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Considering the fact that C-segment crossovers are getting the most attention lately, D-segment cars are not a popular choice for potential buyers.
That said, D-segment sedans are still considered more ‘premium’ as they are built with a longer wheelbase and slightly wider dimensions overall. Additionally, these models also feature the latest powertrain and chassis developments.
This is true with the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata, a new offering that will revolutionize expectations for this class of products. And it does so looking absolutely stunning.
Let’s take a look at the technical improvements Hyundai has made to the latest version of its flagship sedan.
First things first: design. This is the best place to start because designing a car gives you an immediate idea of how you feel about it. We all want to drive cool cars because it makes us feel good about ourselves.
Hyundai went further this time by shedding the ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ philosophy of yesteryear for a ‘Sensual Sportiness’ design.
The result? An absolutely beautiful Sonata that is unlike anything else you would see on the road today.
There is much to appreciate in the design. Let’s take headlights as an example. They are fully LED, but you will notice a chrome stripe next to them, which continues all the way to the hood.
When the car is started, this chrome strip becomes the vehicle’s daytime running light (DRL). The effect is unique in that the light fades as it moves towards the windshield before returning to its “chrome effect”.
But that’s only a small part of the new design. The other aspect is Hyundai’s new Parametric Jewels design concept, which can be seen in the small details of the car.
You’ll find intricate ‘jewel-embellished’ surfaces along the side of the car, on the car’s tire caps, and on the interior knobs. Although this could be considered a minor detail, it does an excellent job of elevating the feel of the vehicle, albeit in very subtle ways.
Overall, the new Sonata sports a premium 4-door coupe look despite being a D-segment sedan. It is still a very large and practical vehicle with a large 2840mm base, 1860mm width and overall length. of 4900 mm and 510 liters of space in the trunk.
Appearances aside, the car’s features are also designed to impress. If there’s one thing Hyundai is known for, it’s giving customers more features than they’re used to.
The new Sonata gives you a host of equipment, including a 12.3 “digital instrument cluster, an 8” infotainment unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a Qi wireless charging dock, a head-up display screen, a panoramic sunroof and a 10-way feed. -adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, just to name a few.
There are two innovations in the new Sonata, which are the Qi wireless charger and the blind spot monitor. The former has a system that detects when the phone gets too hot and redirects the air through its ventilation ports to cool it down.
The Blindspot Monitor, on the other hand, displays a wide-angle camera feed to the digital instrument cluster every time signals are triggered. It really is quite a cool feature and it helps drivers get the information they need without much eye movement or distraction.
Next, let’s talk about the new engine. On paper, it may look like any other 4-pot 2.5-liter container. But in truth, this is the first of Hyundai’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrains.
These engines make extensive use of aluminum in their construction and also employ the world’s first continuously variable valve life (CVVD) technology. CVVD controls how long the valves stay open to reduce compressive strength when driving economically.
When more power is required, the intake valve closes at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for the blast. This improves torque to improve acceleration.
Simply put, the Smartstream G2.5 engine has 4% more performance, 5% more fuel efficiency and 12% more emissions.
Although passive safety isn’t a huge selling point for many drivers today, it’s definitely worth thinking about, especially if you’re family-oriented.
We’ve covered this before in a separate article, but it’s such an important part of any car that it’s worth mentioning over and over again.
The new Sonata’s platform increases the amount of high-strength steel used in its construction compared to previous generations.
Implemented not only in the pillars but also along parts of the floor, the additional strength and load path structures allow the car to excel in the ‘small overlap frontal crash test’ of the Insurance Institute for Safety on the Highways (IIHS).
The new chassis design also minimizes the car’s tendency to roll in a collision, providing best-in-class safety.
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