Sonata from the Hyundai stable

HAVING ESTABLISHED themselves in the Indian automobile scene the foreign car manufacturers are now introducing their upper segment products - the `D' segment. They have in their stables a load of options for the buyer but after doing a rigorous market study they are all coming out with their best foot forward in the D segment. Honda is coming out with Accord, Ford with the Mondeo, Daewoo with Laganza, GM with Vectra, Toyota with the Camry, Benz with its `C' class and the Skoda with the Octavia.

The Sonata from Hyundai is a unique car in many respects. Not only does it have a large number of innovative features, but it is also the forerunner of a new segment of cars. While other automobile companies are still finalising their specifications on their new luxury cars, Hyundai recently unveiled its Sonata to the motoring fraternity at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Delhi. The new Sonata is quite a big car, comparable to the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. While traditionally Korean cars have never matched comparable Japanese or European build quality, the new Sonata breaks fresh ground with its design and construction. Inspired by the new Jaguar from the rear and the sides, the Sonata is definitely for the aspirational buyer who wants to own a Jaguar but cannot. The front headlights though have been inspired by the Mercedes C-Class.

Powering the Sonata in India is a 2-litre, 4-cylinder 16-valve engine with double overhead camshafts, providing 133 bhp of power and 18.5 kg of torque. While this may not exactly provide for high speed sprinting, it is still adequate power for a comfortable drive. What would have been even better is the 2.5 litre V6 which Hyundai has in its kitty coupled to an automatic transmission. This is because in spite of everything, Hyundai is not offering an automatic option for its engine at the moment though Mr. B. V. R. Subbu did mention that this option could be looked into if deemed feasible. What is however unique for this segment is that the Sonata features folding mirrors, like seen on luxury cars and is a good theft-deterrent feature for the mirror glasses inside. Projector lamps in the front lights offer good beam quality and spread and are also being introduced for the first time in India. The engine and the transmission are both mounted on hydraulic mounts for a quieter ride and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Gas-filled shock absorbers at both front and rear enhance the ride comfort considerably.

The interiors of the Sonata have not changed from the earlier version. The instrumentation and controls basically remain the same, though the trip computer is now digital as is the prevailing norm. Funnily enough, leather upholstery is not available in the Indian version nor is power adjustment for the driver's seat, some of the most common features in other markets. Special mention must be made of the electronic climate control system wherein you simply have to dial in a temperature and the car's computer automatically maintains it for you. The system can also sense the outside temperature and automatically set a comfortable temperature inside, depending on the number of people and load conditions. This will also be a new feature in India in this segment as no car so far, barring the Mercedes S-320 has this feature. Of course, other manufacturers' offerings are expected to follow suit.

Also worthy of mention is the air-purifier in the car which does a good job of changing the air inside from stale to fresh, without compromising on the air-conditioning comfort. This again is a feature unique to this car. The car also has a sound system which is basically a 2-DIN system comprising an FM/AM tuner, a single-CD player and a full-logic cassette deck. It is a good sound system in terms of specifications, though the tonal quality of the sound is not at all that impressive. A CD-changer is optional.

The Sonata is high on safety too. Standard safety features include dual side-impact beams, energy absorbing collapsible steering, front and rear crumple zones, engine sub-frame and reinforced bumpers. For driving safety, there is anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) which prevent wheelspin and give complete control by preventing over and understeer. A driver's airbag is available optionally as well.

The Sonata, when launched in July 2001 is expected to cost around Rs.14-16 lakh. This is a high price considering the fact that it retails for a much lower price in many other countries including U.S., and that too with a higher specification in engine size and accessories such as leather upholstery and front and side air- bags. Of course, a few will always buy this car or choose from its compatriots waiting to enter this segment, though the growth might not be too dramatic. Let us now wait for an answer to Hyundai's challenge from the likes of Honda and Toyota.

Tutu Dhawan

(The author can be contacted at: anything@tutudhawan.com)

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