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Nadine Armstrong13 Dec 2017
REVIEW

Hyundai Sonata 2017 Quick Spin

The new Hyundai Sonata lifts its game; so has the competition
Review Type
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Some might say the medium-sized sedan segment is a boring gap fill… but in reality, this could not be further from the truth. In the months ahead, the new Hyundai Sonata will be joined by the much-anticipated all-new Holden Commodore, the Kia Stinger and updated Toyota Camry as one of many choices for buyers who have not (yet) entered the SUV state of mind.

Yes, despite rumours to the contrary, there are some family and commercial buyers who don’t want an SUV.

Hyundai’s updated Sonata is now offered in two model variants – Active and Premium (the previous mid-spec Elite grade has vanished).

The four-cylinder, four-door sedan is offered with a choice of a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or the more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit. Automatic transmissions are standard play, the entry-level Active running a six-speeder, while the Premium adds two more ratios.

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How much will it cost?
Intriguing pricing sees the new Sonata starting from $30,990 (plus ORCs) for the Active and the top-spec Premium jumps to $45,490 (plus ORCs). Premium paint will set you back an extra $595.

Asking price for the Premium model is line ball with its similarly specified medium sedan rivals. However the near $15k price hike over the Active may be a sticking point for some.

Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty remains, but service intervals have been tweaked – 12 months/15,000km on the Active and 12 month/10,000km for the turbo-powered Premium.

In the first four years, servicing will set you back no more than $1160 and $1180 respectively.

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Why should I buy it?
In a nutshell, the new Sonata has improved on an already good offering…with only a small price increase. Rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels (17s for the Active), the Sonata delivers a composed ride, with solid handling – a trait carried-over from the previous generation.

Again, this Sonata reaps the rewards of Hyundai’s significant investment in local suspension tuning and delivers a good balance for Australian roads.

Making a good start on ticking boxes for a family car, Hyundai’s latest mid-sizer punts around town with ease and offers plenty of space.

Second row accommodation is generous, fit for three adults if need be, and the 510-litre boot is home to a full size spare and supplemented by a 60:40 split fold rear seat.

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Retractable side blinds are a nice touch for those in the second row.

Comparing the Sonata to its key rivals, Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbo comes up trumps for outright power (180kW/353Nm), the eight-speed auto is a standout and its generous proportions are on par with its Korean cousin, the Kia Optima. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are standard – but only on the Premium spec model.

What you won’t find however is autonomous emergency braking. Nonetheless the Sonata carries the maximum five-star safety rating.

Pricing and Features
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When is it available in Australia?
The new Hyundai Sonata, in both Active and Premium model grades, is available in Australian now.

It’s yet to be confirmed whether we’ll see a sporty Sonata wearing Hyundai’s N performance badge, but that could only be a good thing.

Who will it appeal to?
The Hyundai Sonata is a well-executed family vehicle which seamlessly blends into the homogeneous mid-size sedan segment - it’s a bit of an A-to-B car of family-sized proportions.

Much like its competition, the Sonata is fit for five occupants and can deal with a road trip’s load of gear. It’ll also tow 1300kg (braked).

On the inside, the Premium model’s leather heated and ventilated seats win points, whereas a busy and dated centre stack doesn’t. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto will please tech-savvy buyers and the previously mentioned driver assist technology has basic safety covered.

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Where does it fit?
The medium car segment (under $60k) is home to over 15 offerings spanning both sedan and wagon body styles. Hyundai’s latest ticks many boxes but, to be frank, the two-car line-up has quite the task ahead - the Sonata fits right in, but the question is: Can it stand out?

Clearly the aforementioned rivals are strong. And we should expect Holden to leave no stone unturned to ensure the all-new German-sourced Commodore makes a spectacular entrance.

Then there’s the segment stalwart and dominant top-seller, Toyota’s Camry. Now fresh off the Japanese production line, the all-new Camry drives a very compelling value proposition priced fro $27,690 for the entry level Ascent.

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So, what do we think?
Hyundai has done many things well in the updated Sonata – a punchy turbo-four, improved kit and styling are just the start. The pared-back line-up however leaves us wanting for better safety technology across the board, including autonomous emergency braking.

Then there’s the sting of a significant price hike from Active to Premium. Good after sales and warranty will only get you so far.

2017 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Premium pricing and specifications:
Price: $45,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/353Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 194g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Hyundai Sonata 2017 Local Launch
>> Family Car Comparison 2017 
>> Hyundai Sonata pricing revealed

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
66/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
14/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
13/20
Safety & Technology
13/20
Behind The Wheel
14/20
X-Factor
12/20
Pros
  • Punchy turbo
  • Generous space
  • After sales and warranty
Cons
  • Premium pricing
  • No AEB
  • Busy centre stack
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