2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) sees its local line up grow today with the arrival of two new offerings. They are the much-hyped about new Kona compact crossover, as well as the new eighth generation Sonata D-segment saloon.
Both were virtually launched online earlier today, with HSDM also seizing the opportunity to introduce the Hyundai brand's new 'Geared for Distinction' branding ethos. Said new tagline follows a year-long business remodelling exercise involving a restructuring of its business fundamentals and customer deliverables.
Here's what you ought to know about both the new Kona and Sonata.
2020 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai's HR-V and C-HR fighter finally debuts locally as a fully imported (CBU) offering, sporting three variants in total with two powertrain options present.
Two variants – Standard and Active – come powered by Hyundai's venerable 2.0-litre Nu MPI 4cyl petrol mill. Paired with a 6-speed auto box, it delivers a claimed 149hp and 180Nm output to power the front wheels. Next to that comes the 1.6-litre Gamma T-Gdi mill that powers the range-topping Turbo variant. This mill also gets primed exclusively with a 7-speed DCT box tasked with managing its higher 177hp and 265Nm readouts.
Aptly, much of the fancy and advanced driver aids HSDM teased prior are exclusively present in the range-topping Kona 1.6 Turbo. Highlights include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), not forgetting a wireless smartphone charging pad as well.
Things don't sound too shabby in the lower variants though. Notable standard equipment across the board include a novel heads-up display (HUD), 7-inch LCD infotainment display brimmed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as both Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Aptly, the Kona range are specced to compete against segment favourites we mentioned earlier – fact well reflected in its price range too. Speaking of which, the figures here read at RM123,888 for the Kona 2.0 Standard base variant, RM138,888 for the mid-specced Kona 2.0 Active, and RM151,888 for the range-topping Kona 1.6 Turbo.
Prices sound too stiff? Well, fret not as HSDM will offer the Kona at special introductory prices of RM115,888 (2.0 Standard), RM130,888 (2.0 Active) and RM143,888 (1.6 Turbo), albeit for for a limited time only.
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Like the compact crossover it arrived alongside with, Hyundai's striking new eighth-gen D-segment saloon also arrives as a CBU offering. However, it only comes in a singular SmartStream G2.5 variant form, and it commands a rather hefty price tag too – more on this later.
At the heart of things is Hyundai's venerable 2.5-litre four-banger that delivers a healthy 180hp and 232Nm figures. Both outputs are managed by a six-speed automatic box to drive the front wheels.
On board, plenty of premium features and amenities are present. Highlights include a sunroof, electronic parking brake, powered boot, a cooled wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control plus rear vents, keyless entry and ignition, as well as a sizeable 12.3-inch infotainment display unit sporting Apple and Android smartphone connectivity plus a 360-degree parking camera function.
In terms of safety, the new Sonata packs an equally decent punch. Apart from the usual bits like six airbags and the all-important ABS + stability control combination, the new Sonata SmartStream G2.5 also comes brimmed with a Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)feature as well to bolster its overall safety further.
As for price, the figure is as hefty as the Sonata is striking in its looks with its RM206,888 figure. Fortunately, HSDM has a special introductory price offer of RM189,888 figure instead too, but only for the first 50 units. Yep, still steep, but said offer figure should see rivals like the new tenth-gen Accord and benchmark-setting Passat sweat a little.
So, are you digging Hyundai's newest twosome? Which would you opt for?
2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Hyundai Sonata
