Hyundai Sonata VIII 2.0 GLS Sunroof vs Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Highline
06 Jun 2018|19,101 views
HYUNDAI SONATA VIII 2.0 GLS SUNROOF
Softer suspension is more comfortable
Surprisingly refined
Infotainment is dated but cabin is cosy
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8 TSI HIGHLINE
More handsome design
Materials used are more expensive
More powerful and fuel economical
Think of the Hyundai Sonata and most Singaporeans would immediately associate it with a ComfortDelGro cab, which isn't the most glamorous of ways to be remembered.
So when we decided to pit the latest Sonata against the Passat, a model that brought Volkswagen a step closer to brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes, we asked ourselves, "Are we completely off our meds?"
There are two reasons for doing so. One, the Passat during one of Volkswagen's weekend promos was almost the same price as the Sonata, and two, having previously already reviewed the Sonata, it's not as second-rate as you'd expect.
The Sonata (right) is larger in size and longer in wheelbase compared to the Passat, which translates into more space inside
Spacious Sonata, pretty Passat
The first impression of the cars, when parked side by side, is that the Sonata is obviously the bigger car here. It is longer, wider and taller than the Passat, although the latter is the more visually appealing one, with its sharper sheet metal architecture and more lavish use of chrome trims.
On the inside, the Sonata offers slightly more leg, shoulder and headroom all around compared to the Passat, as well as an overall cushier, cosier cabin. It's also richer in features, having stuff like wireless charging, ventilated seats and blind spot detection as standard.
The Passat, however, does have a larger 586-litre boot that's a whole 76 litres more than in the Sonata. At the same time, the materials employed within the Passat's cabin are of superior quality and finish.
A cosier, cushier affair at the back of the Sonata thanks to soft seats and a quiet cabin
That's not to say the Sonata isn't well built because it's anything but. Unfortunately the use of tackier plastics and a surprisingly outdated infotainment system is its Achilles' heel. The fidelity of the system, too, pales in comparison to the Passat's.
But don't judge a book by its cover, or badge
Past the Sonata's lesser presentation is a car that's highly refined and outstandingly accomplished. At idle, there's barely a whisper from its engine. While on the go, it's also just as, if not slightly quieter, than the Passat as long as you're not revving it hard.
So when we decided to pit the latest Sonata against the Passat, a model that brought Volkswagen a step closer to brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes, we asked ourselves, "Are we completely off our meds?"
There are two reasons for doing so. One, the Passat during one of Volkswagen's weekend promos was almost the same price as the Sonata, and two, having previously already reviewed the Sonata, it's not as second-rate as you'd expect.
Spacious Sonata, pretty Passat
The first impression of the cars, when parked side by side, is that the Sonata is obviously the bigger car here. It is longer, wider and taller than the Passat, although the latter is the more visually appealing one, with its sharper sheet metal architecture and more lavish use of chrome trims.
On the inside, the Sonata offers slightly more leg, shoulder and headroom all around compared to the Passat, as well as an overall cushier, cosier cabin. It's also richer in features, having stuff like wireless charging, ventilated seats and blind spot detection as standard.
The Passat, however, does have a larger 586-litre boot that's a whole 76 litres more than in the Sonata. At the same time, the materials employed within the Passat's cabin are of superior quality and finish.
That's not to say the Sonata isn't well built because it's anything but. Unfortunately the use of tackier plastics and a surprisingly outdated infotainment system is its Achilles' heel. The fidelity of the system, too, pales in comparison to the Passat's.
But don't judge a book by its cover, or badge
Past the Sonata's lesser presentation is a car that's highly refined and outstandingly accomplished. At idle, there's barely a whisper from its engine. While on the go, it's also just as, if not slightly quieter, than the Passat as long as you're not revving it hard.
More impressively, it's also able to soak up the road's imperfections a little more smoothly than the Passat, which rides a little firmer. This grace from the Sonata, alone, is a triumph for Hyundai.
But if you're one who likes a bit of spirited driving, the Passat is the one to have. For one, it's more powerful, with 178bhp and 250Nm of torque from a turbocharged 1.8-litre.
Thanks to that, it feels lighter on its feet and will smash the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds while the Sonata will take 11.1 seconds. And around twisties, the Passat's eagerness and ability to dance from corner to corner also makes it the livelier one.
In terms of overall presentation and build quality, the German-made Passat is still king of the ring
Power aside, the Passat's turbocharging also translates into better fuel economy. It manages 10.3km/L with a reasonable right foot whereas the Sonata averaged 9km/L.
So which would you pick?
In the past, it would almost be impossible to beat the package that is the Passat and we'd say it still is, given the car's precious few faults. Personally, we would still pick the Passat because we prefer turbocharged cars and we are extremely picky when it comes to a car's cabin's fit and finish.
With safety features such as blind spot detection, the Sonata is great value for money
But professionally, we'd say the Sonata has been the more memorable car. It may not be as fast or fashionable as the Passat but close your eyes, go for a ride and it's hard to tell you're in a Hyundai.
For buyers who aren't fussy about brand, the Sonata does fulfil most whims and fancies. It certainly won't be able to overtake the Passat's sales just yet, but give it a couple more years, and we won't be surprised if it does.
But if you're one who likes a bit of spirited driving, the Passat is the one to have. For one, it's more powerful, with 178bhp and 250Nm of torque from a turbocharged 1.8-litre.
Thanks to that, it feels lighter on its feet and will smash the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds while the Sonata will take 11.1 seconds. And around twisties, the Passat's eagerness and ability to dance from corner to corner also makes it the livelier one.
Power aside, the Passat's turbocharging also translates into better fuel economy. It manages 10.3km/L with a reasonable right foot whereas the Sonata averaged 9km/L.
So which would you pick?
In the past, it would almost be impossible to beat the package that is the Passat and we'd say it still is, given the car's precious few faults. Personally, we would still pick the Passat because we prefer turbocharged cars and we are extremely picky when it comes to a car's cabin's fit and finish.
But professionally, we'd say the Sonata has been the more memorable car. It may not be as fast or fashionable as the Passat but close your eyes, go for a ride and it's hard to tell you're in a Hyundai.
For buyers who aren't fussy about brand, the Sonata does fulfil most whims and fancies. It certainly won't be able to overtake the Passat's sales just yet, but give it a couple more years, and we won't be surprised if it does.
HYUNDAI SONATA VIII 2.0 GLS SUNROOF
Softer suspension is more comfortable
Surprisingly refined
Infotainment is dated but cabin is cosy
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8 TSI HIGHLINE
More handsome design
Materials used are more expensive
More powerful and fuel economical
Think of the Hyundai Sonata and most Singaporeans would immediately associate it with a ComfortDelGro cab, which isn't the most glamorous of ways to be remembered.
So when we decided to pit the latest Sonata against the Passat, a model that brought Volkswagen a step closer to brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes, we asked ourselves, "Are we completely off our meds?"
There are two reasons for doing so. One, the Passat during one of Volkswagen's weekend promos was almost the same price as the Sonata, and two, having previously already reviewed the Sonata, it's not as second-rate as you'd expect.
The Sonata (right) is larger in size and longer in wheelbase compared to the Passat, which translates into more space inside
Spacious Sonata, pretty Passat
The first impression of the cars, when parked side by side, is that the Sonata is obviously the bigger car here. It is longer, wider and taller than the Passat, although the latter is the more visually appealing one, with its sharper sheet metal architecture and more lavish use of chrome trims.
On the inside, the Sonata offers slightly more leg, shoulder and headroom all around compared to the Passat, as well as an overall cushier, cosier cabin. It's also richer in features, having stuff like wireless charging, ventilated seats and blind spot detection as standard.
The Passat, however, does have a larger 586-litre boot that's a whole 76 litres more than in the Sonata. At the same time, the materials employed within the Passat's cabin are of superior quality and finish.
A cosier, cushier affair at the back of the Sonata thanks to soft seats and a quiet cabinThat's not to say the Sonata isn't well built because it's anything but. Unfortunately the use of tackier plastics and a surprisingly outdated infotainment system is its Achilles' heel. The fidelity of the system, too, pales in comparison to the Passat's.
But don't judge a book by its cover, or badge
Past the Sonata's lesser presentation is a car that's highly refined and outstandingly accomplished. At idle, there's barely a whisper from its engine. While on the go, it's also just as, if not slightly quieter, than the Passat as long as you're not revving it hard.
So when we decided to pit the latest Sonata against the Passat, a model that brought Volkswagen a step closer to brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes, we asked ourselves, "Are we completely off our meds?"
There are two reasons for doing so. One, the Passat during one of Volkswagen's weekend promos was almost the same price as the Sonata, and two, having previously already reviewed the Sonata, it's not as second-rate as you'd expect.
Spacious Sonata, pretty Passat
The first impression of the cars, when parked side by side, is that the Sonata is obviously the bigger car here. It is longer, wider and taller than the Passat, although the latter is the more visually appealing one, with its sharper sheet metal architecture and more lavish use of chrome trims.
On the inside, the Sonata offers slightly more leg, shoulder and headroom all around compared to the Passat, as well as an overall cushier, cosier cabin. It's also richer in features, having stuff like wireless charging, ventilated seats and blind spot detection as standard.
The Passat, however, does have a larger 586-litre boot that's a whole 76 litres more than in the Sonata. At the same time, the materials employed within the Passat's cabin are of superior quality and finish.
But don't judge a book by its cover, or badge
Past the Sonata's lesser presentation is a car that's highly refined and outstandingly accomplished. At idle, there's barely a whisper from its engine. While on the go, it's also just as, if not slightly quieter, than the Passat as long as you're not revving it hard.
More impressively, it's also able to soak up the road's imperfections a little more smoothly than the Passat, which rides a little firmer. This grace from the Sonata, alone, is a triumph for Hyundai.
But if you're one who likes a bit of spirited driving, the Passat is the one to have. For one, it's more powerful, with 178bhp and 250Nm of torque from a turbocharged 1.8-litre.
Thanks to that, it feels lighter on its feet and will smash the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds while the Sonata will take 11.1 seconds. And around twisties, the Passat's eagerness and ability to dance from corner to corner also makes it the livelier one.
In terms of overall presentation and build quality, the German-made Passat is still king of the ringPower aside, the Passat's turbocharging also translates into better fuel economy. It manages 10.3km/L with a reasonable right foot whereas the Sonata averaged 9km/L.
So which would you pick?
In the past, it would almost be impossible to beat the package that is the Passat and we'd say it still is, given the car's precious few faults. Personally, we would still pick the Passat because we prefer turbocharged cars and we are extremely picky when it comes to a car's cabin's fit and finish.
With safety features such as blind spot detection, the Sonata is great value for moneyBut professionally, we'd say the Sonata has been the more memorable car. It may not be as fast or fashionable as the Passat but close your eyes, go for a ride and it's hard to tell you're in a Hyundai.
For buyers who aren't fussy about brand, the Sonata does fulfil most whims and fancies. It certainly won't be able to overtake the Passat's sales just yet, but give it a couple more years, and we won't be surprised if it does.
But if you're one who likes a bit of spirited driving, the Passat is the one to have. For one, it's more powerful, with 178bhp and 250Nm of torque from a turbocharged 1.8-litre.
Thanks to that, it feels lighter on its feet and will smash the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds while the Sonata will take 11.1 seconds. And around twisties, the Passat's eagerness and ability to dance from corner to corner also makes it the livelier one.
So which would you pick?
In the past, it would almost be impossible to beat the package that is the Passat and we'd say it still is, given the car's precious few faults. Personally, we would still pick the Passat because we prefer turbocharged cars and we are extremely picky when it comes to a car's cabin's fit and finish.
For buyers who aren't fussy about brand, the Sonata does fulfil most whims and fancies. It certainly won't be able to overtake the Passat's sales just yet, but give it a couple more years, and we won't be surprised if it does.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Highline (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.9km/L
Horsepower
133kW (178 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
7.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen PassatHyundai Sonata VIII 2.0 GLS (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.6km/L
Horsepower
112kW (150 bhp)
Torque
192 Nm
Acceleration
11.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Hyundai Sonata VIII
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