Hyundai starts detailing 213kW/422Nm Sonata N-Line

DETAILS of Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s (HMCA) new Sonata N-Line have started to emerge as the Korean giant gears up to launch its most powerful production car offered here to date, the headline act being the 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque generated by its turbocharged 2.5-litre engine.

While pricing and full specifications are yet to be announced, HMCA has revealed some the key specs and highlights of its upcoming hot mid-sizer, including the force-fed four-banger’s wide torque band, delivering all 422Nm from 1650-4000rpm.

As usual for an N-Line branded vehicle, the Sonata has been treated to a series of tweaks and enhancements under the skin to help it back up its straight-line performance in the corners.

Compared to the standard Sonata (available overseas), the N-Line sores firmer bushings, lower ride height, higher spring rates, revised shock absorber valving and larger sway bars front and rear, resulting in a more focused and agile handling package.

Bigger brakes have been fitted all-round too while the chassis itself has been stiffened for extra rigidity.

“Sonata N Line’s turbocharged engine is up to the task of delivering big fun, and the new gearbox provides a direct connection and instant shifts,” Hyundai Motor Group product division boss Thomas Schemera said.

“To make the Sonata N Line drive sportier, we’ve lowered the car and honed the suspension.”

While the N-Lines have traditionally been the sporty variants rather than full-fat performance monsters, the Sonata N-Line will come with plenty of performance-oriented kit including paddle shifters, launch control, N power shift, active sound design and four drive modes.

All of the usual N-Line visual cues are present as well with the aggressive front fascia consisting of a gaping black ‘parametric jewel pattern grille’, complementing black air intakes, angular chin elements and ridged bonnet.

At the rear there is a gloss black integrated lip-spoiler, quad exhaust tips and an N-Line rear diffuser while the whole package rolls on busy 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the driver is greeted by a leather N steering wheel, N-branded sports seats, red stitching and alloy sports pedals.

Other standard kit highlights will include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, touch sensor outside door handles, remote start, wireless charging and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

Standard safety gear meanwhile consists of lane keep assist, lane follow assist, advanced smart cruise control with stop and go, blind spot collision avoidance assist and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist.

“Hyundai has built a loyal following for Sonata by offering an array of reliable, fuel-efficient and attractively designed models, including the standard, hybrid and ‘Sensuous’ variants,” Mr Schemera said.

“Now, Sonata N Line joins the line-up, satisfying the desire for dynamic performance.”

According to HMCA, full local specifications and pricing will be revealed closer to the car’s launch next month with the N-Line to be the only Sonata variant offered Down Under.