"Make the value to the upper limit of the same level, and the price to the lower limit of the same level." At last month's launch conference of the 11th-generation Sonata ( parameter | inquiry ) , Beijing Hyundai gave a very clear market positioning for this new car.
As a model with a history of 39 years, after 11 generations of changes, and growing up with the Chinese auto market, whether it is a classic peanut lamp or an avant-garde fluid sculpture, it has left a deep impression on Chinese consumers, and the global sales of more than 10 million are good proof. As a classic inheritance, in this era where user needs are paramount, the eleventh generation of Sonata focuses on a "listen to people's persuasion and eat enough". There are as many as 46 upgrades in the exterior, interior, performance, and configuration of the whole car, which is also the most groundbreaking generation change in Sonata's long history.
So what improvements and breakthroughs has the 11th-generation Sonata made compared to the previous model? Recently, the author test-drove the 1.5T 8AT Max version priced at 162,800 yuan, which is also the top version of the 1.5T model.
Since the eighth generation of the model, the Sonata has used the design language of fluid sculpture, which is not as heavy as the German car and muscular as the American car, but it can still surprise us in the cookie-cutter design. The angular hexagonal grille replaces the "catfish mouth" shape of the previous model, and the interior is complemented by blackened honeycomb elements for a sporty look. The continuous daytime running light cluster extends from the left to the right of the front of the car, which is also a very popular aesthetic at the moment. The complex sports packages on both sides form a "C" shaped air duct that reinforces the sporty style.
On the side of the car, two sharp waistlines run from the front to the rear, making the whole body look more slender. The length, width and height of the new car are 4945mm×1860mm×1445 (1450) mm, and the wheelbase is 2875mm, which exceeds the length and width of a certain Rui listed in the same period. This design with short front/rear overhangs, long wheelbase, and low center of gravity is built thanks to the i-GMP platform, and the low-lying body gives a sports coupe-like side stance.
The rear part of the car has also been redesigned, with the rear through-type H façade taillights, and a black "ducktail" has been added above the trunk, which has just the right sense of technology and recognition. At the same time, with a large area of blackened rear surrounds and expanded air ducts on both sides, it is like a high-performance sports car.
It is worth mentioning that in order to meet the individual needs of different consumers, the 11th-generation Sonata also has a more sporty N Line version to choose from, with 18-inch blackened wheels with red brake calipers, a blackened rear wing with diversion, a rear surround with a bottom diffuser, and a total of four original exhausts on both sides, all arranged.
In terms of cabin design, which is highly valued by drivers, the 11th-generation Sonata combines advanced technology with a minimalist aesthetic that can be described as "simple but not simple". The four-spoke steering wheel, which everyone didn't like very much, was replaced by a three-spoke steering wheel, and the gear shift method was also replaced by a rotating electronic pocket gear like the Mercedes-Benz.
In particular, there is no Beijing Hyundai logo on the steering wheel, and the Morse code steering wheel has only 4 points, which represents H in the Morse code, which is very connotative. At the same time, the well-received 12.3-inch panoramic curved screen has been retained, and the air conditioner is also knob touch control, balancing practicality.
In terms of configuration, the 11th-generation Sonata is equipped with Hyundai Smartsense intelligent safety system, adding ISLA intelligent speed limit assist, RSPA remote intelligent parking assist, PCA-R rear parking collision avoidance assist, PDW front/side/rear parking distance warning four auxiliary parking functions, 27 ADAS intelligent driving assistance functions, with L2+ level, the whole car is equipped with up to 20 sensors, including 3 millimeter-wave radars with a detection range of up to 200 meters. Advanced intelligent safety technology realizes all-round driving and riding protection for driving and parking, and ensures travel safety.
The 11th-generation Sonata is also the first model of Beijing Hyundai to be equipped with the ccNC intelligent network architecture, which is a new generation of cockpit system launched by South Korean Hyundai Motor and has been adapted to the Chinese market.
For example, the 11th-generation Sonata uses the map and voice provided by Baidu, and adds the Tencent ecosystem, integrating QQ Music and other music, news, and listening resources, as well as the in-car version of a letter, and Tencent Mini Program, further expanding the ecosystem.
For example, car owners can manage the new digital keys (NFC/BLE/UWB) installed in the 11th-generation Sonata through voice, touch screen, physical buttons, fingerprint multi-mode, etc. Based on the Bluelink intelligent network system, users can realize remote control of the vehicle (remote start or shutdown, including engine, air conditioning, seat heating, etc.), vehicle status inquiry (including mileage, fuel level, total driving distance, door opening and closing status, etc.) through the mobile app, SOS emergency rescue (automatic alarm when the airbag pops out, SOS button emergency call), vehicle diagnosis, vehicle anti-theft (automatic alarm for vehicle theft, tracking and restriction start of the stolen vehicle), etc.
In terms of ride comfort, the 11th-generation Sonata has 950/930mm front/rear headroom and 1130/840mm front/rear legroom, showing the sense of space and luxury of the B-class sedan, and you will not feel restrained when sitting in the car.
Focusing on the test drive experience of this car, the 1.5T model I tested has a maximum power of 125kW, and the gearbox has been replaced from the original 7DCT to 8AT, while the Japanese and German models of the same level are still equipped with CVT or dual-clutch transmission. The 11th-generation Sonata is a relatively easy to use model, with a gentle feel on the accelerator pedal, linear output when pressed lightly, and a more intense power output as the pedaling force gradually increases. On the highway, you can also experience a very strong push back feeling.
The 8AT gearbox works well with the engine, always providing a timely response the first time I press the accelerator pedal. The suspension of the whole vehicle is the front MacPherson rear multi-link, when driving over the potholes, you can feel the moderate rebound of the suspension, there is no excess bounce, the direction of the whole tuning is still more comfortable, there is the style of a sports car.
In terms of price, the 11th-generation Sonata has also shown great sincerity. The price of the mainstream 1.5T model starts at only 139,800 yuan, and the starting price of the 2.0T model is only 163,800 yuan. With a lower entry price and higher intelligent driving assistance, the 11th-generation Sonata not only triggered a new round of "technological equality" reform in the B-class sedan market, but also sounded the clarion call for Beijing Hyundai's "Young Flagship Year" and accelerating "product transformation" and "brand innovation".