Hyundai Sonata Transform

Hyundai India has refurbished their flagship model, the Sonata for the better. Based on the 5^th generation platform, which we knew as the Sonata Embera, Hyundai's new car has now transformed into a formidable package.


It's a reasonable small marketplace to which the Sonata Transform belongs to. Competition is tough and the top dog in the bracket is none other than the Honda Accord. The Skoda Laura also slots into this segment, competing in the diesel engined class. Overall demand for this segment is around 8000 units, so the fight is neck and neck and the playground is small. Hyundai knows this only too well with lessons learnt from the Embera. This has only made Hyundai's ambition grow and now with the revitalized Transform, the company has decided to go head on with the competition like never before.

At first glance, it is a little difficult to tell the car apart from its predecessor, however a closer look reveals more. The Sonata Transform now possesses a more elegant undertone to the entire external look of the car. This visual appeal is dominated by the large front headlight clusters and the slightly reworked taillights that liven up the exteriors considerably. Hyundai has also given the new car slimmer body mouldings and a reworked the front bumper to give it a sleeker flowing look which also adds to the car coming across visually as a wider and more elegant package. The bumper also incorporates a larger air dam and the radiator grille is now done up in chrome to give the Transform a richer up market look. Topping of the exterior visual appeal are the stylish new alloy rims shod with 215/60 R 16 tubeless tyres, which accentuate the car's sleek design.

Getting inside the Sonata Transform is where the real surprise lies. Unlike its predecessor which possessed rather dull interiors, the Transform now comes with a distinct up market fit and feel to the entire cocoon. It's spacious and has oodles of place to stow away little knick knacks and the wood inserts actually look very stylish. The plastics are great and so is the look and feel of the dash; however the only grouse are the chrome bits that could do with a better finish. Apart from that, Hyundai has kitted out the car immensely and comes loaded with creature comforts such as the separate climate for driver and passenger, multi-activity controls on steering wheel, MP3 compatible audio system and a complete leather trim pack. On the diesel VGT automatic model, Hyundai also offers keyless entry and keyless ignition. A special note to mention here is that the diesel automatic Sonata Transform is the kingpin of the range and comes packed with the most goodies.

What is hidden away from view yet very much important for a car of its class are the enhanced safety bits like ABS and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and also four airbags (dual front and two sides) as standard equipment. In fact if you want even more, you can opt for the optional airbag packages which comprises of two curtain air bags for just Rs. 31,807. It's a good value add to the entire package.
The true transformation of the Sonata, that makes this makeover on the 5th generation platform more than a lipstick job, lies under the hood of the car. An all new second generation 2.4-litre unit from Hyundai's Theta family of petrol engines has been lowered in to power the flagship model. This new engine sports a variable intake system (VIS) and variable valve technology (VTVT) resulting in not just ample power (175PS at 6000rpm) and torque (238 Nm at 4000rpm) but also in a more refined power delivery. The company also claims that fuel efficiency is also enhanced with the adoption of these new bits and also additional frictional busting technologies employed within the powertrain. Fitted to a five speed manual transmission, the petrol Sonata is definitely a better drive than its predecessor. The car capitalizes on the horses being churned out by the engine and you never really feel out of breath, even well into three digit speedo territory.

Hyundai is also offering a diesel variant of the Sonata Transform, which will not only appeal to the penny conscience but will also address the growing need for affordable premium diesel sedans. The diesel mill is the same as the one employed under the hood of the outgoing Sonata Embera, namely the proven 2.0-litre, four-cylinder CRDI engine, however power has been upped from 142 PS to 150PS. This unit is noted for its strong torque thrust, developing 315Nm across a wide powerband, aiding both straight line acceleration as well as high cruising speeds. While driving the car, there were times that you could mistake its sheer pick up for a petrol, of course the slightly vocal engine did give away the nature of fuel type, but in terms of hustling down a highway, the diesel is no slouch. With the diesel you get a choice of either a six speed manual gear box or the four speed automatic. The six speed is for those who like to drive the car themselves. It capitalizes on the powerband and does its duty in an impeccable manner. The four speed automatic is for the owners who prefer to be chauffer driven for it offers a smooth transition between gears and more importantly it ensures a smoother power delivery to avoid unwanted jerks making it a great car for the well heeled in the city.

The fact that the diesel engined Sonata Transform has more options not only in terms of gear box choices, but interior fitments goes to show that Hyundai is really looking at this version to bring in the numbers. After all, in this day of economic slowdowns and job cuts, it makes sense to have a plush car that doesn't chew a hole in your pocket.
Driving the Sonata Transform is a whole new experience as well. The higher powered engines deliver on the tarmac and the cars are quick off the spot. Attaining three digit figures is a brisk business and well within the scope of what the competition does. A full road test will reveal more in terms of numbers, but from a point of just feeling the power, the Sonata Transform is more than suitably powered. Despite its large proportions it is easily manageable in a city. The steering is light, suspension is soft and you almost feel as though you are floating. It soaks up bumps and passengers can rest assured that a commute in a Sonata will be a pleasurable experience.
Out on the highway the big Hyundai looses an edge due to the soft suspension, for the trade-off with a smooth ride is handling. At high speeds the ride remains smooth, but the inputs in terms of steering become a little vague and slightly unnerving. Let me add that is difficult to attain the best of both worlds and this trade off has to be looked at from the fact that most Sonata owners will predominantly use the car in the city, and this is where Hyundai has made their efforts count the most.
Having said that, the Sonata Transform lives up to its name as a total transformation from the Embera. It has been changed to deliver on many accounts and from the looks of it the car has the ability to shake things up in the D segment. Hyundai has accomplished a well executed enhancement on the Sonata, giving this car the highest appeal factor it has ever had.