The revised Hyundai Sonata reflects the rapid change in our motoring priorities. Significantly, this face lifted model went on sale in June 2008 just three years after the introduction of the current shape. In 2005 engine choice was between a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit and a 3.3-litre V6, both of which ran on petrol. But now there is no V6 and the choice is between two four-cylinder engines, the 2.4 petrol (now with 127 kW instead of 118) and a 2.0 diesel.
An electronic stability program (ESP) is now standard across the range. And the manual gearbox for the diesel variant is a six-speeder in the interests of maximising fuel economy. (Unfortunately the automatic transmission has just four forward ratios.)
It is interesting that the Korean industry is ahead of the Japanese when it comes to offering diesel engines. The automotive executives in Seoul are focused on exports. Significantly, too, the gap in technology between Japanese and the best of the Korean cars – huge as recently as 2000 – has now been filled.
On an interstate trip this manual diesel proved itself to be an almost perfect car for these ultra price-sensitive times. I cruised at or close to the speed limit the entire way and over a return trip of some 2600 kilometres, the Hyundai averaged an astonishing 5.5 litres per 100. At a steady 100 km/h on a flat road the figure falls below 5.0. When you consider that this is a roomy family sedan, the figure is all the more impressive.
At idle the diesel declares itself with a trademark clatter but at cruising speeds there is virtually no engine noise. Performance is impressive. As with most diesels, the show is all over by 4500 rpm but from 1800 the engine delivers its peak torque of 305 Nm, a figure which is sustained until 2500 rpm. This means that sixth gear is usable from about 70 km/h and that the vehicle pulls strongly in this highest ratio from 80. It is this combination of strong torque and high gearing that enables the middleweight Sonata diesel to use less fuel on the open road than most small four-cylinder cars fuelled by petrol.
Power counts less than torque but the Sonata diesel’s 110 kW is higher than many comparably sized engines of this type. I never felt short-changed in highway overtaking which was generally accomplished without a downshift. Significantly, the four-speed automatic transmission takes the Sonata’s official fuel economy figure from 6.0 to 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
Less satisfactory are the dynamics. The Sonata handles well enough and rides comfortably. It copes well with unmade roads and feels rugged. But the steering is lacking in feel and too light. If Hyundai could study how Ford Australia and BMW approach this subject, they could make their competitive medium sedan into the best in its class. Although better than the 2005 model, the Sonata is still far from being a driver’s car.
The test SLX variant is well equipped for its $30,490 price tag with cruise and air. Pleasing velour trim and a well-designed dashboard layout give it the feel of a dearer vehicle. I think the front seat backrests are oddly shaped and lacking in lumbar support but the cushions are well bolstered. The huge boot is augmented by a 60/40 split-fold rear seat.
The exterior styling has a touch of heavy-handedness about it. The big new grille smacks of change for change’s sake and, frankly, looks more old-fashioned than the anodyne affair of the 2005 model. The Sonata is somewhat slab-sided and the design was far from cutting edge in 2005. But this is to mark the Sonata hard. While it may not be the Moonlight Sonata on wheels, compared with previous generations this one makes sweet music.
In summary, the Sonata diesel is a car for difficult times. With outstanding economy and safety credentials including standard ESP, it is difficult to think of a more practical choice for budget-minded buyers with $30K to spend on a medium sedan.
Thumbs-up:
Fantastic economy, six-speed manual transmission, great headlights
Thumbs-down:
Steering too light and lacking in feel, insufficient lumbar support in front seats, facelift a retrograde design step