Sonata on home soil, but it has been worth the wait. It's a quiet, composed and confident vehicle with understated good looks. It's also surprisingly commodious and provides a great deal of value for the money; and as mid-size sedans go, I don't think there's much left to ask for.
What we liked:
>> Value for money
>> Engaging dynamics
>> Quiet, commodious cabin
Not so much:
>> Foot-operated park brake
>> Unusual brake pedal feel
>> Cabin decor a little drab
Also consider:
>> Ford Mondeo (from $32,790 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Optima (from $31,490 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Camry (from $30,490 plus ORCs)