2015 Hyundai Sonata:
Raising Bar in Midsize Segment
Posted: Sunday,
October 5, 2014
By Arv
Voss, Motor Matters
With the all-new-for-2015 model, Sonata enters its
seventh generation just as Hyundai begins to celebrate its 30th year in the
U.S.
This Sonata epitomizes the essence of what
consumers expect, with exterior and interior styling that reflects Hyundai's
new design philosophy, which focuses on dynamics yet with a refined
luxuriousness.
The 2015 Sonata has also grown in stature: it is
taller, wider, and longer than before, yet even with its increased size, it
retains class-leading aerodynamics (Cd=0.27).
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is available with two Theta
II four-cylinder engines: the base 2.4-liter, GDI that produces 185 horsepower
and 178 lb.-ft. of torque powers SE, Limited, and Sport models; a
performance-oriented 2.0-liter twin-scroll Turbo GDI that delivers 245 horses
with 260 lb.-ft. of torque in a range from 1,350-4,000 rpm powers Sport 2.0T
models.
Both engines gear power to the front wheels through
a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic (the 2.0-liter turbo's
transmission also comes with paddle shifters). A third engine variant is also
available in the Sonata Eco model: Hyundai's 1.6-liter Eco twin-scroll turbo
GDI four-cylinder that mates to a seven-speed EcoShift DCT transmission with
Shiftronic. This engine makes 177 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Mileage
estimates for the three engines are 25 city/37 highway mpg for the 2.4L; 23/32
mpg for the 2.0L; and 28/38 mpg for the 1.6L.
Hyundai expects the Sport trim with the 2.4-liter
engine to be its volume model, followed by the Limited. Sonata pricing begins
at $21,150 (SE) for a $300 reduction under 2014 pricing, yet is has $300 added
feature content. Sport models start at $23,175; Limited at $26,525; Sport 2.0T
at $28,575; and Eco at $23,275. Add $810 destination and handling for all
models.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata features new rear
suspension, revised front suspension, and improved steering response, all
combining to promise better handling capability and vehicle stability.
The Sonata displays a sleek shape leading with
Hyundai's winged hexagonal grille that flows into a sloped, sculpted hood and
sharply raked windscreen and then carries over a gently curved cabin roof into
a slanted rear window and short deck with an integrated spoiler lip. In
profile, the fast, arching C-pillar creates a sporty coupe-like persona despite
its four doors, and the car sits low with pronounced wheelwells hugging the
wheels and tires. Its profile features a strong side character line, which
Hyundai refers to as a Sabre line, that's reflected and complemented by precise
rocker detailing.
I drove the Sonata Limited with the 2.4-liter
engine and six-speed automatic, as well as a Sonata Sport powered by the 2.0T
with the paddle shifter Shiftronic automatic.
The 2.4-liter engine seemed to generate more noise
when prodded with gusto than the 2.0T turbocharged powerplant, though the noise
was not really objectionable.
The turbo delivered a higher performance level than
the 2.4-liter model, but both performed satisfactorily in terms of
acceleration. Transmissions shifted smoothly, while the paddle shifters were
certainly enjoyable for manually changing gears. Both provided user-selectable
drive modes that delivered varying levels of vehicle performance ranging from
efficient, well-balanced, and dynamic, governed by choosing Eco, Normal, and
Sport, respectively.
All 2015 Hyundai Sonata models come with a host of
new safety features including a driver knee airbag, rear parking sensors, lane
departure warning, forward collision warning, auto high beam assist, blind spot
detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and individual tire
pressure monitoring.
Available convenience features include smart cruise
control with stop/start, electronic park brake with auto vehicle hold, driver
memory seat, rear side window sunshades, heated steering wheel, 60/40 split
folding rear seat and hands-free smart trunk.
Interior amenities include power front seats and
four-way driver lumbar ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats,
accent stitching, 4.2-inch color multi-info display and interior lights. There
are also available audio and navigation features including various
entertainment and connectivity links.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata lineup raises the bar in
the midsize sedan segment for design, performance and feature content.
SPECIFICATIONS
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED
VEHICLE TYPE_________________ 5-passenger FWD
midsize sedan
BASE PRICE___________________ $26,525 (as tested:
$32,385)
MOTOR TYPE__________________ 16-valve 4-cylinder
w/GDI
DISPLACEMENT________________ 2.4-liter
HORSEPOWER (net)_____________ 185 at 6000 rpm
TORQUE (lb.-ft.)________________ 178 at 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION_________________ 6-speed automatic
OVERALL LENGTH_______________ 191.1 in.
TURNING CIRCLE (curb-to-curb)___35.8 ft.
CURB WEIGHT__________________ 3,252 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY________________ 18.5 gal.
EPA MILEAGE RATING___________ 25 mpg city, 37 mpg
highway
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