If you’re in the market for a generously-sized sedan that’s well-priced and makes a dramatic statement on the road, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line could be the car for you.
In early 2019, the eighth generation was unveiled. It then landed in several markets across the globe, including North America. It was made available earlier this year in Australia, and it has proven to be an attractive prospect.
Hyundai doesn’t do conservative anymore
Similar to the Elantra / i30 Sedan we drove a few months ago, the Sonata latest makes a bold statement from the first moment you see it. The angular headlights with LED daytime running lamps that extend up the sides of the distinctively designed hood are what really stand out. A light bar is connected to the rear-end’s lobster claw-shaped taillights. Some reports claim that the look is too striking for Korean buyers. Therefore, a conservative facelift may be in order. However, it’s quite beautiful as is.
The U.S. has a wide range of variants for shoppers. The SE is the first, followed by the SEL Plus, SEL Plus and N Line. Limited and Night are also available. It’s an entirely different story in Australia, however, where the sole Sonata model available is the sporty N Line.
Of course, that’s no bad thing. It stands out among other Sonata N Line variants with its more distinctive front and rear fascias as well as 19-inch alloy tires. The engine is however the biggest upgrade.
Found beneath the skin of the Sonata N Line is the automaker’s new Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged GDi petrol four-cylinder that’s good for 285 hp (213 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm. The new engine is first to be sold in Australia. The engine features variable separat cooling for both the head and cylinder blocks, as well as an electronic controlled continuous variable-capacity oil pumps, a water to air intercooler and an active air flap (AAF).
A single gearbox is available, namely Hyundai’s familiar eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Only the front wheels receive power.
Fire-breathing performer
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this engine is one of the stand-out features of the driving experience. It may be hard to believe that 285 horsepower (213kW) and 311lb-ft (422Nm), of torque are significant numbers in the age of luxury sedans boasting well over 600 HP. However, these figures mean that the Sonata N line has more power than Hyundai’s ever-popular i30 N hot hatch with its 276 hp (206 kW) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm). Like the i30 N, the Sonata N Line is front-wheel drive but unlike its sibling, it doesn’t have an electronic limited-slip differential. The Sonata N Line’s differential is open. It’s hardly a surprise then that it struggles to put its power to the ground.
Soon after jumping into the driver’s seat for the very first time, I switched the powertrain into the Sport+ mode and hit the throttle. I expected solid performance. What I wasn’t expecting was for one of the front tires to immediately lose traction, leaving a thick black mark on the tarmac behind me. It’s no secret that the Sonata N Line can make a fast and furious beast.
This is no more evident when you’re using the launch control function in the Sport+ setting which disables the traction control. After you have stepped on the brake, release the accelerator and the 285 horses will go through one front wheel, turning through the first gear without any thought. If you push the throttle too hard when exiting corners, it is similar to an LSD. However, torque steer in the i30N is much less common than it is in this model.
Hyundai states that it can travel 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) in only 6.2 seconds. We didn’t have the chance to do any timed runs but that sounds about right – as long as you can get traction, that is. Hyundai Australia states that the Hyundai Australia car can run 8.1 l/100km (29 U.S.MPG) in the combined cycle. We averaged 112 l/100km (21 U.S.MPG) while we drove the car fairly gently through urban areas and on inner-city roads.
Comfort is a priority
Of course, the Sonata N Line hasn’t been developed in the same performance vain as the i30 N and this is particularly evident when you drive it in normal mode.
Hyundai models that are sold in Australia have a special suspension tune. With the new Sonata N Line, Hyundai Australia was involved in the early development of the model, providing its input to Hyundai HQ on what would be required to achieve the “flavor” of a tune developed specifically for the Aussie market. Hyundai Australia then approved the tune that was developed in Australia, before Sonata sales began.
The Sonata N Line is a perfect example of this new suspension design. It walks a fine line between sportiness and comfort. Monotube dampers have been added to the suspension, making it more refined for all types of driving. You may feel it a bit looser at higher crests. However, you still get good feedback.
As with other Hyundai models, the car’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is a real treat. This transmission has excellent low speed handling and makes quick, smooth shifts through any ratio. You can even use the N Powershift function on the i30N to raise the throttle open during Sport+ and Sport+ driving modes. Your head will be pushed back in the headrest with each gear change. This adds some drama and intrigue to the vehicle, but we doubt that most people will notice it.
Surprisingly, the Sonata N Line handles well. These 19-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in Continental Premium Contact 6 tires, which are 245mm wider at the front and back. Turn-in is sharp and direct and as long as you drive with smooth throttle inputs, the lack of an LSD isn’t of concern. The car feels big.
Stretching 4,900 mm long (192.9 inches), 1,860 mm wide (73.2 inches), and standing 1,445 mm (56.8 inches) tall, the Sonata N Line isn’t significantly larger than the i30 Sedan / Elantra, which itself is 4,650 mm long (183 inches), 1,825 mm wide (71.8 inches), and 1,430 mm tall (56.2 inches). However, the Sonata’s wheelbase sits at 2,840 mm (111.8 inches) compared to the 2,720 mm (107 inches) of the i30 Sedan / Elantra and when hustled through corners, it feels significantly larger than the specs would suggest. It is almost 300kg (661 lbs heavier than its smaller brother).
Korean luxury at its best
Sonata N Line interior makes for a comfortable place to relax. It comes standard with a suite of SmartSense technologies, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist detection, High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop And Go, Safe Exit Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.
As the Elantra i30 Sedan / Elantra i30 Sedan, the Sonata cabin is driver-focused. The 10.25-inch screen on the infotainment system, which faces slightly to the driver, has all major controls. You will find the shifter just a few inches below your left knee.
Hyundai’s 2021 Sonata N Line has the same shift-by wire technology that other models such as the Santa Fe, Palisade and Palisade. Instead of a conventional shifter, the Sonata N Line has individual buttons to control Park, Drive and Neutral. The system is easy to use once you’re familiar with it and does help to neaten up the design of the cabin.
Located directly in front of the driver’s seat is a sleek four-spoke steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that you’ll find in a host of other Hyundai models. The graphics change depending on what driving mode you’re in and it is crystal clear during daylight hours without being overbearing or distracting once the sun sets. Two paddle shifters that are mounted to the steering wheels have also been added.
Check out this article: Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition 2022 arrives with Blackout Looks and Nearly $35k Sticker
The driver’s seat is 12-way power-adjustable and includes 2-way adjustment for lumbar support and 2-way adjustment for the bolsters. Both the front and rear seats can be heated or ventilated, while those in the back are heated. The heated steering wheel can also be adjusted to heat and the panoramic glass sunroof is particularly large. You will find plenty of soft touch materials in the cabin, including leather and suede upholstery. Standard equipment includes a Bose premium audio system featuring 12-speakers.
Rear is especially spacious. Rear-seat passengers have 950mm headroom (37.4inches), 1,382mm of hip space (54.4inches), 885mm of legroom (34.8inches), and 1,425mm shoulder room (56.1inches). This vehicle is ideal for tall people and families. It has 510 Liters (18 cube feet) of cargo capacity.
Australian pricing for the 2021 Sonata N Line starts at AU$50,990 ($37,500) and during my first drive of the car, I wasn’t convinced it was worth the extra AU$9,170 ($6,743) over the i30 Sedan N Line Premium that we tested a few weeks ago. But, having lived with the car for about a week now, it is easy to see why people might be inclined to spend this extra cash.
Sonata N Line provides greater comfort. It doesn’t feel quite as sharp as the i30 Sedan N Line, nor is it meant to. It compensates for its lack of sharpness with an elegant and luxurious feel. It has a more luxurious interior and makes you feel even more comfortable behind the wheel.
