Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has taken to rejuvenate the Sonata by giving it a big breath of fresh air for their 2.0L and 2.4L variants extensively having looked at aesthetics, features, cabin and powerplant to help bring about a marked change to not just the looks, but also the feel as well.
The exterior of the Sonata for 2013 gets a revamped front grille, new wrap-around LED tail lamps as well as a pair of front fog lamps as standard, just that specifically for the 2.4L variant; it now receives the cat-eye shaped HID headlamps and additional LED lights incorporated into the fog lamps, LED indicator wing mirrors and finally a new set of eye-catching 18″ rims.
Within the cabin of the 2.0L variant, there will be slight changes made to the centre console, where the control buttons have been revamped for better ergonomics for the driver. In addition, a deep blue LED backlight has been thrown into the mix.
However, the 2.4L variant now receives a Dual Zone Auto Climate air-conditioning feature. Also the gearshift for both the 2.0L and 2.4L is improved with the step-gate shift pattern type resulting in a more precise shift.
In addition, there’s also a Lukas Blackbox Video Recorder, which provides real time recording of the situation in front while the car is moving. In the event of an accident, the recording can be presented as evidence.
Should the nasty occur, the 2.4L Sonata variant for 2013 gets equipped with 6-airbags, ASD (Amplitude Selective Damper) helps in providing for a smoother ride and helps to optimize handling whilst working with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), including the likes of a Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) – which helps to prevent slipping for up to 2 seconds when stopped on an incline.
It so happens that the ESP now features an engine control unit that receives input from individual wheel speed sensors, a yaw sensor and a steering angle sensor and will apply the brakes on individual wheels to help in handling duties.
The Nu 2.0L 4-cylinder engine has now taken up residence in the under the hood, it’s block made from aluminum and presenting a 30% reduction in terms of engine weight (33.6kg). Within the block exists an offset crankshaft that’s been designed to help reduce friction between the piston and cylinder’s wall, allowing for a 1% improvement in fuel economy.
The Hyundai Sonata Facelift 2.0L and 2.4L are now available for viewing, booking and test-drive at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
The pricing for the Hyundai Sonata Facelift 2.0L and 2.4L variants are as follows:
– Sonata Facelift 2.0L Elegance – RM137,888 (OTR)
– Sonata Facelift 2.0L Executive – RM145,888 (OTR)
– Sonata Facelift 2.0L Executive Plus – RM149,388 (OTR)
– Sonata Facelift 2.0L Sport – RM151,888 (OTR)
– Sonata Facelift 2.4L Premium – RM173,888 (OTR)
– Sonata Facelift 2.4L Sport – RM176,388 (OTR)
*Pricing is valid only for Peninsula Malaysia and is inclusive of insurance and road tax
HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. Hyundai’s extended warranty is in accordance to its manufacturing warranty. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles.
Malaysian motorists can place their bookings at the nearest sales outlet or call its Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.
