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Large family-orientated sedans are normally relegated to school-trips and packed to the roof-lining for holiday trips.
There are plenty to choose from, though few are as distinctive as the Sonata, but most have a common thread – practical for the kids, wanting under the bonnet.
According to the Detroit News, Hyundai hopes to breathe more life into the market with addition of a fiery new engine for its flagship sedan – the 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T.
FUEL PENALTY
The turbocharged engine packs a healthy 204kW/364Nm - the latter from only 1800rpm - while the South African versions is hauled by a way less-powerful and unblown 2.4 petrol capable rated at 131kW and 228Nm, but that torque from 4000rpm.
The turbo's 71kW of extra clout takes it to 100km/h in 6.2sec, the SA 2.4 needs a more pedestrian 9.5 but with a fuel consumption penalty: our Sonata uses a modest 8.2 litres/100 but the US version needs 11/100.
According to DetNews writer Terry Box: “With a tidal wave of new midsize sedans headed our way (in the US) - the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima and a new Chevy Malibu - the Sonata 2.0T still stands as the overall midsize to beat, I think.
BEAT THE GERMANS?
That's pretty significant considering that it hit the market more than a year ago. But the critical part is that "2.0T." The DetNews reports that the US Sonata will retail for the equivalent of R210 000. In South Africa the 2.4 is priced at R289 000 (Executive) and R309 000 (Premium), including SA taxes and VAT.
Now the bad bit: Hyundai Korea has no plans to bring the turbo unit to South Africa or sell them in any right-hand drive market in the near future.
Deon Sonnekus, Hyundai general manager of corporate communications, said: "There are not plans at the moment to bring the Sonata 2.0T derivative to South Africa. We are, however, preparing to launch the Sonata with a 2.4 litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine during the first half of 2013."
Wouldn’t you want to want to smile between your kids soccer games and trips to the mall? With the addition of 71kW it could be enough to tip the scales in favour of the Korean automaker’s sedan over its German rivals.
According to Box: “If I had to relive my kid-taxi years, if someone absolutely insisted that I go back to my dark-hair days, the Sonata might be my cab of choice.
“Give Dad a few grins between soccer games and trips to the mall, I say.”
Specs for 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T
There are plenty to choose from, though few are as distinctive as the Sonata, but most have a common thread – practical for the kids, wanting under the bonnet.
According to the Detroit News, Hyundai hopes to breathe more life into the market with addition of a fiery new engine for its flagship sedan – the 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T.
FUEL PENALTY
The turbocharged engine packs a healthy 204kW/364Nm - the latter from only 1800rpm - while the South African versions is hauled by a way less-powerful and unblown 2.4 petrol capable rated at 131kW and 228Nm, but that torque from 4000rpm.
The turbo's 71kW of extra clout takes it to 100km/h in 6.2sec, the SA 2.4 needs a more pedestrian 9.5 but with a fuel consumption penalty: our Sonata uses a modest 8.2 litres/100 but the US version needs 11/100.
According to DetNews writer Terry Box: “With a tidal wave of new midsize sedans headed our way (in the US) - the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima and a new Chevy Malibu - the Sonata 2.0T still stands as the overall midsize to beat, I think.
BEAT THE GERMANS?
That's pretty significant considering that it hit the market more than a year ago. But the critical part is that "2.0T." The DetNews reports that the US Sonata will retail for the equivalent of R210 000. In South Africa the 2.4 is priced at R289 000 (Executive) and R309 000 (Premium), including SA taxes and VAT.
Now the bad bit: Hyundai Korea has no plans to bring the turbo unit to South Africa or sell them in any right-hand drive market in the near future.
Deon Sonnekus, Hyundai general manager of corporate communications, said: "There are not plans at the moment to bring the Sonata 2.0T derivative to South Africa. We are, however, preparing to launch the Sonata with a 2.4 litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine during the first half of 2013."
Wouldn’t you want to want to smile between your kids soccer games and trips to the mall? With the addition of 71kW it could be enough to tip the scales in favour of the Korean automaker’s sedan over its German rivals.
According to Box: “If I had to relive my kid-taxi years, if someone absolutely insisted that I go back to my dark-hair days, the Sonata might be my cab of choice.
“Give Dad a few grins between soccer games and trips to the mall, I say.”
Specs for 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T
