Review: Hyundai DN8 Sonata (2019-on)

Overview

To be released in Australia in the second half of 2019, the Hyundai DN8 Sonata is a mid-size sedan with a fastback profile. To be manufactured in Asan, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Hyundai DN8 Sonata will be powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines that are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.

AustralianCar.Reviews expects the DN8 Sonata range to consist of Active, Elite and Premium editions.

Body and dimensions

The Hyundai DN8 Sonata is underpinned by a ‘third-generation architecture’ which has hot-stamped steel and super-high tensile steel plate for greater rigidity, multi-load path structures to improve energy absorption in the event of a collision and a lower centre of gravity.

Compared to the Hyundai LF Sonata , the DN8 Sonata is 42 mm longer (at 4897 mm), 25 mm wider (1890 mm), 30 mm lower (1445 mm) and has a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2830 mm). With its flat underfloor covering, the DN8 Sonata has a drag co-efficient of 0.27 Cd.

Suspension and steering

AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the Hyundai DN8 Sonata has MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. For Australian deliveries, the DN8 Sonata’s is expected to be tuned for local conditions and preferences.

The Hyundai DN8 Sonata has rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Hyundai DN8 Sonata is understood to include dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The ‘Advanced Driver Assist System’ (ADAS) for the Hyundai DN8 Sonata includes the following technologies –

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection: uses front radar and front view camera sensors, FCA operates in three stages. Initially, the driver receives visual and acoustic warnings if a collision risk is detected. In its second stage, braking force is applied to reduce vehicle speed. If the collision risk persists and a collision is imminent, maximum braking force is applied;
• Lane Follow Assist (LFA): operating at speeds between 0 and 145 km/h, LFA automatically adjusts steering to keep the vehicle centre in its lane of travel;
• Safety Exit Assist: uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are approaching from behind and warns the driver when a door without a child lock is opened. If a person attempts to unlock a child-locked door when approaching traffic is detected, the child lock is maintained and an audible warning is issued;
• Blind-Spot View Monitor: uses the door mirror-mounted cameras to provide an enhanced field of vision. If the driver applies the indicators, an image of the view from the corresponding door mirror is displayed in the digital instrument cluster; and,
• Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist: uses the rearview camera and ultrasonic sensors when the vehicle is reversing to detect approaching pedestrians and obstacles. If detected, warnings are issued and emergency braking is initiated.

Features: Hyundai DN8 Sonata

Inside, the Hyundai DN8 Sonata will be available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.3-inch HD display for navigation and audio/video functions (including a split-screen function). Although not expected to be standard, the Hyundai Sonata will be available with a Bose Premium sound system which has 12 speakers, Bose Centerpoint surround technology and Bose SurroundStage signal processing.

Beyond this, the Hyundai DN8 Sonata will also be available with –

• A head-up display which has a projected image size of eight-inches and ‘super-bright’ clarity (a luminance of more than 10,000 candelas per square meter);
• A ‘Digital Key’ which uses a dedicated smartphone app and Near Field Communication (NFC) to lock or unlock the vehicle;
• Surround View Monitor: uses four cameras to generate a bird’s eye view of the vehicle which is displayed on the central display; and,
• Remote Smart Parking Assist: can manoeuvre the vehicle into or out of parking spaces – without requiring the driver to be in the vehicle – by using the smart key.

Further information will be available closer to launch.