Hyundai Sonata CRDi Car Review

Hyundai's committed to a greener diesel direction

Hyundai is introducing a diesel alternative throughout its passenger model line up. They began with the popular i30 and roughly half of its sales are now diesel. Hyundai's next diesel passenger car is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata CRDi which will be available from late June 2008.

As well as a mild face lift the 2.0 litre CRDi SLX turbo-diesel comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The CRDi Elite will only be available with auto.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine uses common rail direct injection technology (CRDi) and the latest Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). This enables the engine to achieve 110kW of power at 3800rpm and 305Nm of torque between 1,800-2,500rpm.

Hyundai claims the CRDi SLX six-speed manual will return fuel consumption of 6.0 litres per 100km and 7.0L/100km for the auto.

Hyundai also claims it has calibrated the suspension setup so the Sonata is better suited to Australia's diverse driving conditions, and modified the car's fuel delivery and engine mounts to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

Standard equipment on the 2009 Sonata includes

• Airconditioning with pollen filters
• Power windows
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
• Six function trip computer (SLX); seven function (Elite)
• Remote keyless entry with alarm
• Auxiliary jack for an iPod® plus a USB port for all of today’s modern devices. They can all be played through the Sonata's MP3/WMA-compatible CD/AM/FM sound system. AAC format files can be played when an iPod® is connected with the genuine Hyundai accessory iPod® cable.

Styling has also been updated - the new model now sports slim design front and rear bumpers with chrome inserts, chrome waist line moulding and radiator grill, and larger, front head lights.

Safety is another area where Hyundai is making improvements. In June 2008 the top specification Hyundai i30 (with side and curtain airbags) was awarded five stars for occupant protection by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The model without the curtains scores 4 stars.

The Sonata is fitted with an impressive array of active safety features that include

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS)
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Driver and front passenger side thorax airbags
• Front and rear passenger side curtain airbags
• Auto-unlock on impact
• Side impact intrusion bars in all doors
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Hyundai has also improved the Sonata's security and it now features (HALO) Hyundai Active Locking Operation which has

• Speed sensing auto door locking
• Auto door unlocking when the ignition key is removed
• Central locking
• Deadlock security system
• Engine immobiliser
• Keyless entry with alarm.

Hyundai provides a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty on its vehicles and on Hyundai accessories fitted by a Hyundai dealer.