AFTER launching the Hyundai Genesis Coupé that made Filipinos’ jaws drop, trust it to Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) and its president Fe Agudo, to create another stir in the Philippine automotive market when it blew the covers off the all-new Hyundai Sonata—a luxury car that can match the likes of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and even European executive sedans.
Inspired by a flawless orchid, Hyundai’s research and engineering team duplicated the aesthetic and symmetrical values of the flower to produce a simple and clean look for what the company refers to as its Next Generation midsize sedan. Looking deeper into finer details, the car’s designers also endowed it with a direct resemblance to yet another element of nature—water, free-flowing and dynamic, which projects beauty that exceeds expectations and also seems to announce that it is opening broad horizons in the future of mobility.
At first glance, the Sonata looks like a four-door version of the Genesis Coupé with an elegant double sun-sloping roof. Its “fluidic” sculpture unraveled by sweeping character lines implies that it is a car built not only for second glances, but speed as well. The Sonata’s exterior features elegant-looking projection-type headlamps with HID plus leveling device and auto light control. It also has MFR-type fog lamps both in front and rear as well as chrome-coated radiator grille and high-mount LED-type stop lamp.
Available in several derivatives: the GLS 2.4 AT, GLS 3.3 AT, Sonata Theta II GLS 2.4 6AT and the Sonata Theta II GLS 2.4 6AT Premium, the Sonata is blessed with both comfort and superb handling.
During this writer’s trials in the top-of-the-line Sonata Theta II GLS 2.4 6AT Premium, spirited acceleration as well as excellent response, not to mention a very smooth ride in all driving situations was the norm. Fuel mileage, which hovers around 11.3 km/liter in mixed driving conditions, is impressive for an engine of such size. Unlike most four-cylinder sedans in its segment, available power is more than average. On flat, straight highways, the engine is quiet and smooth. Although the Sonata wasn’t intended for much higher performance driving, this sedan still manages to follow aggressive driver commands without sudden surprises. Body roll is pronounced enough to make nautical references and the brake feel is soft throughout a long pedal arc, but reasonable in normal conditions. The Sonata is simply perfect on the road like a complete orchestra that is fully equipped with the top-of-the-line instruments.
When it comes to convenience, the Sonata has it all—interior space is generous, allowing for easy ingress and egress. Front seat comfort is exceptional, with plenty of power-adjustable features that are found across all trim levels as either standard or optional equipment. The car is fitted with front leather seats that come with height adjustment and lumbar support/recline-up and down adjustment, active headrests and seatback pockets; 60:40 split folding rear seats with rear center armrest and cupholder plus up/down adjustment headrest; eight-way power driver seat adjustment with IMS (integrated memory system) and four-way front passenger adjustment; auto cruise control; trip computer; auto light control; full auto air conditioning with soft touch control plus ambient sensor and rear cooling duct; radio plus six-CD plus MP3, aux input plus USB and iPod cable with six speakers and subwoofer external amp; and the best is cruising while listening to my favorite songs and seeing the sun blue sky through the panoramic sunroof of the Sonata.
From the driver seat, visibility is outstanding thanks to the sedan’s low beltline and hydraulic power steering with four-spoke leather manual tilt and telescopic plus audio and cruise control remote paddle shift. A comfortable driving position should be easily found by almost any sized pilot, setting controls within easy reach. The Sonata’s steering is very light at parking lot speeds, making parallel parking in tight spots effortless. The gauges are easy on the eyes, with a soothing blue glow.
Any passenger would feel safe and secure riding the Sonata as it features front SRS airbags; side and curtain airbags (a total of six airbags built-in); ABS (antilock braking system); ESC (electronic stability control); locking control (central door lock/unlock [driver control] plus inside handle override; auto door lock/unlock impact sensing and the smart key with button start.
In Photo: It sings! The 2010 Hyundai Sonata figuratively sets the tone for future midsize sedans. (Photo by Popong Andolong)
