Hyundai is continuing its relentless push to create a higher image for itself amongst consumers. It’s a global push, but is particularly strong in Australia where it’s competing hard at the top end of the passenger car sales race.
Toyota is a long way in front, but Hyundai, Holden and Mazda are squabbling over the remaining two podium positions. As I write Hyundai is in second spot for the calendar year 2014 – and would like to stay there, thank you very much.
It’s no secret that the South Korean maker made its name in the ‘cheap and cheerful’ segment, but in recent times it has moved substantially upwards in public perception.
One of Hyundai’s early attempts to lift the image was the importation of the midsize Hyundai Sonata, a conservative sedan aimed at the likes of Toyota Camry, Mazda6 and Holden Malibu, even setting its sights, somewhat ambitiously, on the VW Passat.
However, the Sonata was pulled from the Australian sales list midway through 2010 when it was swamped in the styling stakes by the Hyundai i45, and later the Hyundai i40.
Now a new Hyundai Sonata is scheduled to make the trip downunder – and it’s way more radical in its shape than the staid previous efforts. Using Hyundai’s so-called ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design new Sonata is a standout when viewed on the streets of Seoul, South Korea where we have just spent a few days as guests of Hyundai Australia.
Expect to see new Hyundai Sonata here early in the fourth quarter of this year. Final dates, specs and prices have yet to be finalised, but we will publish them as soon as we can drive and review the car.
Power from Australian imports will come from either a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, or a high-performance 2.0-litre turbo-petrol. A turbo-diesel is a possibility later. Transmissions seem sure to be automatic only, using a modern six-speed unit.
We have a very brief test drive of the new Sonata at Hyundai’s huge proving ground at NamYang. All we really got to sample was the engine performance as we weren’t permitted onto the ride and handling areas of the test centre.
Both engines feel good, though anyone with a keen sense of driving enjoyment may find the 2.4-litre no more than adequate. The turbo 2.0 is a cracker, with fast response and plenty of torque throughout the rev range. Keep in mind that we didn’t get to try the cars on hills so don’t read too much into our initial drives.
The body felt tight on the smooth surfaces we covered and the steering had decent feel. Our sampling was done on Korean spec models. No doubt the Australian suspension engineers are already well into their Sonata improvement program, but we weren’t given access to the cars they’re working on.
We recently reported on the upmarket Hyundai Genesis, a large car that’s bigger than Falcon and Commodore and positively crammed with the latest high-tech features. Again, no price has been set but we anticipate Genesis being in the range of $50,000 to $61,880 (the latter being the current Luxury Car Tax threshold) depending on model.
Hyundai Sonata will be considerably cheaper than Genesis, mid-30s seems more likely. It will make a neat running mate for the Genesis in Hyundai’s attempt to grab attention in the family car market.
