The medium sedan segment has long been synonymous with practicality and comfort, offering a reliable means of transport for families and commuters alike. But let’s be honest, it hasn’t been the most thrilling segment for driving enthusiasts lately.
However, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line seeks to defy convention and bring back some of that swift yet stately character to the scene. Boasting a very stylish and sophisticated redesign, segment-challenging technologies, and a potent powertrain, this could be the complete sedan package we’ve missed so dearly.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Specifications
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 213kW@5800rpm / 422Nm@1650-4000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×8.0, 245/40
ANCAP: Not tested (previous model 5 stars)
Kerb weight: 1675kg
Power-to-weight: 7.86:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/91 RONPower efficiency: 26.29kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.30 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.04 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.67 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.28 seconds at 166.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.840g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.32m in 2.92 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.143g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $55,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: How much does it cost?
The 2024 Sonata N Line is priced from $55,500 (excluding on-roads), which is about $3000 more than the previous model. But with a lot more kit and technology. The way prices are rising across the industry (and other industries), this rise is fairly modest.
Hyundai offers its iCare program including a lifetime service plan, as well as a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and five-year Bluelink subscription, and one-year complimentary roadside assistance coverage.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Interior & packaging
Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy takes centre stage with the new model. It showcases a breathtaking blend of sharp creases and clean, supple surfaces, and plenty of horizontal themes to accentuate width and stance. The long bonnet, wide grille, and hidden headlights give the Sonata N Line a dynamic and aggressive face.
One of the standout features is the new ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’. This is Hyundai’s new lighting signature, similar to what’s seen on the 2024 i30 Sedan and new i30 Sedan N. It adds a high-tech aura to the vehicle’s presence. The quad exhaust tips, now separated and oval in shape, and new-look 19-inch alloy wheels complement the sporty image, giving it a genuine premium performance sedan look.
For the first time, Hyundai offers a matt exterior paint option, with Aero Matte Silver. Buyers can also choose from Abyss Black, Biophilic Ink, Nocturne Grey, Serenity White, and Ultimate Red.
The interior outlines and demonstrates where Hyundai’s ambitions truly shine. The cabin layout is driver-centric, echoing the vehicle’s sporty nature, and yet it integrates advanced technology seamlessly for modern lifestyles. The highlight is the new panoramic curved display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touch-screen. This design blends well with the overall horizontal theme on the outside, and adds to the sense of space and width within the cabin.
The sophisticated dashboard layout, combined with a new 6.6-inch touch-screen climate control interface, enhances the premium feel way beyond what the predecessor offered. Although the old model was quite nice, this is on another level.
Hyundai introduces its latest Bluelink connected car services and over-the-air (OTA) software update capability with the 2024 Sonata. Bluelink not only adds convenience but elevates the connectivity experience to a new level.
Among its features, Bluelink offers emergency assistance automatic calling, connected routing, voice recognition, valet mode, weather information, calendar sync, destination send-to-car, and remote services so you can do a remote vehicle check or ‘find my car’ right from your smartphone. It’s a comprehensive suite of features.
Furthermore, the OTA software update capability ensures the Sonata N Line’s software remains up to date without requiring a visit to the service centre. This functionality not only improves vehicle operations but it can potentially provide significant interface changes or fixes in the future.
In a unique move, Hyundai introduces a column-type shift-by-wire gear selector behind the steering wheel for the new model. This not only provides a cleaner console layout but also increases storage space, aiding practicality. It is essentially borrowed from Hyundai’s EV department parts bin – as seen in the IONIQ 6 and 5.
The cabin’s ambiance is further elevated by cool LED ambient mood lighting, creating an inviting and comfortable environment. The dark grey suede and Nappa leather-appointed seats, adorned with red stitching and matching red dashboard highlights, not only look fantastic but provide awesome long-distance comfort and support.
The new three-spoke steering wheel design is a welcomed touch, replacing the somewhat awkward four-spoke design. Sporting a four-dot emblem, which translates to “H” in Morse code, the steering wheel feels great in your hands.
For music lovers, the 2024 Sonata N Line comes with a Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers, while the media interface offers digital radio as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Powertrain & handling
Nothing has changed under the bonnet, but the Sonata N Line debuted a brand new engine when it arrived in Australia a few years ago. So this 2.5-litre turbo is still relatively new. It continues to produce 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque. It’s plenty, and actually a lot of fun behind the wheel because it chirps and tugs for traction under full power.
There is a launch control system but it is a bit of a hassle to activate. It also only lets you do one run at a time, with some cool-down period in between. We guess that’s fair enough considering the powertrain incorporates a dual-clutch transmission; Hyundai’s relatively new wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch unit.
To activate launch control, first you have to be in Sport+ mode. However, such a mode isn’t presented via the drive mode toggle on the console. You have to go into the main touch-screen and configure the ‘My Mode’ and set powertrain to Sport+. Then, when you select My Mode from the toggle it will include Sport+ in your My Mode setting. It’s a bit weird.
Then it’s just a matter of switching off the stability and traction control (hold the button down for about 3 seconds) and pressing the brake with your left foot and mashing the throttle. The revs will build and hold between 2500rpm and 3500rpm. You can set the rev limit via the cruise control speed control buttons. You have to be reasonably quick selecting the revs before it times out.
On our usual private road we ran some sprints with the Vbox to see what it could do. Without launch control 0-100km/h came up in 7.04 seconds. With the revs set to 2500rpm it launched off in 6.29 seconds, and then 6.20 from 3000rpm, and the best result, from 3500rpm, in 6.04 seconds.
Our best time is slightly short of the 5.93 seconds we achieved in the previous model on the old channel. However, the new model is about 39kg heavier. It does wear the same 245/40 Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres, but, in general, that difference is negligible.
Hyundai has made some revisions to the platform to improve the handling and steering, with added strength provided for the body structure and front sub-frame. The rear sub-frame bushes have also been tuned, and the bump-stops are shorter.
As a result, the Sonata feels a bit tighter and a bit more agile in the corners compared with the previous model. However, it’s hard to acquire the full difference without driving the two back to back. It feels sharp and fairly precise, and body control is excellent.
The steering remains the weakest point in our opinion. It’s heavy and doesn’t provide much feedback. Not as much as we’d like from a sports sedan, anyway. Fortunately, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyable and exciting driving character. This is a hoot to drive on a spirited road, yet it cruises pleasantly on the highway.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Video
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Verdict
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line is more than just a medium sedan; it’s a declaration of Hyundai’s intent to stick with the segment. After all, Australia is the only significant right-hand drive market where the Sonata is sold. The nameplate also has a long history in this country, helping to shape and guide the brand for local customers.
Whether you’re a driving enthusiast looking for performance or someone who appreciates quality design and technology in a comfortable and spacious cabin, the new Sonata N Line caters to a wide audience. The price is relatively attainable as well, especially against top-spec utes and SUVs that are popping up at the moment.
Here’s hoping sedans can stick around for a lot longer and continue to put up a strong fight against the SUV onslaught, as perfectly demonstrated here.
