HYUNDAI IS CERTAINLY NOT holding back when it comes to expanding the N Line range of its vehicles.
The latest tease applies to the Sonata. Hyundai hopes it will “inject excitement into the midsize sedan segment”, and it will need to, because that segment is languishing and losing appeal amongst current buyers.
“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. Now, Sonata N Line joins the line-up, satisfying the desire for dynamic performance,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President, Head of the Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
Sensuously sporty styling with signature elements
Based on Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, Sonata N Line’s low and wide exterior styling is highlighted by the Parametric Jewel Pattern Grille, bold front fascia, wide air intakes and N Line badging. Arrow-shaped air curtains on the lower fascia support aerodynamic performance and engine cooling.
From the side, Sonata N Line’s styling is defined by chiselled body panels that suggest forward momentum. Its side skirts and 19-inch alloy wheels provide an aggressive stance.
The fastback profile merges with a taut sculpted rear, designed to enhance aerodynamic performance and further express the low and wide aesthetic through horizontal lines. The integrated glossy black lip spoiler, chrome dual twin exhaust and N Line rear diffuser add to the car’s performance-inspired styling.
Interior design elements, including a leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel with metallic spokes, red-stitched sports seats with leather bolsters, gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts and alloy pedals, complement Sonata N Line’s sporty exterior.
The sportiest Sonata ever
N Line-specific mechanicals back up the sedan’s sporty appearance. The Smartstream 2.5-litre turbocharged GDi engine, mated to the N 8-speed wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (N DCT) that was developed for N vehicles, produces 213kW and 422Nm of torque (1650-4000 rpm). That makes Sonata N Line the most powerful Sonata ever.
The addition of a turbocharger, a different cylinder head, and unique internals significantly upgraded its performance, compared to the standard Sonata’s 142kW normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
Sonata N Line has considerable low and mid-range torque and the motor pulls strongly all the way to its redline. The N DCT delivers crisp and precise shifts.
In addition, engineers implemented several mechanical improvements to Sonata’s chassis to increase stiffness for a gripping performance. Unique suspension tuning is derived from firmer bushings, higher spring rates, revised shock absorber valving and larger sway bars front and rear – all of which contribute to both everyday commuting drivability as well as excitement on the open road.
Sonata N Line has a low curb weight at just 1636 kg. Its turbocharged engine and a well-sorted suspension provide comfortable cruising and agile mid-speed cornering. To bring Sonata N Line to a stop engineers added larger front and rear brake calipers and discs.
A dynamic driving experience is maximised through various features, including rev-match, N Power Shift, launch control, active sound design (ASD) and shifting pattern. Sonata N Line’s smooth and fast downshifting, quick acceleration, engine roar and assertive sense of acceleration are certain to increase the driver’s pulse on the open road.
“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,” said Schemera. “To make the Sonata N Line drive sportier, we’ve lowered the car and honed the suspension.”
Driver-oriented features, such as paddle shifters and Drive Mode Selector system, enable a racing-inspired experience behind the wheel. The digital instrument display changes when switched through driving modes, which include Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. In addition to changing the cluster, toggling through them alters the steering weight and the speed and strategy of the transmission’s shifts.
Sonata N Line’s performance is ably assisted by an array of driver assistance and safety technologies, including:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Follow Assist
- Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
A complete package
Sonata N Line comes with a top-of-the-line audio and navigation display. It has a wide, high-definition, customisable, 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor with split screens and natural language, while the cluster supervision display is a full 12.3 inches.
In addition to aforementioned driving mode adjustments, the cluster has four views: utility, driver assistance, navigation and parking assistance.
Dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time – one for phone calls and one for streaming audio.
Sonata N Line also offers Touch Sensor Outside Door Handles, Remote Start, Wireless Device Charging, Bose premium audio with 12 speakers and a woofer.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Hyundai Sonata N Line, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.