Wednesday, 23 April 2014

2015 Hyundai Sonata Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos ...

2015 Hyundai Sonata Review, Ratings, Specs, <b>Prices</b>, and Photos <b>...</b>

2015 Hyundai Sonata Review, Ratings, Specs, <b>Prices</b>, and Photos <b>...</b>

Posted: 16 Apr 2014 08:04 AM PDT

The outgoing generation of the Hyundai Sonata has been a bold move—a bold move that has paid off, on the merits of a particularly daring yet practical design, strong yet efficient engines, and good value all around. The Sonata has been one of the keys to the brand's surge in popularity and sales in the American market; and now the 2015 Sonata gets a full redesign that subs in 'dignified' for 'dramatic' design-wise while at last delivering on the refinement and technology that the last generation promised.

The 2015 Sonata features a classier and more sophisticated (while also more conservative) take on that current design—one that might very well age more gracefully than the innovative 2011-2014 Sonata. Achieved by adopting the automaker's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language first seen on the 2015 Genesis, the new look dresses up the curves with a little more formality. The new car is just a smidge longer and wider, which boosts interior space, but overall what it adds up to, essentially, is a more subtle, nuanced look to the car as a whole. Changes are subtle but add up to a suit that looks more tailored, less modern. A new rear lip spoiler with chrome surround, as well as a dual exhaust with bright tips brings the Sonata in line with the mid-size-sedan mainstream, as do standard LED daytime running lamps.

The Sonata Sport is the visual standout of the lineup, with its new front-end appearance (Hyundai points to a grille and bumper it terms more aggressive), with side rocker extensions and added chrome body-side molding. Sport 2.0T models get an additional rear bumper fascia and quad exhaust tips, with showy 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2015 Sonata looks a little more formal as well, with controls now compartmentalized into horizontal arrays and angled slightly toward the driver; it's a bit more like the design used in the closely related Kia Optima. The steering wheel now has a sportier design, and the column itself has been redesigned.

Power ratings actually go down a bit for both of Hyundai's engines in the 2015 Sonata, versus last year's model, but the automaker says that the different tuning should result in better responsiveness at low and mid revs. The base 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine now makes 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0T version has a smaller-turbine turbocharger and makes 245 hp and 260 lb-ft. In either case, you get a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual controls, in this front-wheel-drive sedan.

Underpinning the car is a modified version of the front-wheel-drive platform of the previous Sonata. But the changes to the 2015 Sonata don't just add up to a reskin; Hyundai has reinforced sub-frame mounting points and added stiffer sub-frame bushings, while the Sonata's rear suspension gets a new geometry, with dual lower arms replacing single ones (helping maintain composure under strong braking). Otherwise, the suspension has been tuned for a sportier drive (testing even took place at Germany's Nürburgring) and structural rigidity improved. Torsional strength is up 41 percent.

Quieting the cabin has been a focus, according to Hyundai, and engineers have placed more sound deadening at the firewall and beneath the dash, as well as under the floor—to help seal out road noise.

New technologies lifted from the 2015 Genesis include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and active cruise control. There's also a new Lane Change Assist system that places warning lamps in the side mirrors to warn of approaching vehicles. The Sonata otherwise includes seven airbags, now including a driver's knee bag. In recent model years, the Sonata has earned a federal five-star Overall Rating as well as top 'good' IIHS results.

Don't expect Hyundai to budge much on features, with the new version packing in plenty of features at an impressive price point. Sunshades are still a segment exclusive, and a smart trunk feature allows the owner to approach the vehicle with the key fob in a pocket; once they stand in a particular area for three seconds, the trunk will open.

Infotainment systems have been upgraded in the 2015 Sonata, which includes voice-command Bluetooth features, satellite radio connectivity, and iPod/USB connectivity at all trim levels. On offer on higher trims is a navigation system with larger eight-inch screen, apps compatibility for Pandora and SoundHound, and HD radio; and that system now includes improved touch sensitivity, a split-screen view, Sirius XM Travel Link services, and the ability to record up to 22 minutes of satellite radio.

Those models with navigation also have Apple Eyes Free Siri integration—allowing an enhanced level of tasks. High-end 400-watt Infinity audio is also available. Next-generation Blue Link services also arrive in the 2015 Sonata and include such things as Remote Start, Destination Search (powered by Google), and a car-care in-vehicle app.

The all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata will go on sale early this summer; check back here for a full review and driving impressions ahead of its arrival.
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