Hyundai Sonata NF – Imported Version From Hyundai-Sime Darby
Hyundai-Sime Darby, the local importers and distributors for the Hyundai brand, recently introduced a much nicer looking version of the Sonata, with the suffix NF after the Sonata name. The NF has been designed to compete directly with the likes of the Camry, the Accord, Peugeot 407, and the Volkswagen Passat. At the same time, they also set out to maintain a competitive price, yet offer a comprehensive creature comfort package. Sold here in Malaysia as a CBU (Completely built-up), the NF is sold alongside the locally assembled version as an alternative for the executive who wants something a little more sophisticated.
Powered by an all-new, lightweight aluminium alloy Theta engine, the NF features a new shape and larger body that is totally different from the local assembled Sonata. The 2.4 litre DOHC unit with variable valve timing, features drive-by wire, and has an output of 161 PS at 5,800 rpm, and develops a maximum torque of 22.3 kg.m at 4250 rpm. Drive to the front wheels is through a 4-speed, electronically controlled automatic gearbox, with a manual shift option, drive is to the front wheels. A 5-speed box would have given the car a little more flexibility, but I suppose cost considerations had a lot to do with that decision.
The exterior shape, as said above, is totally new, and we are happy to note that the Sonata has stopped ‘pretending’ to be a Mercedes in front and a Jaguar at the rear. The new shape is more ‘European’, with a higher waistline. Clean lines are achieved by integrating the bumpers into the bodywork. In terms of dimensions versus the current model, the wheelbase has been extended 30mm to provide more legroom, and the boot capacity has bee enlarged by 64 litres. Seats are 27 mm higher. Headroom at the front has been increased by 18mm, while the rear has been increased by 15 mm. In a nutshell, I would venture to say that this is a vastly improved model, and I also expect that sometime not too far into the future, we would see the phasing out of the local Sonata.
Inside, there is plenty of room for both front and rear occupants, and the wide-opening doors make ingress and egress easy. Seat upholstery is velour type, with electric controls for the driver only. The four spoke steering is adjustable for height and reach.
The seats are comfortable, being of large enough size to fit most adults, and the rear seats split and fold, in addition to having headrests and a centre armrest with twin compartments.
The driver’s instruments have the speedometer taking centre stage, while the rev counter is on the left. The temperature gauge and fuel gauge is situated on the right hand side. In the centre of the instrument panel there is a LED screen to provide other driver information, including the gear position. The dashboard is two-tone grey with an aluminium-coloured separator in between. The audio system sits in the centre of the dashboard, while the air-conditioner controls are knobs situated in the centre console. The overall effect is ‘functional and simple’, without being ‘cheap’. Steering-mounted audio and cruise controls make for fingertip convenience.
For improved drivability, some features have been added on or re-designed. Body rigidity has been increased for better handling. This includes stronger front and rear sub-frames to carry the suspension and also cut down road noise intrusion into the cabin. Augmenting this is an optional Electronic Stability Control (ECS), integrated with ABS and TCS (Traction Control System). Also available as an option is Active Geometry Control Suspension that helps the car through corners by changing toe and camber automatically.
Suspension is double wishbone at the front, and an all-new rear multi-link setup with stabilizer bars at both ends. Some parts of the front suspension are made of aluminium, more, I suspect, to improve front/rear balance, than to reduce un-sprung weight, although it does this too. Wheels are 16-inch, with 215/60 R 16 Hankook tyres. In the brakes department, there are discs all round, with the front being vented, with EBA (Electronic Brake Assist) being part of the standard system.
For improved straight-line stability, caster has been increased from 3.5 degrees to 5.0 degrees. The effect is a strong ‘return-to-centre’ for the steering wheel, and a more stable feeling at high speeds when in a straight line. On the road, this stability translates into more confidence for the driver while traveling at high speeds, and gives the Sonata NF a ‘big car’ feel.
We had a short ‘feel-the- car’ session courtesy of Hyundai – Sime Darby Motors, and found the Sonata NF a pleasant car to drive. It is very quiet, and gearshifts are very smooth, thanks to the new engine design, and the electronic control units. The additional torque from the new engine does negate the downside of having a 4-speed gearbox a little, making it actually quite pleasant to drive. I suppose that the people who are going to buy this car would not be in too much of a hurry, this being an ‘executive’ kind of car. We had no chance to get it up to very high speeds, only managing a little above 180 km/hr on a short straight. Neither did we get an opportunity to see what kind of fuel consumption the Sonata NF would return. However, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has promised us a unit for a more comprehensive test later. Anyway, based on our short test, we find the Sonata NF is definitely an improvement over the current model. For RM160, 204 (price-on-the-road without insurance), it presents a great value for money package.
