Playing the new Sonata

Playing the new Sonata

It has been a worldwide hit, turning heads everywhere it’s gone. And now it’s
finally arrived in India. The new sixth generation of the Hyundai Sonata is
undoubtedly one of the best looking in its class. This is most ironic, because
the first Sonata to come to India (which was the facelifted fourth generation
called Sonata EF) was also considered very attractive, but was followed by the
fifth-generation Sonata NF, which was panned for being too generic looking.
That is in fact where Hyundai lost its hold on this segment altogether, with
the Honda Accord and subsequently, the Skoda Superb, taking over.

The car really is quite stunning. Look at the nose and you can see channels
flow outwards from the base of the grille in waves, the heavily raked
windscreens allow the cabin to rise and fall gently, and even the heavy
crease on the doors seems to be caused by the arc of fluid emanating from
the front wheel. The Sonata, known as the i45 abroad, looks even more
attractive from the rear, those beautifully detailed tail-lights and the
spot-on proportions of the boot making it look really pleasing to the eye.

Although completely redesigned just one model year ago, Hyundai has also
updated the latest model year with the addition of Blue Link, the Korean
automaker's own infotainment system, as a standard feature.

The rear itself is a work of art and the dual exhaust pipes add to the entire
aura of this car. The coupe inspired roofline is a neat touch to the flowing
design and brings together this car in a no-nonsense, purposeful manner. Its
worthy of mention that the new Sonata is bigger than its predecessor on all
accounts and now measures 4,820mm in length, 1,835mm in width,1,490mm in height
and has a wheelbase of 2,795mm. Despite the increase in overall size, the car
still manages to look very agile and light. Riding on neat 215/55 R 17 tubeless
tyres shod on crafted 17 inch alloys that compliment the exterior package, it
can safely be said that the new Sonata scores on all accounts of aesthetic
appeal, a fact that I am sure even the most die hard design critics will agree
upon.