Originally published at: https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/hyundai-sonata-coming-soon-expected-specs-features/
Globally, the automobile market trend moves towards the Crossover Utility Vehicles/ SUVs, and conventional sedans sales are becoming negative. Every other manufacturer is bringing their version of SUV or crossovers simply because there is a lot of demand. It seems like the SEDAN segment is becoming an endangered species, like Hyundai Sonata. But besides all the statistical decline in sedan sales, certain established models are known worldwide, and their manufacturers still have a lot of trust and faith in them and have no plan to discontinue these models.
While Civic and Corolla are renowned C-Segment vehicles and we can add Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato to the same bracket; Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are not less popular either. Both these models have global fan and customer following. Although these models are not sold as widely as Civic or Corolla, but they are vital and prestigious models to their respective brands. The Accord and Camry are midsize D-segment cars and joined by Korean brands with models like Kia Optima [ now known as K5] and Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata name came in the last, but our today's article is exclusively for Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai first generation Sonata came into being in 1985. The current 8th generation Sonata Chassis code "DN8" was revealed in early 2019. The 8th gen Sonata is well praised, and it won numerous awards since its arrival.
Hyundai Sonata and Pakistan:
As we know that Hyundai-Nishat started its operation under the Auto Developmental Policy 2016-2021. Earlier this year, in March Hyundai launched a Pakistan Domestic Model/ PKDM Elantra, while last year in August, Hyundai Tucson was revealed for public and commercial sale. Although both these models were on the cards for the local consumer, last year, in February 2020, Hyundai also displayed the new DN8/ 8th generation Sonata for public viewing. It was a showstopper, and the Hyundai display on the show was one of the most visited ones because of the new Sonata.
It is pertinent and interesting to note that the Sonata on display was the first Right Hand Drive model of the Sonata, as it was not yet available in any RHD market back then in February 2020. Hyundai Nishat showcased the model for public attraction and obviously to judge the public feedback. PakWheels team was lucky enough to record a first impression review along with a representative from Hyundai-Nishat.
It was never officially known or declared by the company publicly about the arrival of Hyundai Sonata until recently when our sources confirmed that Hyundai-Nishat did import some Knock-Down Kits. The data doesn't reveal if it's the same DN8/ 8th generation Sonata as pictured here in the article or displayed in Lahore last year. However, the rumours got strong, after the car was spotted on Pakistani roads recently.
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Hyundai-Nishat's existing model line in shape of Tucson and Elantra were also on display in Lahore before official reveal. We did welcome the same model generation as seen in February 2020. Applying the same analogy and we can guess that the imported kits might be for the newer current-generation Sonata. If we agree on this argument, let's learn about the 8th generation Sonata.
Dimensions:
The current Sonata is based on the Hyundai-KIA N platform in the third generation/ N3. This platform is used by various Hyundai and Kia models. This is the same platform that is used by the Hyundai Santa Fe, the new 4th generation of Hyundai Tucson [ Pakistan has third-generation ] as well as the new Kia Grand Carnival, Kia K5 Sedan, besides some other models. In fact, the 8th generation Sonata is actually the first model using the newer N3 modular platform, which has increased strength and rigidity, reduced weight, which results in improved safety, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics and performance.
Dimension wise the Sonata has an overall length of 4900mm, it is 1860mm wide and 1445mm high and has a wheelbase of 2840mm. Although there is no other locally assembled D-Segment sedan in Pakistan, we can put this into perspective for comparison and understating with locally available C- Segment sedans. Corolla is 4620mm long, 1775mm wide, and 1475mm high and have a wheelbase of 2700mm. Honda Civic, on the other hand, is 4630mm long,1799m wide, and 1433mm high and have a wheel's base of 270mm. For our readers, 1 inch is around 25 mm, and this means that the Sonata is approximately [ rounded off] 11 inches longer than Civic and Corolla. Similarly, Sonata is wider as well as have a longer wheelbase.
Because we have fewer D-Segment sedans on our roads, Sonata will automatically be the largest locally available vehicle with a greater road presence. Keep in mind Sonata don't compete with Corolla or Civic. I shared dimensions to visualize the footprint only.
Exterior:
Well, exterior of the newer 8th gen Sonata is something that made headlines since its launch. The production model took inspiration from the "Le Fil Rouge concept" Hyundai displayed in 2018 at Geneva Auto Show. The concept was a major attraction and also won a design award.
The new exterior is a complete departure from the previous generations, and it adopted a radically new and revolutionary design which Hyundai calls "Sensuous Sportiness". The Sonata adopted a 4-door coupe-like silhouette on the side profile with a sloping roofline, while the most striking design element is the bold and low wide new front which carries Hyundai new and wide cascading grille. Additionally, the conventional hood-line across the bonnet we usually see is not there because of the long-elongated bonnet, which overlaps the front grill. LED headlights and LED DRL comes standard on all models.
Previous generations of Sonata, both 6th and 7th had a chrome strip wrapping around the side door windows, running along the length of the car on the side profile starting from the rear door, then over the front fender and connecting with the front headlights. The 8th generation carried over the same chrome strip, but this time the chrome trim goes over the bonnet and connects to the inner corner of the newly designed headlights. This chrome strip not only a design feature but a functional one as well.
A portion of the chrome strip is actually a Daytime Running Light/ DRL. The chrome-plated trim is backlit and has a very small opening for light to pass through. According to the Hyundai, this is the signature feature of the new Sonata and called it the "Hidden lamp", its DRL when the vehicle is in motion while it became a chrome trim when the vehicle is switched off.
The side profile gets a very prominent character line from the front, and it goes all the way in rear, where it bulges out to give the car a sports sedan with a sloppy C-pillar, which extends all the way to the end of the trunk. This also results in a slopped truck with an upward edge which gives the impression of an integrated spoiler.
Both taillights are connected via a light bar that runs over the Sonata badge along the vehicle's width, and it's functional too as it lit up at night as running lights and this, not a reflector. There are small fins on top of taillights, and as per Hyundai, these are functional vortex generators for improved aerodynamics. The reverse lights with reflectors are on the bumper with a license plate in the middle, while a LED high mount stop lamp is on the top portion of the rear glass. Overall, the low and wide stance of the vehicle is evident on the back end as well. Depending on variants, Sonata is available with 16" 17", 18" or even 19" alloy wheels in the overseas market. Pakistan bound Sonata obviously will carry most of the exterior features as seen on international models.
Interior:
Like the exterior, the interior is all-new modern, sophisticated, and Hyundai summed it up in two words "Beautifully Smart". The new Sonata interior is miles ahead of the previous generation. There is a slim dashboard design with a user-friendly and intuitive interface for various control. The interior has been designed for maximum occupant comfort and space. Slim air vents are nicely integrated with the dashboard, and premium quality satin chrome trim pieces add elegance. The two-tone colour combination is available for the interior like Beige -Black, Black-gray or Black on Black. Both leather and fabric seating surface is an option.
A 12.3" customizable digital LCD cluster is available with apple car play and android auto integration, depending on the variants. Basic models get a conventional analogue gauge. There is a newly designed multifunction steering wheel. Like most of the new cars nowadays, there is a floating infotainment screen in landscape style, although here it matches the profile of the dashboard to give a look of continuity instead of tablet-style systems we see standing standalone in the middle of the dashboard. The basic head-unit unit is 8" touch screen. At the same time, a 10.25" colour touchscreen infotainment system is available, and a Bose premium 12 speaker audio system is also available on upper trim levels.
Basic models get a manual HVAC system, while a dual-zone fully automatic climate control is also available. 6-way driver and 4-way passenger front seat adjustment are standard while it goes to the 8-way driver and 6-way passenger power adjustment with the option of heated and ventilated seats on upper trims along with memory seat function. To maximize the interior space, a drive-by-wire gear shift button type controller is standard across the model range, along with an Electronic Parking Brake and auto hold.
Convenience features like power-folding heated side-view mirrors, wireless charging, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heads-up colour display is also available depending on the trim level. Panoramic roof, tilt and telescopic heated steering wheels, ambient lighting Hyundai digital key which turns your compatible android phone into a physical key is also available. Hyundai also offers Blue Link services in North American market, which includes remote start with climate control, on-demand diagnostic, lock unlock, remote designation push to the car navigation system as well as remotely monitoring car status.
The Hyundai-Nishat displayed the vehicle with the digital cluster and an 8" infotainment system. The displayed vehicle was also with a two-tone beige-black interior. We can hope that we see maximum options on the local assembled Sonata.
Mechanicals:
Globally, Sonata is available with various engine options. There are turbocharged versions like 1.6 T-GDI with 178 HP or 2.5L T-GDI with 290HP. A 2L 192 HP GDI Hybrid or 2L 202HP Plugin Hybrid is also available. Depending on engine type, there is either 6 or 8 speed automatic or 8-speed Dual clutch transmission.
There are two more engine options and these are the ones we can see on the import documents/ CKD kits for Pakistan and we know these already. A 2L 158HP/ 196NM MPI [ Multi-Point Injection] and a 2.5L 178HP/ 232NM MPI engine. The 2L MPI is actually the same engine we have seen in the locally assembled Hyundai Elantra while the 2.5L MPI is related to same engine currently in Pakistan assembled Kia Sorento.
Both these engines' types are coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and we can expect same. I think that Hyundai Nishat will offer the 2L engine on the base variant of the Sonata while the other version will carry the 2.5L.
As of suspension, McPherson Strut front while Multilink rear suspension is the standard. The ventilated-on front, while solid disc on the rear, are also standard across the model lineup. Motor-driven power steering, as well as 4 drive modes (Smart, Comfort, Eco & Sport), are also there, along with steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Safety:
As of safety, globally Hyundai has improved their standard equipment across the model lineup. Sonata comes standard with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist System (BAS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In overseas market, Sonata comes with front side [ both front and rear passages] and curtain airbags, and a drive knee airbag is also standard feature.
Besides above, Hyundai also offers, Forward collision warning, Lane Keep assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver attention warning, Smart Cruise control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit waring [it alerts occupants while opening the doors if there is upcoming traffic behind], High Beam Assist, Auto headlights, Area Surround view monitor as well as a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Sonata also comes with a Blindspot side-view monitor, which displays the side view in the digital cluster.
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I am not sure if we will get all these listed active safety features, but I can guess that we will see a Pakistan assembled Sonata with front and side airbags, as well as the Hill Start, Stability Control, Brake Assist. We can expect the Blind-spot side view monitoring as well as the surround-view monitor, which we have also known as the 360 cameras. The base model might not get all the safety gear.
Final Thoughts:
First, we have to appreciate Hyundai-Nishat if they are really bringing the 8th generation Sonata. Hyundai was criticized when Tucson and Elantra were launched and the reason being both these models are almost discontinued in the international market. Bringing Hyundai Sonata can dissolve some of this anger, and we should keep in mind that internationally this generation is produced at limited locations like USA, South Korea and China. If a CKD Sonata 8th generation assembly starts here in Pakistan, it will be 4th assembly line in the world. We can expect locally assembled Sonata sometime in next couple of months and possibly before July 2021 as the Auto policy expiration and cut of time is 30th June 2021 although there are rumors of extension.
Now the next big question is pricing. In Pakistan, the vehicle segments are dictated by the price point rather than the segment they fall in. Looking at KIA and Hyundai local model lineup and product planning and strategy, it seems like they are not competing directly with each other in the same segment except in the case of Sportage and Tucson. Again, Sportage has already dominated that segment statistically against Tucson.
Hyundai launched Elantra while there are rumours that KIA will NOT launch Cerato sedan, which goes against the likes of Elantra, Civic and Corolla and instead will offer yet another small crossover in Rs4-Million +/- price point. KIA earlier this year also released 3-row 7 seat SUV in the shape of Sorento in three variants with price falling between Rs7 million and Rs8.4 Million.
I personally think that Sonata will be offered with 2 versions possibly and will start above the price of Tucson and probably around 7.5 +/- Million for the base model while it can touch 8+/- Million or can even go above 9 Million for the 2.5L top of the line loaded version. This way Sonata price bracket will fall around the same figures as 7-seater Sorento from KIA. In simple words, Hyundai will compete and target the price point with a sedan instead of 7-seater SUV for which Hyundai have Santa FE as direct rival of Sorento [ although they are related technically].
I know the price might be shocking to some readers if this becomes a reality. But I think Hyundai will market the Sonata as a Premium Sedan offering and will cash on the D- segment in which the other options are CBU and as a reminder, the Accord cost above Rs11 Million from Honda Atlas, while the base model hybrid Camry is Rs16 Million from Toyota Indus. This means that even at 9 Million, the Sonata will be a cheaper option, although we still don't know how well equipped and well built a local assembled Sonata would be. Hyundai-Nishat has always been calling their models a Premium/ luxury, although nowhere in the world Hyundai models are like that. Yes, Hyundai has a premium luxury sub-brand, but that is known as Genesis, and those models don't come with a Hyundai badge. It same as calling Camry a Premium, but in reality, the right model is Lexus ES.
Lastly, as discussed earlier and many times, I hope Nishat wins buyers' hearts and souls with the pricing strategy and features and equipment in their upcoming locally produced Sonata. They don't mess up the way they did with Tucson, like average 8 months of delivery time which is also being experienced in the case of the recently released Hyundai Elantra.
Stay Tuned tp Pakwheels.com for more updated on this topic meanwhile you can discuss the subject on the Sonata Dedicated Thread on Pakwheels Forums
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