Hyundai’s High-Performance Sonata N Line: Maxed Out but Not Track-Ready for Speed Junkies

Hyundai’s Sonata N Line is the pinnacle for those seeking a spicier ride within the Sonata lineup. However, if you were hoping for a full-fat N version of the Hyundai Sonata, it seems the company has closed the door on that possibility. The prospects of a high-performance Sonata N have been quashed by Albert Biermann, the company’s executive technical advisor, who poured cold water on the idea during discussions with Australian media at the launch event of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Biermann made it clear that the Sonata N Line, despite its prowess, doesn’t align with the track-centric philosophy of Hyundai’s N division. “Sonata N Line is no race track [car],” he emphasized, indicating that the existing platform, which also underpins models like the Tucson and Santa Fe, won’t accommodate a Sonata N in its current form.

The limitations lie in the architecture of the current Sonata, hailed as the third-generation platform by Hyundai. While the N Line version boasts a robust turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, it falls short of the criteria to be classifed as a full-fedged N car. Hyundai stipulates that all N-branded vehicles must embody a blend of everyday sportiness and track capabilities – what they affectionately term ‘corner rascals.’ Despite sharing an engine with the i30 Sedan N, the Sonata N Line evidently doesn’t meet these stringent criteria.

Hyundai utilizes the N Line nameplate for models like the Sonata N Line that offer augmented power, frmer suspension tunes, and cosmetic enhancements but are not designed for track performance.

In the Australian market, the Sonata N Line stands as the sole variant available, despite other powertrain options like the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, hybrid 2.0-litre, and turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder being offered overseas. The strategy here is simple:

Hyundai Australia offers the Sonata with the highest specifcations and the most potent engine, leaving no other choices beyond selecting the preferred colour.

Moving into the 2024 model year, the facelifted eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata N Line remains the solitary choice for Australian buyers, coming fully loaded at a starting price of $55,500 before on-road costs. This updated version commands a premium of $3435 compared to its pre-update iteration.

Visually, the refreshed Sonata N Line faunts revamped 19-inch alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, a distinct ‘H’ rear lighting signature, and a hands-free power boot lid. Additionally, a matte exterior paint option has been introduced for the frst time, offering a new aesthetic dimension to the vehicle.

Step inside the 2024 Sonata N Line, and you’ll fnd a new curved display housing a 12.3inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Further interior updates encompass a steering column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, a redesigned steering wheel, touchtype dual-zone climate controls, 64-color LED ambient interior lighting, acoustic laminated front glass, and front and rear USB-C ports.

Safety features are bolstered in the updated model, now including Intelligent Speed Limit Assist as standard and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Under the hood, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line retains its powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque. This powerplant remains paired exclusively with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

The dimensions of the 2024 Sonata N Line measure 4910mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a 2840mm wheelbase. In terms of effciency, it claims a combined fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100km, equipped with a 60-litre fuel tank and requiring a minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol. Regarding safety, while the eighth-generation Sonata is yet to undergo testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, the 2024 Sonata N Line is equipped with an array of standard safety equipment. This includes Autonomous Emergency

Braking (AEB) with various detection capabilities, blind-spot assistance, rear crosstraffc assist, lane-keep and lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, rear occupant alert, and a surround-view camera system, among others. Standard equipment for the Sonata N Line comprises 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic projector LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, N Line body kit, a Bose sound system, head-up display, wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated seats, and a suite of Bluelink connected services subscription for fve years, offering various functionalities and services.

The 2024 Sonata N Line presents a choice of exterior paint colours, including Serenity White, Biophilic Ink, Abyss Black, Nocturne Grey, Ultimate Red, and Aero Silver matte, each with varying additional costs.

In essence, while the Sonata N Line continues to reign as the fagship offering within the Sonata range, enthusiasts hoping for a fully-fedged Sonata N model might need to content themselves with the N Line’s enhanced performance and features, as Hyundai has opted not to pursue a

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line continues to be powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque.

This is mated exclusively to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent to the front wheels.

Dimensions

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line measures 4910mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1445mm tall, with a 2840mm wheelbase.

Effciency

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line has a claimed combined fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100km. It has a 60-litre fuel tank and requires a minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol.

Safety dedicated

Powertrain

The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata has yet to be test by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Price $ 55,500 plus on-road costs