Hyundai i45 2.0 GLS (A) Facelift Review
20 May 2013|38,742 views
Hyundai has established itself as a giant killer of the automotive world, with good looking, quality products served up at a palatable price.
In 2007, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Sonata was acquired for use widely by a public transport company on our roads - decked out in blue and yellow.
Three years later, the new sixth generation Sonata, retailed as the i45 in our local market, arrived in the established mid-sized sedan segment - pitting against well credentialed rivals from Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
But for Hyundai it's no longer about earning its place at the top of the charts. Instead it's about reinforcing its position and feasting on the fruits of its labour.
More recently, the i45 had a facelift and this updated car represents the latest bullet to be reloaded and as it's being fired again into the competitive mid-size sedan segment, keen observers are wondering if it will strike its target or fall in the dust.
Exterior
The i45 makes a statement at the front with a shiny chrome grille, teardrop-shaped headlights that now come with HIDs, as well as a gaping front air intake with deep-set fog lamps.
In 2007, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Sonata was acquired for use widely by a public transport company on our roads - decked out in blue and yellow.
Three years later, the new sixth generation Sonata, retailed as the i45 in our local market, arrived in the established mid-sized sedan segment - pitting against well credentialed rivals from Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
But for Hyundai it's no longer about earning its place at the top of the charts. Instead it's about reinforcing its position and feasting on the fruits of its labour.
More recently, the i45 had a facelift and this updated car represents the latest bullet to be reloaded and as it's being fired again into the competitive mid-size sedan segment, keen observers are wondering if it will strike its target or fall in the dust.
Exterior
The i45 makes a statement at the front with a shiny chrome grille, teardrop-shaped headlights that now come with HIDs, as well as a gaping front air intake with deep-set fog lamps.
Looking closer at the nose, you'll notice channels flowing outwards from the base of the grille in waves and together with the rakish windscreen, they allow the cabin to 'rise and fall' gently.
Even the heavy crease on the sides seems to be caused by the arc emanating from the front. The line stretches all the way to the rear and joins the updated and beautifully detailed taillights, ticking the box for sophistication.
The i45 is a genuine charmer which delivers some sharp styling overall with a busy blend of razored lines and swept back surfaces, giving it a sophisticated and exclusive look.
Interior
The premium treatment with fluidic lines and solid build quality continues inside.
A blend of angular lines and swooping curves grace the dash of the cabin. Quality plastics bring great unification between the bold central console and its correlation to the modern instrumentation, of which the outcome is easy on the eye.
Speaking of being easy on the eye, cool blue illumination and a silver-ringed instrument cluster look great together, as do the brushed aluminium and chrome highlights.
And it's the overall blue lighting and silver detailing that looks so smart against the dark tones of the dash, door trim and upholstery.
The premium treatment with fluidic lines and solid build quality continues inside.
A blend of angular lines and swooping curves grace the dash of the cabin. Quality plastics bring great unification between the bold central console and its correlation to the modern instrumentation, of which the outcome is easy on the eye.
Speaking of being easy on the eye, cool blue illumination and a silver-ringed instrument cluster look great together, as do the brushed aluminium and chrome highlights.
And it's the overall blue lighting and silver detailing that looks so smart against the dark tones of the dash, door trim and upholstery.
The leather seats are comfortable with good support and compared to its predecessor, the front passenger no longer needs to resort to manual modes of adjustments as he/she can now electronically adjust them.
In terms of interior space, there's plenty - with rear occupants enjoying impressive leg and headroom.
Storage is also well thought out, with the twin covered central storage being a handy addition. Cubbyholes and deep door bins complete the entire convenient layout.
At the rear, the i45 boasts a deep boot of 523 litres for all your weekend groceries or the occasional luggage.
In terms of interior space, there's plenty - with rear occupants enjoying impressive leg and headroom.
Storage is also well thought out, with the twin covered central storage being a handy addition. Cubbyholes and deep door bins complete the entire convenient layout.
At the rear, the i45 boasts a deep boot of 523 litres for all your weekend groceries or the occasional luggage.
The Drive
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet provides an adequate 162 horses and 194Nm of torque, allowing the i45 to reach 100km/h from standstill in 11 seconds.
The engine is married to a six-speed automatic transmission that offers pretty slick and quick shifts.
The ratios are well spaced and the transmission will do just fine when left to its own devices. However, if manual changes are desired, there are steering wheel mounted paddles to play with.
Fuel consumption wasn't too bad either. We managed a rather impressive 10.1km/L with some pretty heavy foot-driving.
As irrelevant as this can be to potential buyers of the i45, there's very little translation from the tarmac to the steering. On the brighter side of things, there is a nicely weighted feel to the steering, allowing you to make swift directional changes with more confidence.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet provides an adequate 162 horses and 194Nm of torque, allowing the i45 to reach 100km/h from standstill in 11 seconds.
The engine is married to a six-speed automatic transmission that offers pretty slick and quick shifts.
The ratios are well spaced and the transmission will do just fine when left to its own devices. However, if manual changes are desired, there are steering wheel mounted paddles to play with.
Fuel consumption wasn't too bad either. We managed a rather impressive 10.1km/L with some pretty heavy foot-driving.
As irrelevant as this can be to potential buyers of the i45, there's very little translation from the tarmac to the steering. On the brighter side of things, there is a nicely weighted feel to the steering, allowing you to make swift directional changes with more confidence.
The ride in the car is pliant and comfortable as it absorbs bumps and ruts rather well. More importantly, the car stays composed through corners and although some body roll is apparent, there is always a sense of security and stability.
Overall refinement is also good with engine noise well contained and tyre roar audible only on really coarse surfaces. That said, there is no denying that the i45 is a rather civilised, elegant and relaxed transport.
Conclusion
The updates to the i45 have only served to improve what was already a pretty impressive package. Now that the i45 can hold its head high dynamically, there's little reason to cross it off your shopping list.
This car may not impress buyers who are more 'in tune' with the performance side of things but for everyday driving, there is little to fault with the i45.
Overall refinement is also good with engine noise well contained and tyre roar audible only on really coarse surfaces. That said, there is no denying that the i45 is a rather civilised, elegant and relaxed transport.
Conclusion
The updates to the i45 have only served to improve what was already a pretty impressive package. Now that the i45 can hold its head high dynamically, there's little reason to cross it off your shopping list.
This car may not impress buyers who are more 'in tune' with the performance side of things but for everyday driving, there is little to fault with the i45.
Hyundai has established itself as a giant killer of the automotive world, with good looking, quality products served up at a palatable price.
In 2007, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Sonata was acquired for use widely by a public transport company on our roads - decked out in blue and yellow.
Three years later, the new sixth generation Sonata, retailed as the i45 in our local market, arrived in the established mid-sized sedan segment - pitting against well credentialed rivals from Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
But for Hyundai it's no longer about earning its place at the top of the charts. Instead it's about reinforcing its position and feasting on the fruits of its labour.
More recently, the i45 had a facelift and this updated car represents the latest bullet to be reloaded and as it's being fired again into the competitive mid-size sedan segment, keen observers are wondering if it will strike its target or fall in the dust.
Exterior
The i45 makes a statement at the front with a shiny chrome grille, teardrop-shaped headlights that now come with HIDs, as well as a gaping front air intake with deep-set fog lamps.
In 2007, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Sonata was acquired for use widely by a public transport company on our roads - decked out in blue and yellow.
Three years later, the new sixth generation Sonata, retailed as the i45 in our local market, arrived in the established mid-sized sedan segment - pitting against well credentialed rivals from Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
But for Hyundai it's no longer about earning its place at the top of the charts. Instead it's about reinforcing its position and feasting on the fruits of its labour.
More recently, the i45 had a facelift and this updated car represents the latest bullet to be reloaded and as it's being fired again into the competitive mid-size sedan segment, keen observers are wondering if it will strike its target or fall in the dust.
Exterior
The i45 makes a statement at the front with a shiny chrome grille, teardrop-shaped headlights that now come with HIDs, as well as a gaping front air intake with deep-set fog lamps.
Looking closer at the nose, you'll notice channels flowing outwards from the base of the grille in waves and together with the rakish windscreen, they allow the cabin to 'rise and fall' gently.
Even the heavy crease on the sides seems to be caused by the arc emanating from the front. The line stretches all the way to the rear and joins the updated and beautifully detailed taillights, ticking the box for sophistication.
The i45 is a genuine charmer which delivers some sharp styling overall with a busy blend of razored lines and swept back surfaces, giving it a sophisticated and exclusive look.
Interior
The premium treatment with fluidic lines and solid build quality continues inside.
A blend of angular lines and swooping curves grace the dash of the cabin. Quality plastics bring great unification between the bold central console and its correlation to the modern instrumentation, of which the outcome is easy on the eye.
Speaking of being easy on the eye, cool blue illumination and a silver-ringed instrument cluster look great together, as do the brushed aluminium and chrome highlights.
And it's the overall blue lighting and silver detailing that looks so smart against the dark tones of the dash, door trim and upholstery.
The premium treatment with fluidic lines and solid build quality continues inside.
A blend of angular lines and swooping curves grace the dash of the cabin. Quality plastics bring great unification between the bold central console and its correlation to the modern instrumentation, of which the outcome is easy on the eye.
Speaking of being easy on the eye, cool blue illumination and a silver-ringed instrument cluster look great together, as do the brushed aluminium and chrome highlights.
And it's the overall blue lighting and silver detailing that looks so smart against the dark tones of the dash, door trim and upholstery.
The leather seats are comfortable with good support and compared to its predecessor, the front passenger no longer needs to resort to manual modes of adjustments as he/she can now electronically adjust them.
In terms of interior space, there's plenty - with rear occupants enjoying impressive leg and headroom.
Storage is also well thought out, with the twin covered central storage being a handy addition. Cubbyholes and deep door bins complete the entire convenient layout.
At the rear, the i45 boasts a deep boot of 523 litres for all your weekend groceries or the occasional luggage.
In terms of interior space, there's plenty - with rear occupants enjoying impressive leg and headroom.
Storage is also well thought out, with the twin covered central storage being a handy addition. Cubbyholes and deep door bins complete the entire convenient layout.
At the rear, the i45 boasts a deep boot of 523 litres for all your weekend groceries or the occasional luggage.
The Drive
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet provides an adequate 162 horses and 194Nm of torque, allowing the i45 to reach 100km/h from standstill in 11 seconds.
The engine is married to a six-speed automatic transmission that offers pretty slick and quick shifts.
The ratios are well spaced and the transmission will do just fine when left to its own devices. However, if manual changes are desired, there are steering wheel mounted paddles to play with.
Fuel consumption wasn't too bad either. We managed a rather impressive 10.1km/L with some pretty heavy foot-driving.
As irrelevant as this can be to potential buyers of the i45, there's very little translation from the tarmac to the steering. On the brighter side of things, there is a nicely weighted feel to the steering, allowing you to make swift directional changes with more confidence.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet provides an adequate 162 horses and 194Nm of torque, allowing the i45 to reach 100km/h from standstill in 11 seconds.
The engine is married to a six-speed automatic transmission that offers pretty slick and quick shifts.
The ratios are well spaced and the transmission will do just fine when left to its own devices. However, if manual changes are desired, there are steering wheel mounted paddles to play with.
Fuel consumption wasn't too bad either. We managed a rather impressive 10.1km/L with some pretty heavy foot-driving.
As irrelevant as this can be to potential buyers of the i45, there's very little translation from the tarmac to the steering. On the brighter side of things, there is a nicely weighted feel to the steering, allowing you to make swift directional changes with more confidence.
The ride in the car is pliant and comfortable as it absorbs bumps and ruts rather well. More importantly, the car stays composed through corners and although some body roll is apparent, there is always a sense of security and stability.
Overall refinement is also good with engine noise well contained and tyre roar audible only on really coarse surfaces. That said, there is no denying that the i45 is a rather civilised, elegant and relaxed transport.
Conclusion
The updates to the i45 have only served to improve what was already a pretty impressive package. Now that the i45 can hold its head high dynamically, there's little reason to cross it off your shopping list.
This car may not impress buyers who are more 'in tune' with the performance side of things but for everyday driving, there is little to fault with the i45.
Overall refinement is also good with engine noise well contained and tyre roar audible only on really coarse surfaces. That said, there is no denying that the i45 is a rather civilised, elegant and relaxed transport.
Conclusion
The updates to the i45 have only served to improve what was already a pretty impressive package. Now that the i45 can hold its head high dynamically, there's little reason to cross it off your shopping list.
This car may not impress buyers who are more 'in tune' with the performance side of things but for everyday driving, there is little to fault with the i45.
Car Information
Hyundai i45 2.0 GLS (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.2km/L
Horsepower
119kW (160 bhp)
Torque
194 Nm
Acceleration
11sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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