2020 Hyundai Sonata to start from RM20xk in Malaysia

2020 Hyundai Sonata to start from RM20xk in Malaysia

Last week, we showed you the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata will be launching soon in Malaysia, and now Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has revealed the price of the eighth-generation D-segment sedan, in conjunction with the opening of order books for the new model (details below).

Prices will start at RM20X,XXX for the new Sonata, which will be CBU fully imported from South Korea. That’s not cheap, but the era of sub-RM150k D-segment sedans is long gone, with the current Toyota Camry setting the marker at RM190k in 2018. The latest Honda Accord was launched earlier this year, topping out at RM196k. The 2.5L Camry is a CBU import from Thailand while the 1.5T Accord is CKD locally assembled – they’re now priced at RM188,763 and RM187,360 respectively with the 2020 sales tax exemption.

The DN8 Sonata for Malaysia is powered by a new Smartstream G2.5 MPI engine. The 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder makes 180 PS at 6,000 rpm and 232 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, all of which goes through a six-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels. The figures are on par with the fellow 2.5L NA in the Camry, just a 4 PS and 3 Nm shy.

2020 Hyundai Sonata to start from RM20xk in Malaysia

But the main reason you’ll consider a Sonata is the way it looks. This latest generation has the wow factor that the sixth-generation YF had years ago, but the previous sober LF lacked. The first car to bear Hyundai’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design language, the big sedan returns to the sleek four-door coupe look.

In front, you’ll find a wide and aggressive Cascading Grille, flanked by slim trapezoidal LED headlights that sweep upwards towards the front wheel arches. The Sonata’s signature chrome bonnet strips take on new functionality as they hide the LED daytime running lights, which disappear from view when turned off thanks to laser-etched perforations. There’s a fade effect and it’s cool.

From the side, you’ll see the sweep of the roofline mirrored in the arching shoulder line, accentuating the car’s concave/convex surfacing. The rear features C-shaped tail lights that resembled the “prawns” on the Honda Civic, but joined together at the bottom. The Sonata rides on 18-inch alloys that are typically Hyundai, which means the design is complex. When you have a chance, check out the knurled effect on the centre caps – such effort!

2020 Hyundai Sonata to start from RM20xk in Malaysia

Intriguing design aside, the Sonata also has presence in terms of size. At 4,900 mm long and 1,890 mm wide, it’s 45 mm longer and 25 mm wider than the LF, while its 2,840 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer. The DN8 is however 30 mm lower at 1,445 mm, which adds to the car’s dynamic stance. Drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.27, thanks to features like a flat underbody and fins on the tail lights.

The interior is a huge departure from the LF’s weakest point. You’ll find a slim dashboard, a tall centre console and a freestanding infotainment touchscreen. The car you see here sports a nice two-tone colour scheme, with a tan upper dashboard and leather seats. The 8.0-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The push-button gear selector is something to impress occupants.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry and push start, powered seats with driver’s side memory, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 360-degree camera system. There’s also a cooled Qi wireless charger that keeps your smartphone from overheating.

2020 Hyundai Sonata to start from RM20xk in Malaysia

Safety-wise, the Sonata boasts a new Blind-Spot View Monitor, which works just like Honda’s LaneWatch but with two key differences. It uses cameras on both sides of the car, instead of only the left side, and it also displays the live feed in the instrument cluster (replacing the gauge on whichever side the driver indicates) rather than the infotainment screen.

The big Hyundai also comes with six airbags and stability control, but unfortunately, it misses out on Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assistance features including autonomous emergency braking.

Mass market brand D-segment sedans aren’t the default “nice cars” for upper middle class folks like they were before, no thanks to a combination of higher prices, the SUV onslaught and entry-level premium compact sedans with attractive financing plans. To survive, everyone has had to push the boat out in terms of design – none are “uncle cars” anymore, but even in the current class of sleek Japanese options, the new Sonata’s design stands out. Share your thoughts.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • AI-generated Summary ✨

    Comments express strong disappointment and skepticism about the pricing of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata in Malaysia, with many believing it to be too expensive for a non-premium brand, especially without advanced safety features like SmartSense. Several argue that the price is unjustified compared to rival models like the Accord, Camry, or higher-tier brands such as BMW and Mercedes, suggesting that the Sonata may not sell well and could have low resale value. Some comments claim Hyundai Malaysia is not serious about sales, and predict the car will be a limited presence or even dead on arrival. Overall, the tone is critical, with many viewing the pricing as unrealistic and suggesting better budget alternatives or waiting for second-hand options.

  • RM200k+ for such junk poor RV cars are they insane. Must be thinking their car is the same level as the Japanese or German cars.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 63 Thumb down 7
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:01 am

      If you still prefer korean then top up a little bit and buy kia stingray…more pleasant to the eyes not to mention sporty and good looking

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
    • Basher Dont Learn on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:25 am

      Sell more expensive but less volume. Same approach like Camry and Accord la

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • dong gor on Oct 07, 2020 at 10:30 am

    200k ++ ?? keke. Hyundai is not serious about selling the cars here. Just to make a presence by displaying Sonata in the showroom. Keep it up mate.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 0
  • This would be a rare sight, though kudos to those who has the bravery to go for one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
    • IGP mom on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      Maybe stupidity instead of bravery …

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
      • People who has 200k to waste on a Sonata is not stupid per se, they just have too much money lying around they don’t know what to do with it.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • I know looks is subjective but damn that rear is ugly. And whats with the pricing?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on Oct 07, 2020 at 10:52 am

    Wow, with this pricing, sadly this new Sonata will be D.O.A (dead on arrival).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
  • Jeremy on Oct 07, 2020 at 10:56 am

    More expensive than Camry, Accord & Mazda6? Hahahahahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 0
  • ThePolygon on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:09 am

    They should priced it RM300k cause it won’t make any difference.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 1
  • Bob Zam on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:10 am

    Nvm with the price,just wait for the K5

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • kenot on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:18 am

    well..just want to say good luck for them..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Vinod on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Probably end up like the passat B8, i.e Advertised north of 200K, but actual transactions may be in the 150-170k range..or at least it would be te thing to do if they dont want their units to be collecting dust at some showroom.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • HMMM…JAWABNYA…SEBULAN SEBIJI PON BELOM TENTU BOLEH JUAL LA DGN REGE CAMNI….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • SonymAn on Oct 08, 2020 at 7:48 am

      Maybe 1 tahun sebiji OK la. Target hit. Itu pun maybe company car terpaksa beli Kerana image Dan support

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ex VGM staff on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:40 am

    One of the first cars to hike D segment car prices up was VW Passat 1.8TSI some 7-8 years ago., followed by Nissan Teana and Ford Mondeo. Later only Toyota Camry followed, because of 2.5 hybrid model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • NiceCar on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:46 am

    Low spec no performance, no safety features. but price higher than Accord and camry? Hyundai Malaysia, if possible before launch logo change to genesis. At least buyer can feel this is premium car so try to compare the car with Lexus, acura or infiniti. Else could not think what kind of buyer will buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Jinggo on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    harga syok sendiri lorr…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Imran Naim on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    Thats it. 200k+ for a non-premium D segment. More expensive cars, higher living cost, same fresh grad basic salary since 1990s.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
    • Pyraxle on Oct 07, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      That is so true, exactly!!! Yet the boomers keep on bragging how they survived with rm1.2k in the 90s and wonder why we cannot. I cannot brain this la uncle!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 1
  • Proton oh Proton on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    Good luck…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Bieight on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    That drive train is pretty rubbish

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Malaysia pricing for D segment in not right. All close to 200k ‍♂️

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • The price is so unreasonble nowdays for D segment…this is because the tax is very high for CBU car..and d govt would like to prevent the local car as well.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • contender on Oct 07, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    absurd pricing all these Japanese D segment and now Korean too …. Geely Proton time to shine!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Zoom Zoom on Oct 07, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    wtf… previous sonata 2.0 CBU start from 139k, new sonata 2.5 from 20xk?? wow… impressive pricing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • game over edy. gg sonata

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • azrai on Oct 07, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    DOA Dead on arrival.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • kereta_lembu on Oct 07, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    I don’t know about you, but I know I won’t be getting one. Looks alone is controversial. Just because I don’t like the design doesn’t mean others will not like it. However, pricing wise, it makes no sense at all. Even if they drop the price by 20k to match T & H brands, it will not get many buyers, if any. So, good luck with that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Bolehka on Oct 07, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    RIP Sonata! Your era is become to dead end!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • LOL… reading the comments here, it’s as if Hyundai are actually bothered or worried about our tiny Malaysian market…they don’t really need our market actually.. in fact they favour selling to Brunei more than our market, and focus on Australia and other parts of Asia as well… Hyundai can well survive without the Malaysian market since they already have strong presence in North & South America and Europe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • Can wait after 5 years, buy 2nd hand at around RM50k -RM60k. That assuming there are 1st hand buyers at the first place.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
    • sarawak sarawak on Oct 07, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      2nd had 5 year old Sonata at 50K also will have ZERO sales!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Sonyman on Oct 08, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Provided you can find one in the market. If they only sell 1 unit a year chances are is really not existence

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • sam123 on Oct 08, 2020 at 7:58 am

      where got so low, at least rm80k in 5 years time.. that time need to rebut with others ppl

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Faisal on Oct 07, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    I had bought 2 hyundais before. And I am a fan, but this price of car are becoming for unrealistic for malaysian market. too bad many can’t afford this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • autodriver (Member) on Oct 08, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      People who afford for RM200k car definitely not willing to pay to Hyundai badge and low spec of powertrain. If I got this budget why not top up 20k more to buy a pre reg 320i which is more powerful, premium badge, better safety features and free 5 years service. RIP sonata

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kimchixsedap on Oct 07, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    0 sale

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • D.O.A certified

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • vivizurianti on Oct 07, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Since the price is 200K, this model will soon be “limited” edition in Malaysia, bcoz very tiny meeny number of this car exist on the road.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • No SmartSense suite and yet this price tag? Really?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • David on Oct 07, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    200 k.. Hyundai can fly kite

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 200k++… slow slow jual

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • What the heck!!!….RM200++ for medium size Hyundai Sonata??? If this car coming from brand Genesis Motor i believe RM200K is suitable…why so expensive

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Oct 08, 2020 at 12:59 am

    this sonata will not sell well, that’s for sure. Hyundai can send back all the unsold cars to South Korea as scrap metal.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Abahrotan on Oct 08, 2020 at 7:56 am

    Now if proton will bring the new perdana and price it around sub 130k. It will sell well and will snatch those who buy D segment car to proton perdana instead of camry, accord and this sonata that price sub +-200k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Fauzi on Oct 08, 2020 at 8:29 am

    geezzzz…200k for that….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • albag on Oct 08, 2020 at 10:13 am

    LOL good luck with that pricing.. better wait for few years later sure left 20% of value then buy lar

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • yazid on Oct 09, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    What d….the price is expensive…will prefer bmw 320i..than this korea car..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • yazid on Oct 09, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    Korean car same price with bmw

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nik botak on Oct 11, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Wow, ridiculous price for a non premium brand….same goes wt the new accord & camry. Very rare to see nowadays due to way too expensive price for a non premium…top up bit more can get a beemer/merc but smaller size….but still premium brand

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • at 200k price point no automated safety sensing features…..wont sell!!! What is SD thinking?????

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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