Hyundai Sonata Transform CRDi A/T
Maxabout Review
Most Feature Rich & Affordable In Its Segment
Monday, February 09, 2009
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company since its introduction with model year 1988. The Sonata has evolved through four generations and several intermediate restylings. The name Sonata derives from the musical term for a composition featuring one or more solo instruments. Sonata Transform is the all-new upgraded version of the Sonata Embera. Compared to the Embera, the Transform hosts several new features and upgrades in terms of style, comfort, and convenience.
The impulsive style, power-packed performance, and exquisite interiors are offered at a very tempting and affordable price in comparison to other entry level luxury sedans like Honda Accord & Skoda Laura. Perfectly priced within the range Rs 14 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh, the car is available in three variants with colour options of crystal while, black diamond, ice blue, silky beige, and space silver.
Following additions have been made in Sonata Transform:
- Enlarged chrome radiator grille
- Wider front bumper and air dam
- Larger headlamps
- New design alloy wheels
- New instrument cluster
- Re-designed center console
- Dual tone interiors
- Chrome and wood finish inserts in centre console
The Sonata Transform is available in both diesel and petrol versions in two main variants - 2.4 VTVT (Petrol) and 2.0 CRDi (Diesel). The petrol version is powered by a 2.4-litre MPFI second generation Theta engine that produces 173 bhp and diesel variants come with a 148 bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT).
The petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and diesel engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 4-Speed H-Matic automatic gearbox which gives the choice of shifting from automatic to a manual sports mode when required. The front independent double wishbone suspension and rear multi-link suspension come with coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars similar to the Embera and offer a stable and highly comfortable ride.
Redefining the concept of luxury sedans in the country, Hyundai has successfully integrated significant characteristics of a premium sedan beneath the flowing profile of the new Sonata. The car exterior is complimented with elegant enhancements like slimmer body side moldings, chrome radiator grille, fog lamps, wider front bumper and air dam, larger headlamp clusters, and the newly designed 5 spoke 16 inch alloy wheels.
The transformation continues inside, where almost all the interior plastics have been upgraded. A new center console, dashboard, and door panels are intended to project a more luxurious image than the current pieces. When steeping into the new Sonata, you will find a world of car innovations. Ranging from high-end safety features to luxurious and convenient car features, Sonata has all under one roof.
Some of the most striking features in the sophisticated ambience are the smart key that incorporates keyless ignition and remote door opening, steering remote control for audio, dual tone finish, subtle touches of chrome, car audio player with USB and auxiliary port, and fine quality leather wrapped on steering wheel and gear knob. Mechanical changes make up the biggest part of the refresh. A revised front subframe makes the Sonata safer in frontal collisions.