Hyundai Sonata 2.0 GLS (Facelift) Review
Sonata Sans Cantata

Hyundai’s full-sized sedan gets a crucial makeover. But will all that tinkering be enough to go up against the likes the ever so-popular Toyota Camry and Mazda 6?

While there is a greater shift to cars which are not “three-box-ish”, there is always a place for a full-sized sedan.

Styling-wise there is definitely some alignment with Hyundai present design language. The nip and tuck process brings around a new larger front grille, restyled headlamps, and L-shaped daytime running lights. The car keeps its distinctive chrome accents which begins from within the headlamps, and travels down the body, forming the surround for the car’s side glass.

We like how Hyundai had kept smooth transitioning between the sloping roofline to the ‘C’ pillar. Together with a short boot lid, the Korean manufacturer has managed to achieve a coupe-like silhouette.

In the rear, the Sonata loses its boot-mounted rear plate, receives a sleeker set of tail lamps and also gets a re-styled rear bumper.

On the Inside

The dash receives a necessary freshening up, with some neat tightening up of the styling. New piano key-styled centre console controls do look slightly more expensive, and quality of the switchgear is pretty good.

Included in the bag of driver passenger spoils are heated and vented front seats, a QI compatible charging dock and power outlets in 12V and USB formats. Driver electric seats have on them two memory pre-sets, and the multi-function steering wheel is very comprehensive, good for better focus on the road.

The Sonata also receives some decorative faux wooden mouldings on the interior, unfortunately the striping intended to make it look more expensive is not executed well enough, and leaves more to be desired. But overall, the Sonata does deliver well in quality.

Legroom is very good for both front and rear occupants, and the large rear doors are great help for entry and exit. Even with the sloping roofline, there is good enough headroom to house two full grown adults in the rear.

Boot space is good at 510 litres, though the lip is rather high for loading bulky item. For added convenience, the manufacturer has included release tabs at the top of the boot for quick release of the split fold rear seats. There is also a nifty secret opening button sited at the top of the ‘H’ logo.