Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GDi AT

Sonata 2.4 GDi AT Review

Hyundai Motors is the second largest automaker in India and has a wonderful fleet of cars, which includes the New Hyundai Sonata as well. This is a luxury sedan that comes in two variants with petrol engine as standard. The New Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GDi AT is the top end variant and is equipped with a 2.4-litre, GDi petrol engine. This motor comes incorporated with a gasoline direct injection system and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. This variant is bestowed with several sophisticated aspects including the driver information system featuring a vacuum florescent display with blue illumination. It is integrated with a tachometer, speedometer, journey time and several other information based functions. This trim also features advanced features like a cruise control system, push button engine start/stop function and smart key and other such aspects. This sedan comes with an asserting body design that is equipped with several styling cosmetics like xenon headlamps, wrap-around rear LED combination lights and fluidic inspired chrome radiator grille. The insides of this sedan comes with X-concept design that makes the interiors look plush and spacious as well. This luxury sedan comes with a standard warranty period of four years or 100,000 kilometers, which can be extended at an extra cost.

Exteriors:

This sedan comes with a Fluidic body design, which gives it an asserting look. To begin with the front profile, this sedan has cat-eye shaped headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity xenon headlamps and turn indicators. In the center, there is a distinctly designed radiator grille inspired by a cascading waterfall, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. Its front bumper is in body color and comes equipped with a wide air intake section along with a pair of fog lights. The overall look of the front is complimented by the chrome plated company's insignia engraved on to the grille. Its side profile have sweeping character lines, which gives an aerodynamic stance to the vehicle. Its external wing mirrors are in body color that are further integrated with LED side blinkers . Here, the door handles along with the window waistline molding gets a chrome treatment, while the B pillars are in glossy black shade. Its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of Flangeless 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with a set of high performance 215/55 R17 sized tubeless radial tyres. The rear profile has a modernistic design where the tailgate is decorated with a thick appliqué and company's badging, which are treated in chrome. Surrounding this is the wrap-around taillight cluster that comes equipped with energy saving LED combination lights.

Interiors:

This luxury sedan comes with dual tone interiors featuring X-concept design that provides more space, while giving a magnificent look to the cabin. It has a beige and black colored dashboard that comes equipped with an instrument panel, storage compartment along with a V shaped central console. It is further equipped with an infotainment system, automatic AC unit and various other utility aspects. Its also has a four spoke steering wheel with a two tone scheme that is mounted with multi-functional switches and paddle shifters as well. The seats inside have been integrated with head restraints, which have been covered with premium quality leather upholstery. The driver seat has a 10-way power adjustable facility including lumbar support and memory settings, while the passenger seat has 4-way power adjustment facility. At the same time, rear seats have 60:40 split folding facility, which is helpful to increase boot volume . This trim is bestowed with several utility based features including tilt and telescopic steering, cluster ionizer, cool glove box, ECO indicator, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, battery saver, rear air con vents and several other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

The company has equipped this sedan with a 2.4-litre GDi petrol engine that is incorporated with a gasoline direct injection system. It is based on DOHC valve configuration with four cylinders and sixteen valves that displaces 2359cc. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of about 198.25bhp at 6300rpm that results in a peak torque output of 250Nm at 4250rpm. This power plant is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox that distributes the torque output to the front wheels. The manufacturer claims that the vehicle can deliver a peak mileage in the range of 10 to 12.35 Kmpl, which is somewhat satisfying considering its caliber.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels are paired with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones have been coupled with solid disc brakes, which are further accompanied with high performance brake calipers. The car maker has equipped this trim with an electronic stability program that collaborates with ABS and EBD to reinforce the overall braking mechanism . This trim also gets a electric power steering system, which provides excellent response and makes handling simpler. Its front axle is fitted with McPherson strut and the rear axle is equipped with multi-link type of system.

Comfort Features:

The New Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GDi AT is the top end variant, which is packed with several advanced comfort features. The list of features includes a cruise control system, paddle shifters, front seat warmer, dual zone fully automatic air conditioning system, cluster ionizer, electrically adjustable and retractable outside mirror featuring heating function and many other such features. Apart from these, this trim has alternator management system , rear armrest with in-built audio remote control and power outlets, driver seat with memory setting, smart key with push button start, all four power windows with driver side one touch operation and sunglass holder.

Safety Features:

This luxury sedan is bestowed with several advanced safety aspects, which provides good protection to the occupants. The list includes dual front airbags with passenger detection system, side and curtain airbags, impact sensing door unlock, speed sensing auto door lock, active head rest, engine immobilizer, keyless entry with security alarm, central door locking , rear defogger with timer, electro chromic mirror, rear view camera, foot type parking brake and door courtesy lamp. It also has anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and electronic stability program.


Pros:
1. Safety and comfort features are top class.
2. Exterior and interior appearance is a big plus.

Cons:
1. Price range can be more competitive.
2. Below par fuel economy is its disadvantage.