The Australian debut of the new 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been announced for this month which will bring new design, new standard features and a new transmission.
For the 2018 model year, a refined range sees the Elite variant removed from the line-up leaving only the Active and Premium models.
The Sonata’s new design gets Hyundai’s signature cascading grille which can also be found on the new i30 and Kona, new headlights, daytime running lights, redesigned profile appearance and a re-modelled rear end with new rear lights.
The use of chrome trim can now be found below the grille and on the lower edge of the front spoiler, as well as around the side window frames and belt line for a touch of bling.
Differentiating the Premium variant will be a unique sporty mesh grille insert, black headlamp bezels, and black highlights for DRL surrounds, lower front bumper and side mirror casings, dark chrome on the grille surrounds, waistline moulding and door handles and at the back, a rear diffuser and dual chrome-tipped exhausts.
For the 2018 Sonata range, two new alloy wheel designs are available. The Sonata Active features the five spoke with sweeping effect while the Premium variant will feature a twin-spoke design.
On the inside, a ‘piano key’ finish will now adorn the switches and buttons for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The audio unit gets an upgrade and the centre console has been rearranged.
Standard features now include satellite navigation for the whole Sonata range with SUNA live traffic updates. There is also a new in-dash 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both 2018 Sonata variants will also feature a new three-spoke steering wheel design, however, the Premium will have a flat-bottomed wheel and unique gear knob.
The 2018 Sonata Active will now include dual-zone climate control with auto defog, smart key with push-button start, Smart Boot with hands-free opening and chrome exterior door handles.
New standard inclusions in the 2018 Sonata Premium is LED headlights, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and a wireless charging pad (Qi standard).
In a stupid move, Active buyers will miss out on the SmartSense safety pack which is exclusive to the Premium. Surprisingly, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) isn’t available on either model.
Under the bonnet of the 2018 Sonata Active, the 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine develops 138kW of power and 241Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission will send drive to the front wheels.
The Sonata Premium uses a 2.0-litre 180kW/353Nm turbocharged petrol which is matched to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The eight-speed transmission also allows the choice of four driving modes – comfort, eco, sport and smart – to be selected.
2018 Hyundai Sonata pricing (excludes on-road costs):
Sonata Active - $30,990
Sonata Premium - $45,490
Options
Premium paint – $595
2018 Sonata Active Key specifications:
6 airbags
17-inch alloy wheels
8" satellite navigation system
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto compatibility
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Auto dusk-sensing headlights
Bluetooth connectivity
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
3.5-inch TFT supervision cluster
Rear park assist system
Dual-zone climate control
Rear view camera
Smart key & push button start
Leather-appointed steering wheel & knob
Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
Cruise control
Chrome exterior door handles
Smart Boot (hands-free opening)
Cloth interior
Premium door centre trim
Front & rear power windows; One touch auto up/down driver window
2018 Sonata Premium Key specifications above Active:
2.0 Turbo-GDi engine (180kW)
LED headlights
LED taillights
Panoramic glass sunroof
SmartSense including;
-Smart Cruise Control
-Blind Spot Detection
-Driver Attention Alert
-Lane Change Assist
-Lane Departure Warning System
-Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Power passenger's seat
Power driver's seat
Air ventilated front seats
Heated front seats
Front park assist
4.2-inch TFT colour supervision cluster
18-inch alloy wheels
Electro-chromatic interior mirror
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres
Wireless charging pad (Qi standard)
Rain sensing wipers
Electronic Parking Brake
Integrated Memory System (IMS) - Driver's seat and exterior mirrors
One touch auto up/down function - Front passengers window
Sports alloy pedals
D-cut steering wheel
Power folding exterior mirrors
Heated exterior mirrors
Black headlining
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