2015 Hyundai Sonata Premium Review – A Turbo Chorus, A Better Sonata
The skinny: It wasn’t always this way. The Hyundai Sonata of ten or more years back was more porridge than chilli (that’s for sure). But this new Sonata, re-released here to replace the i45, is a much more enjoyable car than we might have expected.
Its Australian-tuned suspension is part of the reason: tested and refined on our worst roads, it has no trouble with our better ones.
The new Sonata also matches a lusty 2.0 litre turbo with a quality roomy interior and quiet comfortable ride. There will be a bit of scepticism in the market, but, aside from the new car’s thirst, we find little to complain about.
Vehicle style: Mid-size sedan
Price: $41,990
Engine/transmission: 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo | six-speed automatic.
Fuel consumption, claimed: 9.2 l/100km; tested: 9.9 l/100km.
OVERVIEW
The Sonata badge first appeared on a Hyundai in this country back in 1989, but was then dropped five years ago to make way for the now-departed i45 sedan.
It was a bit underwhelming then, and posed no threat to the Camry, Mazda6 and other key players in the mid-size segment, and the i45 did little better.
But, stung by media criticism of the i45’s suspension tuning, Hyundai set out to do something about it.