We tried our Sonata with the new 2.0-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine - replacing the 3.3-litre petrol V6 and expected to take up to 40% of sales.
Unlike 2.4-litre petrol versions, which go toe to toe with Japanese and European rivals, the base SLX CRDi’s price undercuts most of the diesel competition. Although not Holden’s Epica Diesel, which starts at $500 less than the Hyundai, and has an even bigger advantage if the Sonata is equipped to match the Epica’s mandatory auto.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four is thoroughly up to date, boasting technology including common-rail injection and a variable-geometry turbo-charger, and its 110 kW power peak is competitive. However, with 305 Nm from 1800 rpm, its torque output is slightly lower than the class average.
Economy is similarly middle of the road. Hyundai claims an impressive 6.0 L/100 km official average for the manual, and the trip computer optimistically suggested a similar level of thrift, but the best we could manage was 7.8 L. How it drives
Changes to the suspension and steering to make them more suited to Australian conditions have delivered smarter response and better control than before.
The new Sonata gets a restyled dash with slick, silver-detailed instruments, blue night-time lighting and revised stereo and switchgear, and it all looks and feels good. Everything seems extremely well put together, too.
The Sonata is also thoroughly competitive in terms of real estate, with sufficient head and legroom in the back to keep two adults happy, but lacks the width of a large Australian sedan to make three people comfortable.
The SLX gets six airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability/traction control, a competitive array for a $30,000 package. Omissions include brakeassist and rear parking sensors, but the Elite adds the latter.
The Sonata CRDi is a good car at a nice price. It offers a roomy cabin, plenty of toys, competitive safety, is a decent drive and comes with the promise of low running and maintenance costs.
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