New Korean Symphony

By Rahul Ghosh

Hyundai might just have struck the right chord with the new Sonata. We got behind the wheel as the car gets launched.

the chase would filter down to the car in question as well—the Sonata, the cash registers failed to jingle hard. Since then the Sonata did go through a generation upgrade and then a facelift as well. But even that didnt do the trick. So will a new generation of the Sonata work then?

Unlike in its previous avatars, the new Sonata, launched last month, has a very sporty styling, courtesy the application of Hyundais new fluidic philosophy. Meanwhile, the long sweeping HiD headlamps, coupled with the all-chrome grille and that longish bonnet give it a touch of class.in profile, the17in wheels set in the flared arches and the rising shoulder line look smart.

inside, the driver gets a 10-way electrically adjustable seat.and one that is super comfy to be in, too. The dash, meanwhile, is uncluttered and not too dissimilar to whats seen in the new Verna.an additional feelgood factor comes by way of softtouch plastic all around. To round off the package theres quite a gadget list too—cruise control, the now-de rigueur-in-the-segment steering mounted controls, individual climate control, keyless entry and engine start, and more. Theres also acres of space inside, even at the rear, thanks to revised dimensions that have resulted in a longer wheelbase. The rear seats too are very comfortable.

The more significant change in the new generation of the Sonata has to be the one thats happened under its bonnet. This car, like the old one, gets a 2.4-litre petrol engine but the difference is, this unit features direct injection. Press the starter button and the engine comes alive with barely a whisper. Slot the old school style gated shift lever into D and the 6-speed auto box allows a smooth roll-off. The transmission unit however is a lazy one, which we found out while downshifting with the paddle shifters during some hard driving. For regular driving however, the shifts are as seamless as those of a CVT and offer good driveability. The latter augurs well for city driving or overtaking on highways.

The engine meanwhile is a smooth unit that offers oodles of power— 201bhp to be precise. Theres a good amount of torque too at 250nm. as a result, the Sonata can get up to speed quite quickly; we had the car cruising at 140kmph in no time at all.

But what really stands out is the cars ride quality. The suspension is set up so that the car absorbs virtually all road irregularities. and, theres none of the wallowy tendencies of the Verna. its a smooth ride all through. Price: 18.5 lakh(ex-showroom Delhi).

the twin pod instrument panel gets a soothing blue backlit which gives a futuristic look going the Star trek way. the cluster offers both digital and analogue so to each to their own. Hyundai wants the new Sonata to bring in both class and sportiness into this car segment and as a result it comes with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel which allows one to do quick gear changing. apart from blasting off on the roads, provided the traffic allows you to, the paddle shifters also aid in increasing the fuel economy as you can change gears without rev needle hitting the redline and reducing fuel in your tank.

Sonata shows its practical side stowage incorporated into the central armrest. When it comes to features this car comes totally loaded with all kinds. For example it comes with heating and cooling controls for both front and rear seats.