Updated N Line variant joins Hyundai Sonata range

HYUNDAI has introduced its 2024 Sonata N Line this week, the futuristically sculpted mid-sized sedan adding a suite of new technologies and an updated interior to offer a package Hyundai says, “revolutionises the preceding model’s image”.

Priced from $55,500 plus on-road costs – or $3435 more than the outgoing model – the Sonata N Line debuts Hyundai’s new panoramic curved display screen locally, the “floating” array integrating a 12.3-inch instrument panel and 12.3-inch infotainment cluster while further adding Bluelink connected car services and over-the-air (OTA) vehicle update capabilities.

Hyundai offers the Sonata N Line with a 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a shift-by-wire eight-speed dual (wet) clutch transmission driving the front wheels.

Additional model-specific highlights include Hyundai’s Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, tyre pressure monitoring, a 6.6-inch touchscreen climate control interface, acoustic laminated front glass, LED ambient cabin lighting, front and rear USB-C outlets, a handsfree powered boot lid, and dynamic welcome lighting.

The updated Sonata is recognised by a coupe-like, four-door body Hyundai says captures the essence of its Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy. The sheetmetal styling is said to create an “alluring contrast between sharp creases and clean, supple surfaces”, much like that of the i30 Sedan.

A long bonnet and wide frontal mask are headlined by the South Korean marque’s Seamless Horizonal Lamp stretching between the headlights, a broad grille and air intake, and ‘hidden’ headlights creating a “dynamic and aggressive appearance”.

Hyundai’s H-lighting signature dominates the rear-end, emphasising, Hyundai says, the Sonata N Line’s “high tech image and broad stance”. The boot lid with its integrated spoiler sits atop quad exhaust outlets, while in profile, the model is characterised further by sharply styled 19-inch alloy wheels that are said to add to the “image of a high-performance sports sedan”.

Exterior colour choices now extend to six with the inclusion of a matte finish for the first time. Available hues include Serenity White, Biophilic Ink, Abyss Black, Nocturne Grey, Ultimate Red and Aero Silver (matte). Metallic colours attract a $595 price premium while the matte finish is $1000 extra.

Inside the cabin, the Sonata N Line’s adoption of a shift-by-wire transmission selector has freed up centre console space to provide additional storage and a cleaner look. It is complemented by a newly designed steering wheel with new-look four-dot emblem (Morse Code for ‘H’) and a “futuristic and comfort-focused” décor.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is available exclusively with a dark grey suede and Nappa leather upholstery option which is accented with red stitch work.

From the technology side, Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity suite gifts the Sonata N Line with a range of connected car services including calendar sync, find my car, remote vehicle checks and a slew of remote services. Bluelink connectivity is complimentary for the first five years of new vehicle ownership.

The system provides emergency services call assistance in the event of a collision, connected routing services, voice control, valet mode, weather and calendar information, remote vehicle check and many more. The system – and related vehicle software and firmware – can be updated over-the-air to keep the Sonata N Line truly up to date.

Hyundai offers the Sonata N Line with a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assistance for 12 months (extendable to 10 years when the vehicle is serviced by Hyundai) and capped price servicing. The first five services are priced at $350 with maintenance intervals set at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).

“The scope of change for 2024 Sonata N Line is more typical of an all-new model and gives our popular medium sedan a striking futuristic image,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer, Ted Lee.

“With class-leading new technologies headlined by our first-ever curved digital instrument and infotainment displays, Bluelink connected car services and over-the-air update capability, the powerful and sporty 2024 Sonata N Line is an alluring package.”

The Hyundai Sonata N Line competes in the Medium under $60,000 where it vies against the likes of the Honda Accord (from $57,900 drive-away), Mazda 6 (from $36,140 +ORC), Skoda Octavia (from $39,290 +ORC), Toyota Camry (from $34,320 +ORC), and Volkswagen Passat (from $57,790).

Year-to-date sales show Hyundai has sold 185 examples of the Sonata in Australia, placing it second last in the segment. The segment is topped by the Toyota Camry with YTD sales (to the end of September 2023) of 7130 units, followed by the Mazda 6 (1191), Skoda Octavia (1107), and Volkswagen Passat (574). The Honda Accord places last with YTD sales of 111 units.

2024 Hyundai Sonata pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.