Hyundai currently offers the cheapest diesel vehicle in Australia with its i30 CRDi, though while the Sonata SLX CRDi is keenly priced from $30,490, it’s just pipped to the Most Affordable Mid-Size Diesel Car tag by both the $29,990 Skoda Octavia TDI and Holden Epica CDI.
The SLX CRDi is well equipped with standard features including trip computer, CD audio (with auxiliary jack for iPods), remote keyless entry, cruise control, trip computer and auto headlights.
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The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel is the headline act of the updated Sonata range, joining a tweaked version of the 2.4-litre petrol (110kW/225Nm).
It gives the Sonata CRDi 110kW and 305Nm, with the latter, peak torque figure achieved from 1800-2500rpm. There’s little action from the diesel, however, until the turbo spools up to deliver a punchy mid-range from about 2000-4000rpm.
Fuel consumption is also frugal at 6.0L/100km (7.0L/100km for the auto), though our Sonata’s trip computer registered an average of 9.3L/100km.
In isolation, it would be easy to consider the Sonata’s dynamics (handling) quite decent. But the simple truth is that they continue to fall well short of class standards set by the likes of the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo and Honda Accord Euro.
The Sonata’s interior takes a noticeable step up in presentation and quality compared with the outgoing model. The dash, for example, is a significantly more harmonious and classier-looking design.
The Sonata adds to its sold safety line-up of six airbags with the facelifted model introducing ‘anti-whiplash’ active front head restraints.
Hyundai’s mid-size sedan is keenly priced and well equipped, and is also a more enticing offering than Holden’s also-from-Korea Epica, but the Sonata still lags well behind cars such as the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord Euro and VW Jetta for overall sophistication, resale value, and as an engaging driving experience.
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