Sonata N-Line – Mid-sized sedans are becoming less popular as the SUV revolution continues. However there are a number of good vehicles in that range, none more than the Hyundai Sonata.
The styling is almost coupe like with sleek profile, sloping bonnet and wide, low stance that is enhanced by the stylish 19 inch alloy wheels and 245/45 sports tyres.
TO LISTEN TO THE SONATA N-LINE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Inside its all comfort with heated and ventilated, power-adjustable front seats, heated outboard rear seats, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, wireless smartphone charging and a panoramic glass sunroof.
The large central screen houses a Surround View Monitor, smart phone connectivity and Bose Premium Audio.
Rear seats are adequate and boot space good but as with many sedans the opening is a little tight.
Powered by a 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbo-four and driving the front wheels (with a launch function) through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, there’s plenty of power on tap and peak torque comes in at just 1650 rpm. I particularly like the push button transmission and the three driving mode functionality.
Priced from around $51,500 plus the usual costs its especially good value and is for buyers that want style and purpose for their daily drive.
In a world where everything is heading towards Utes or SUVs, cars like the Sonata N-Line are extremely important. Sedans need to offer something extra to appeal. Sonata N-Line offer that something extra. As much as I love my 4WDs and some SUVs, the world would be very boring indeed if sedans, wagons, coupes and liftbacks disappeared.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
What is good? |
What is not so good? |
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Model |
Hyundai Sonata N-Line |
| Model Price | $52,065 *MLP |
| Engine | 2.5L 4 Cylinder Petrol Turbo |
| Drivetrain | FWD 8 Speed DCT |
| Power | 213 kW @ 5,800rpm |
| Torque | 422Nm @ 1650-4000rpm |
| Fuel Economy ADR / Tank L | 8.1L/100K – 10.5L/100K on test / 60L |
| 0-100kmh / Top speed | 6.2 secs Est. / TBC |
| Safety | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 188g/km |
| Battery AH/ Volts / Range | N/A |
| Servicing | Capped Price – 12 months/15,000km |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges).
Overall Rating |
83/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 8 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 8 |
| Practicality | 7 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Design / Style | 9 |
| Technology / connectivity | 8 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
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Sonata N-Line more details
Sonata N-Line Exterior
First impressions is the coupe like design is stylish and sleek.
The grille extends between distinctive LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, while an exclusive N Line bumper design completes a sporty visage.
A profile view highlights a low roofline and shallow glass to give a sleek, coupe-like image, while character lines and striking 19-inch alloy wheels convey a confident road presence.
At the rear, LED taillights are tied by a LED strip to create a sense of width as well as a striking night-time impression, with twin tailpipes integrated into each side of a diffuser-style lower treatment.
Four paint colours are offered for Sonata:
- White Cream – Mica (standard colour)
- Hampton Grey – Metallic (cost option)
- Flame Red – Metallic (cost option)
- Midnight Black – Mica (cost option)
Sonata N-Line Interior
First impressions is luxury and functionality.
Spanning the width of the cabin is a slim dashboard with a standout 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster and clear HUD.
Seats are a Black Nappa leather and Suede upholstery with the expected electronic adjustments. Comfortable and class.
Minimalism is at play in the centre console design featuring shift-by-wire gear selection buttons that brings convenience as well as space.
Central stack area is dominated by a 10.25-inch touch screen.
Rear seats are particularly comfortable and reasonably roomy.
Boot space is adequate but a tight opening will restrict what can be loaded. I don’t understand why manufacturers simply don’t adopt the liftback design.
Sonata N-Line Features
- Head-Up Display (HUD),
- 10.25-inch satellite navigation system,
- Smartphone connectivity (via Apple CarPlayTM or Android AutoTM),
- Bose Premium Sound System with CenterPoint,
- Electrically adjusted driver’s and passenger’s seats,
- Heated and ventilated front seats & heated rear seats,
- Power sunroof,
- Wireless smartphone charging,
- Personalised driver profiles,
- Climate control air conditioning with Smart temperature comfort control system,
- Bose premium audio system,
- Power rear windshield curtain with manual rear window blinds,
- Electronic Heated folding mirrors,
- Electro chromatic rear view mirror and
- Panoramic glass sunroof
Sonata N-Line engine and drivetrain
Powered by an all-new Smartstream Petrol 2.5-litre Turbo GDi engine that produces 213kW and 422Nm. This drives the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) arrangement. Comes with launch control and N Power shift.
The transmission is better than many DCTs but still a little jerky at times especially around town.
The DCT features a rev-matching function for downshifts, and will select the suitable shifting pattern depending on the driving mode, providing an enhanced sense of acceleration in the sports modes.
A Drive Mode system provides a choice of normal, sport, sport+ and custom modes according to the driver’s tastes and the road conditions.
Selection of each brings mode-specific graphics for the instrument cluster, which also offers a central performance gauge in the sport modes, which allows the monitoring of vitals such as engine oil temperature, torque and turbo boost pressure.
Sonata benefits from extensive localised tuning for the suspension. Its a little firm and there is some road feedback from the tyres but overall its sporty more than comfortable.
Sonata N-Line Safety
No ANCAP rating but there is an abundance of safety features. It benefits from the advanced SmartSenseTM technologies.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA),
- High Beam Assist (HBA),
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA),
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW),
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) System,
- Lane Following Assist (LFA),
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA),
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA- Car/Pedestrian/ Cyclist),
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Junction Turning (FCA-JX),
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go,
Other safety features include
- Six air bags,
- Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM),
- Surround View Monitor (SVM) w/ Rear View Monitor and Parking Guidance,
- Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA),
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold
Hyundai iCare
Hyundai iCare customer care program offers a comprehensive suite of owner benefits including;
- Lifetime Service Plan,
- 5 Year Unlimited Km Warranty,
- complimentary Roadside Assist for 12 months on new vehicles,
- 1,500km complimentary first service,
- a dedicated Customer Care Centre, and
- myHyundai – an exclusive owner website.
- When servicing with Hyundai, customers will also receive a Roadside Support Plan for up to 10 years, a 10 Year Sat Nav Update Plan, and more.