[Taboleo] Sonata The Edge, 'Revival of the People's Sedan' Expected

Sonata The Edge, Full-Change-Level Facelift After 4 Years
Interior Changes Featuring Panoramic Curved Display
Focus on Advanced Convenience Features Including OTA Wireless Updates
Hybrid Model and More for Family Car Versatility
On the Test to Continue the Legacy of the People's Sedan

Anyone from the Republic of Korea likely has at least one memory associated with the Sonata. It could be the car dad drove on family outings during childhood, the car mom waited in front of the academy late at night, or even a taxi hurriedly caught by the roadside. The Sonata has always been moving close to our daily lives.

Since its first release in 1985, the Sonata has undergone eight generational changes and has become Hyundai Motor Company's flagship model. Starting as a family car, the Sonata is now gaining attention as the first car for the 2030 generation in line with the passage of time. Hyundai is also emphasizing a youthful sensibility in response to changes in target buyers. The 8th generation Sonata was developed with the concept of a ‘smart mobility device,’ reflecting a strong focus on digital features.The facelift model released after four years, the ‘Sonata The Edge,’ returns with a completely revamped exterior and interior design. On the 11th, we test-drove and compared the Sonata The Edge 1.6 gasoline turbo model and the 2.5 gasoline turbo model.

Sonata DN8 2.5 Turbo N Line Front View

- How is the exterior design?

The front and rear appearances have changed dramatically. The side profile remains almost identical to the previous model. The previous Sonata's front design was particularly divisive among domestic consumers, but the new Sonata The Edge seems to be receiving better reviews. The changed front features a straight, horizontally stretched lamp that catches the eye. The ‘Seamless Horizon’ lamp has recently become Hyundai’s family look and is applied to almost all models. The rear also features horizontally elongated ‘H’-shaped tail lamps. The horizontally stretched lamps make the body appear lower and wider. The overall body shape retains a dynamic and sleek coupe silhouette.

Rear of Sonata DN8 2.5 Turbo N Line equipped with H tail lamps

- I heard the interior has changed significantly?

The highlight of the Sonata The Edge’s changes is the interior. The interior design changes are more revolutionary than the exterior. The Sonata The Edge features a ‘Panoramic Curved Display’ where the instrument cluster and infotainment screen are seamlessly connected. The spacious 12.3-inch LCD display gives the feel of a cutting-edge sedan. The menu buttons below the screen also show consideration for user convenience. Previously, to search for a destination, you had to first turn on the navigation and then press the magnifying glass button on the touchscreen. Now, a shortcut search button has been added directly to the physical menu buttons. It’s a small change but a great convenience for drivers who use the car daily. The head-up display has also grown from 8 inches to 10 inches. The position of the electronic shift lever has been moved behind the steering wheel, meaning you don’t have to take your right hand off the wheel and move it down to change gears.

Sonata DN8 1.6 Turbo Interior

12.3-inch panoramic curved display applied to Sonata DN8

- What advanced digital features are included?

The Sonata The Edge is designed targeting the young 2030 generation, so a lot of attention was paid to digital convenience features. Wireless software updates (OTA - Over-the-Air) that upgrade various vehicle functions to the latest versions are standard across all trims. OTA updates are fundamental to the introduction of SDV (Software Defined Vehicle). Additionally, various advanced technologies are applied, including ▲Digital Key 2, which allows wearable devices linked to smartphones to function as car keys ▲Remote Smart Parking Assist, enabling the driver to move the car forward or backward remotely using the smart key ▲An in-cabin fingerprint authentication system supporting in-car payments and personalization. There are also subtle convenience features like an active air purification system that manages indoor air quality autonomously and an after-blow function that automatically dries the air conditioner after parking.

Sonata DN8 1.6 Turbo Driving

- What would you recommend in terms of driving performance and price?

In terms of driving performance, the high-performance N Line gasoline 2.5 turbo engine is the clear winner. Considering cost-effectiveness, the gasoline 1.6 turbo is also not bad. The Sonata The Edge gasoline 1.6 turbo delivers a maximum output of 180 horsepower and a peak torque of 27 kgf·m. The high-performance N Line 2.5 turbo with the N Line badge produces about 290 horsepower and 43 kgf·m of torque. The engine performance difference between the two models is about 110 horsepower, and the price difference is roughly 10 million KRW (1.6 turbo Premium starts at 28.54 million KRW, N Line 2.5 turbo starts at 38.88 million KRW). The 1.6 turbo is sufficient for daily life and city driving. The high-performance N Line 2.5 turbo accelerates smoothly as you press the pedal. It also features an ‘Active Sound Design’ function that creates a virtual exhaust sound, enhancing the driving pleasure.

- Can the Sonata The Edge be used as a family car?

The Sonata has been a family car from the start. Although preferences have shifted towards sport utility vehicles (SUVs) over time, and sedans have fallen behind in the family car market, sitting in the rear seat of the Sonata The Edge reveals that its interior is definitely more spacious than imported sedans in the same class. Installing one child car seat and loading luggage in the remaining rear space would make it suitable as a family car. However, if you have two or more children, it might be a concern. Also, the hybrid model has the same trunk capacity of 480 liters as the gasoline model but achieves an official fuel efficiency of up to 19.8 km/l in the city. From an economic standpoint, the hybrid model is also worth considering as a family car.

Smart Power Trunk Applied to Sonata The Edge

- Is it true that the Sonata will be discontinued?

There are rumors in the industry that the Sonata will be discontinued after this 8th generation model. Recently, Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor Company, who attended the Seoul Mobility Show, left a meaningful remark saying, “We need to make decisions based on the big trend of electrification.” The disappearance of the Sonata, a symbol of internal combustion engine sedans, might be a way to adapt to the times. However, even if the Sonata disappears into history, it is hoped that its legacy will continue. For example, it could be applied to iconic electric vehicle designs like the Pony or released as a new limited edition model. Who knows? If the Sonata The Edge regains consumer favor like before, the Sonata might continue its reputation as the nation’s car.

Sonata DN8 2.5 Turbo N Line Rear View

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.