2017 Hyundai Sonata she says, he says review

He says: The march of progress is strong within the car industry, where manufacturers constantly try to out-do each other by giving customers the best car possible for a competitive price. Hyundai's medium-sized Sonata sedan has strong competition in the ever-popular Toyota Camry as well as upgraded rivals in the new Kia Optima or Skoda Superb and facelifted Mazda6, so the brand updated its contender for 2017.

The mid-range Sonata Elite here benefits from additions such as heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors and a new electronic park brake that build on an already impressive level of standard specifications.

You lived with the car for a few days Dani, what were your first impressions?

She says: I know it's called a mid-sizer but the Sonata feels huge. There is so much room in the cabin, along with ample storage space, cup holders and convenient power outlets. The leather trim feels good and the interior appears upmarket. However, what really impressed me was the boot - it's enormous. While I haven't driven the latest edition, I also understand there's more driver appeal, Dave?

He: That's right, Hyundai has made a dynamic tweak or two to the Sonata that makes it a more willing ally on the road. You're also right about the Sonata's space - it is a roomy machine with a truly cavernous boot that will swallow plenty of kit as well as a full-size spare wheel.

Turning back to the dynamic upgrades, the Sonata benefits from better tyres - Continental rubber, in this case - as well as steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that make for a slightly more engaging drive. Those changes gel nicely with the Sonata's Australian-tuned suspension, which offers an excellent blend of comfort and control.

She: I was pleasantly surprised how well the Sonata handled the road. While it's no race car, the Sonata is engaging and comfortable as a family sedan. Another strong point is the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which produces 180kW and 350Nm; there's no real lag, the six-speed auto is smooth and it's quiet on road. I agree that you can tell the suspension has been localised to suit Australian conditions, and the better rubber probably makes a difference too. It's a little thirsty though.

He: Yep, fuel consumption is a real weakness of the Sonata, which officially uses 9.2L/100km of unleaded, a number that climbs well into double figures in the real world. That's the trade-off for having grunt on tap, though, and the Sonata's punchy engine feels stronger than most rivals, and less stressed in everyday running. I'd argue that safety is more important than performance in this corner of the market, how does it stack up on that front?

She: Hyundai offers the reassurance of a five-star safety rating along with six airbags for occupant protection. But there is no automated emergency braking, and that's disappointing given it comes standard in so many cars these days. The top of the range Sonata Premium does feature more safety gear such as radar cruise control, blind-spot detection and lane departure warning but it will set you back $45,490 plus on-road costs - more than $7000 over the mid-range Elite. What do you think about its value?

He: You certainly get a lot of car for your money here, though you could say the same for just about all of the medium-sized sedans offered by mainstream brands. You get climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with sat nav, leather trim, smart keys and more. The real clincher for many people will be a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty that offers more peace of mind than the likes of Toyota or Ford.

She: I agree Dave, you do get a lot of car for that price. You can also add a panoramic sunroof for an extra $2000, which is standard in the Premium.
However, I was surprised to find the Sonata Elite costs slightly more than the Ford Mondeo. Pardon the pun but I do think the Mondeo is probably the more elite of the two cars.

He: Yeah, the Sonata's pricing could be a little more competitive, and it's not quite a class leader for me. The Mondeo is great, as is Skoda's Superb sedan and wagon. Would you buy one?

She: It's a great car to drive and it's a genuine contender in this growing mid-size market. There are some impressive new features but the exclusion of automated emergency braking is a deterrent for me. As well as it drives, I think key safety features such as AEB should be standard in a family car.

He: You have a good point there, and Hyundai has a great opportunity to sort that out later this year. A facelifted version of the Sonata is due to be released locally in the second half of the year, and the updated model could well bring improved safety kit - and better styling - to Hyundai's four-door range.

2017 Hyundai Sonata Elite price and specifications

Price: From $38,350 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo Petrol

Power: 180kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1400-4000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 9.2L/100km

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