SOMETIMES, highway testing a automobile is a genuinely private expertise that excites and captures one’s creativeness. Spending time with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line is strictly such an event.
As a author and highway tester, I’m not ashamed to say that I get older, and meaning my perspective on sure issues are altering, and so are my likes and dislikes. A kind of issues is what I need from a automobile.
Whereas I acknowledge the truth that now I do need extra consolation and luxuries, I’m not able to let go of my internal boy racer. If this sounds all too acquainted, let me let you know some extra concerning the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line.
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I first noticed this automobile at Hyundai headquarters a while final 12 months, it was I believe, a pre-production mannequin performing some Australian testing and I in all probability noticed extra of it than Hyundai would have needed me to.
It was black in color, and it’s placing design immediately caught my eye with its crimson accents and enormous alloy wheels. I needed to know what it was. After some googling on my Metro journey dwelling, I labored it out.
A fast message to my boss merely stating, “When the brand new Sonata is out there for check, it’s mine!” was what adopted. And right here we’re, behind the wheel of a automobile that gives some enjoyable and energy to play with when the temper arises.
Packing a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 213kW of energy and 422Nm of torque pushed by way of the entrance wheels, means enjoyable might be open to interpretation. That a lot energy by way of the entrance tyres makes you immediately assume torque steer.
Whereas it’s evident, Hyundai have finished a fairly good job of managing this with digital assists. Flip them off nevertheless, and also you higher have your wits about you since you are completely by yourself.
While you do acquire traction, the Sonata N Line accelerates exhausting and relentlessly, its fats wave of torque (422Nm accessible between 1,650–4,000rpm) serving to to maintain you pinned again within the seat.
All of that energy is transferred by way of a moist friction, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which is clean and responsive in its operation.
Must you discover the proper highway and resolve to discover the bounds of the Sonata N Line’s dealing with capabilities, you’ll, like yours actually, be shocked to be taught that the extent of grip accessible is sort of spectacular.
Being primarily entrance biased in its dealing with, the load and really feel by way of the steering wheel offers you loads of confidence to push on and lean into these 245/40 tyres, wrapped round 19×8 inch N Line alloy wheels.
With the boy racer happy, you’ll be happy to know that the efficiency elements of the Sonata N Line aren’t the top of the story. The sensible aspect of the badge that we now have come to anticipate continues to be there in spades.
You may drive the Sonata N Line with out ever figuring out of its efficiency capabilities and be fairly content material in having an expensive sedan. It feels refined and cozy because of its Suede and Nappa Leather-based sports activities seats.
However the hints of its sporting nature are nonetheless there, within the ‘N’ efficiency emblem embossed within the backrests and contrasting crimson stitching all through the well-appointed inside. There’s a huge 510-litres of boot area too, though it sits atop an area saver spare.
Different highlights embody rear window sunshades constructed into the passenger rear doorways, a heated sports activities leather-based steering wheel and panoramic glass sunroof. The remainder of the inside is full of modern tech options that additional improve the thrill ranges.
A superb color head-up show helps ship key data to the driving force with out changing into distracting, whereas the 12.3-inch supervision digital cluster is crystal clear and fantastically offered.
Responding to every driving mode, the show adjustments accordingly and echoes the emotions of every of these modes. Additionally discovered inside the cluster is one among our favorite options in new vehicles, blind spot view monitor.
When both indicator is activated, the corresponding dial within the cluster switches to a video feed displaying what’s hiding in your blind spot, making altering lanes, or turning into aspect streets worry-free.
A ten.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes accessing all of your infotainment wants a breeze. Discovering your present podcast or Spotify playlist is only a few display screen faucets away and sound nice by way of the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Hyundai’s wonderful suite of security programs displays and retains you properly knowledgeable of any pending risks or hazards, fairly actually, throughout you. From ahead collision avoidance help with junction turning, to protected exit help and encompass view monitor.
However we additionally want to speak concerning the elephant within the room; the styling. Personally, I adore it. It’s one of many issues that made the Sonata N Line stand out to me immediately, as a result of it’s totally different.
As everyone knows, totally different isn’t all the time factor, however I believe it really works. It’s daring, placing and understated all on the similar time. There may be nothing else on the highway with the identical gentle signature both, which is kinda cool.
Clearly, the hidden LED daytime driving lights will divide opinion however once more, I like them. The coupe-like silhouette flows to the low and huge rear finish, with its body-width rear tail gentle once more, offering a singular gentle signature from behind as properly.
There isn’t a mistaking the Sonata N Line on the highway at evening both, that’s for certain. Priced from $55,654 drive away, that value might strike you as steep for those who base it on what the Sonata used to value.
This time spherical nevertheless, there is just one Sonata mannequin, and it’s a utterly new premium model at that. The trick is to consider the brand new N Line as essentially the most superior and achieved Sonata ever supplied, as a result of it’s.
Belief us, 5 minutes behind the wheel proves this idea simply. It’s backed by a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee and varied possession advantages, together with a lifetime service plan, roadside assist plan and satellite tv for pc navigation replace plan.
I like the Sonata N Line and actually, this can in all probability be my subsequent car buy when the time comes. If I may afford to go and purchase a brand new one proper now, I might. With out query, I can’t give every other higher advice than that.
You may go and take a look at the brand new Sonata on the Hyundai Australia web site.
Our check car was offered by Hyundai Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, contact your native Hyundai vendor.