2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line long term review: Introduction

It’s time for a new car. For me at least, the topic has been raised at home. The better half would like an upgrade, my car is getting on in years, and our two-car family could easily be a one-car household.

So, what to get? We’re not particularly tied to any one format. Right now we have a medium sedan, and a compact roadster. If we were to switch to a single car, it would probably need to deliver the best of both those worlds, with space for friends and family, but enough punch to put a grin on the driver’s face when the situation allows.

Good timing then, that a 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line arrived when it did. On the long list of cars under consideration, mid-size models like the Mazda 6 and Skoda Octavia have been mentioned, but the Hyundai may have gone a little overlooked.

In its previous generation, the humble Sonata was most often seen in police livery, but this time around, Hyundai has dropped its fleet focus with just one highly-equipped and performance-skewed model.

With a starting price of $50,990 before options and on-road costs, the Sonata is no budget battler, but with over 30 years history in Australia, and seven distinct generations (including one wearing the i45 nameplate) the Sonata should be able to carry itself with a little pride these days.

Certainly, when looking at the engine specs alongside other medium sedans in the class, the one-and-only Sonata model sits in a pretty decent position. With 213kW and 422Nm from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, the Sonata N Line offers respectable on-paper specs.

So, to put it through its paces, over the next few months we’ll use it’s space and pace where we can. Right now the poor old Sonata is largely urban-locked as a supermarket shuttle, thanks to Melbourne’s current lockdown restrictions, but soon enough it’ll be cast into a much wider role.

Coming in for scrutiny will be items like the Sonata N Line’s claimed 8.1L/100km fuel consumption, a deep-dive into its infotainment and technology, it’s space and comfort as a rural tourer, and its comportment while confined to the city.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about, or any area we can explore in more detail, drop us a line in the comments.

As for very early first impressions, I have to admit to being maybe a little surprised. While no mid-size car is truly mid-sized any more, the Sonata carries real presence. It’s generously proportioned, and the styling – which you may love or hate – stands out from the crowd.

At first glance, the equipment list seems pretty decent too.

Up front you’re gripped by a pair of sport-styled nappa leather and suede sports seats, which seem to strike the right balance between support and comfort. There’s adjustment aplenty for my oddly proportioned frame, and a low-slung driving position, without the need to stoop in and out.

The interior is a bit of a tech-fest too, with a big bold 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen set high in the dash. Physical climate controls are easy to get the hang of at a glance, and the push-button gear selection feels like the future. It’ll be interesting to see how long that remains a novelty.

All the gear I could possibly want appears to be shoved in. There’s heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, powered front seats with driver’s memory, a head-up display, window blinds on the rear side and rear windscreen glass, a big panoramic sunroof, and more.

All of that will come under scrutiny in due course, and where we can we’ll also pit the Sonata against some of its competitors in the segment.

At least, from the commute between Hyundai’s pick up point and the Drive office, the Sonata didn’t let me down. There’s a but of oomph underfoot to get it from a standing start, quickly into the flow of freeway traffic, in busy traffic the dual-clutch auto didn’t appear to set a foot wrong, and the ride felt a little firm, but liveable.

That’s after a quick 30 minutes behind the wheel though – those first impressions could deviate as days and weeks pass with the car.

I guess I have to put my hand up already and say that the styling may not be my cup of tea. I don’t love it, but I don’t really dislike it either. Hyundai’s been bold to stand out from the crowd, but the catfish face and huge tail light loop don’t strike me as design classics.

It appears I’m alone in thinking so, however. The rest of the office only has nice things to say about the Sonata’s looks.

Until then though, be sure to fire away if you have any burning Sonata N Line questions, let us know what you think of Hyundai’s approach to a single-spec Sonata, and share your thoughts on how it looks in the comments below.