Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Review

There was a time, not too long ago, when it wasn’t uncommon to point at a Hyundai vehicle and say that it reminded you a little of something else.

How times have changed. These days, it’s not uncommon to point at something else and say that it looks a little like a Hyundai.

That’s a reflection of the quantum leap that Hyundai has made in terms of cutting edge design language. A latecomer to the global automotive scene, the student is now becoming the teacher it seems, as more than one prominent badge has already borrowed some of the fluid design cues that have reinvented Hyundai cars in recent years.
Improvements have not been limited to the surface level, however, and enhancements engineered under the Korean make have seen its profile steadily climb in American and European markets, which are traditionally tough for emerging Asian brands (and not just in the automotive sector).
Undeniably a brand to watch, we’re always particularly keen to see what Hyundai has to offer at the upper end of its product portfolio, and the D-segment Sonata sits pretty close to the apex, which has been recently refreshed to take on a more edgier demeanour.
In terms of pricing and power, it competes against some very established Japanese names, and of late, it has been holding its ground very admirably.

We drove the 2.0 variant a few months back and were suitably impressed with what it had to offer, but it did leave us guessing about what a little more power and grunt would add to the whole picture.
The answer comes in the form of the Hyundai Sonata 2.4L, which comes in two flavours: Sports and Premium. The differences between the two are purely cosmetic, so we didn’t put up a fuss when the more executively-named Premium variant was made available to us.
From a purely journalistic point of view, we were a little disappointed to learn that the refreshed Sonata 2.4 does not feature a new engine – only because the 2.0 variant did, and could trumpet about it.

From a potential buyer’s point of view, however, the fact that it carries over the same engine (mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox), is hardly any bad news at all. The Theta II 2.4, which churns out some 176hp, still remains one of the most powerful engines in its class.

Exterior

Those familiar with the previous version of the Sonata will note that changes to its facade are not monumental, but nevertheless pronounced.
This upgraded version retains the same head-turning “Orchid-inspired” design, with fluid lines that swoop from front to back in aerodynamic fashion, but aficionados will immediately note the completely new front grille that lends a more executive feel to its persona.
Designwise, Hyundai says the slightly wider air duct up front is also to facilitate better airflow into the engine compartment.

The front and rear lamps have also been revised to adopt a cleaner and more elegant look, and overall, these blend in with the body design much better than the first iteration. The Sonata 2.4 also features fashionable upper level LED lights situated above the front headlamps.
Exclusive to the 2.4 variant are large 18-inch wheels with new-look rims, which Hyundai says it has been endowed with to match the flagship status of the variant.

Interior
The premium feel of Sonatas has steadily improved over the generations, but lately great strides have been made in terms of tactile feel and comfort.

There is still a heavy use of plastic, of course, and some components feel a little cheaper than others, but overall you feel you’re getting your money’s worth – especially with the smorgasbord of standard bells and whistles that are thrown into the mix.
There are plenty of buttons and controls, very ergonomically placed, that will thrill the fiddle maniacs and control freaks. But rudimental success is achieved by the way the cabin is laid out with thoughtful attention to space: there is plenty of legroom, and while there are plenty of things to play with, nothing seems invasive.

There is plenty of headroom in the front, but less at the rear, where the aerodynamic design of the car takes a toll on vertical space.
The leather seats are comfortable, and there’s really no excuse for not finding a comfortable driving position with controls that allow you to bob, tilt and slide backwards and forwards – we’re surprised it doesn’t swivel. The telescoping steering rack adds to your preferred comfort setting.
It must be said that all-round visibility is good for such a large car – aided by extra large side mirrors – and if you need to see more, just pop open the retractable sunroof.
If all of the above seems familiar, then here’s what’s new about the latest Sonata 2.4 in a nutshell: a newly designed centre console with a more practical layout; a new shift pattern for the gear; blue LED backlighting for radio and clock; and dual independent temperature controls for front passengers (with screen display).

The drive
Despite Hyundai putting much attention towards lowering weight to improve fuel consumption, it must be said that the Sonata doesn’t feel light at all. On the move, it feels surprisingly hefty, but in the positive “solid” sense of the word.

It gets off the mark with enthusiasm, and gains momentum smoothly, though not completely effortlessly. The engine can be best described as “apt”.
There is a little bit of feistiness when accelerating, as the engine sounds keen with an ever-so-faint masculine gurgle that trickles into the otherwise serenely silent cabin. Overall, it doesn’t blow you away with its power, but there is enough when you need it.
The steering feel, in our opinion is a slight mismatch, as it seems a little too light for a car of this stature and dimensions. The electric steering is also a bit more synthetic than some other models that we’ve tested, but not to the level of being unacceptable.
The overall ride quality was good, with no sign of the harsh suspension qualities that previous variants were criticised for. Though on the stiffer side, its performance over bumps and ruts was acceptable, if not optimal.
On tight corners, the Sonata behaved well, staying planted even at high speed and powering out with commendable confidence. There was a slight hint of body roll, but not beyond the level expected from a large sedan.
The highlight, we felt, was the gear shifts, which were achieved so smoothly, it could hardly be felt even in blood boiling stop-and-go heavy traffic situations.

Conclusion
All in, the Sonata achieves its goal in delivering a premium car that’s stylish and comfortable. Not only is it easy on the eyes, the many standard fittings it offers coupled with its ever improving drive quality and handling make it a strong value for money proposition.
If you’re looking to upgrade from a C-segment sedan, this is a car that should be on your radar. It’s spacious, sleek and there are plenty of wow factors outside and in to thrill your friends with, should you choose to pick them up for a night out in town.
If nothing else, it’s a great looking car that you’d be proud to flaunt on your front porch.

Specification of Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Premium
Engine: 2,359cc, in-line 4 cylinder, DOHC, petrol (Theta II 2.4)
Max power: 176hp (120kW) @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 228Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with shiftronic
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h
Safety features: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with HAC, Amplitude Selective Damper (ASD) with sports suspension
Price: 173,905.10 OTR with insurance