Sonata returns to take on Superb and Accord

Though the Sonata was the first brand to start the ‘D segment’ in India, it hasn’t really managed to catch the customer’s fancy. With the sixth-generation Sonata scheduled to debut in the last week of this month, Hyundai hopes to race successfully in that segment. Initially, it has a production capacity to roll out 200 Sonatas (in a single shift) per month, with an option to produce up to 600 cars a month. The current segment leader, Skoda Superb, averaged 300 units in production in the April 2011- January 2012 period.

To try and get the required numbers, the new Sonata comes with a bigger amount of design appeal and features. Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language and the large dimensions combine to give the Sonata serious presence. The chrome-rich grille gives the car an imposing face and styling at the rear is attractive.

The cabin is spacious, the front seats are particularly supportive but the slight lack of thigh support at the rear is a sore point in an otherwise comfortable ride. The new Sonata comes with 17-inch wheels against the 16-inch wheels found in the outgoing version and others like Accord and Superb. Hyundai has also done a fine job with the sweeping dashboard design. A massive 523-litre boot further adds to the practicality.

The Sonata gets the usual bouquet of features expected on a car of this class, including Xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, steering-mounted controls for the audio system and Bluetooth telephony and cruise control. Ventilated and cooling seats are a nice addition given India’s varied climate. What we missed though is a curtain in the rear wind-screen to protect our necks in the searing Chennai heat.

The new Sonata will only be available with a petrol engine, at least for now. “The average driving cycle of a customer in this segment doesn’t warrant the extra investment in a more expensive diesel version,” says a Hyundai Motor India official. The 2.4-litre direct-injection motor outputs a healthy 198bhp at 6000rpm. Also, apart from the six-speed automatic we drove, Hyundai will offer a six-speed manual unit too.

The engine is quite refined and boasts good bottom-end responses, but it needs to be revved past 4000rpm for serious performance.

The steering is well weighted at both city and highway speeds, if a tad inconsistent. Body control is also reassuring and stability at speed is nice. Under the new Sonata’s swanky exterior lies a pretty accomplished car. It is expected to sport a price tag of Rs 22.5 lakh.

Hyundai is stressing highly on improving quality and investing in research and development globally in order to achieve its target of selling seven million cars globally along with affiliate Kia. A change of guard at Hyundai Motor India, investments to offer new cars to consumers, and increased activities at the Hyderabad R&D centre, seems like there’s much more to come from Hyundai.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH & NIKHIL BHATIA