Once an imitator, now an innovator

Has any other automaker gone from imitator to innovator this quickly? That’s what the 2014 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan has kept market watchers wondering. Few years ago that Hyundai models emerged as Korean-flavoured interpretations of more established cars, but now every family sedan seems to be taking cues from Korea’s finest. What’s more, the car boasts numerous changes designed to keep it competitive with newer rivals.

Eagle-eyed observers will notice new front and rear fascias on this year’s Sonata, but that is just scratching the surface. There is also a novel new steering system with three driver-selectable effort modes.

All models except the entry-level GLS model have at least a 4.3-inch touchscreen (a new 8-in upgrade comes with the optional navigation system). If you look at standard features across the board, you will find it better equipped than its 2013 predecessor. It is fundamentally still the same car, but with meaningful improvements.

Critiques would say Sonata is not perfect, even with this year’s changes. But when all the strengths are added, it gives Hyundai’s traditional value advantage to the mix, which other automakers are scrambling to keep up.

For 2014, Sonata has received freshened exterior styling, driver-adjustable steering resistance and a pair of new touchscreen interfaces. There is also good fuel economy; strong optional turbocharged engine; daring styling, big trunk and plenty of features

It features front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The GLS and Limited start with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine rated at 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the base SE gets the same engine with ratings of 192 hp and 181 lb-ft. Fuel economy is put at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

The GLS starts with 16-in alloy wheels, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, a Blue Link telematics system and a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio and iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The back has enough legroom and a nice high bottom cushion, but headroom may be tight for passengers with long torsos. Trunk space, however, is quite generous at 16.4 cubic ft.

Safety-wise, it comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, active front head restraints and six airbags (front, front-side, full-length side curtain).

In crash-testing, the Sonata received a 5-star overall rating, and in categories except frontal protection, for which it received four stars. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Sonata its highest rating of Good in all crash tests.

The stylised dashboard features mostly good-quality materials; which is above average in this regard. Central controls are a generally ergonomic mix of buttons and knobs, with the unusual addition of a Volvo-inspired human figure that you press to change the airflow setting.

The base 2.4-litre engine is strong for an entry-level offering, and it’s reasonably refined, too. The standard 6-speed automatic shifts quickly yet smoothly — we like it. As for the 2.0-litre turbo, it’s one of the most impressive engines in any midsize sedan. You get a ton of low-end torque for effortless passing, yet it keeps on pulling at high rpm — and it remains civilised all the while.

Sonata’s suspension tuning marks a paradigm shift for Hyundai. Whereas previous models prioritised a soft ride above all else, the current one is more like a Honda Accord in the way it keeps the driver connected with the road.

Ride performance is still compliant, but the Sonata now feels like it has athletic ability in corners, especially in the SE’s tighter state of tune. Road noise can rise to objectionable levels on certain surfaces, though the cabin is otherwise quiet.

Optional GLS popular equipment package adds niceties like a 4.3-in touchscreen, backup camera, fog lights, LED ambient lighting, upgraded door trim and heated front seats with driver power adjustments.

The SE edition boasts 18-in alloy wheels, a sport suspension, dual exhaust pipes, automatic headlamps, fog lights, chrome exterior accents, keyless entry with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, hybrid cloth/leather upholstery and a colour driver information display.

Mike Ochonma