Hyundai Australia: "We do know and we won't tell you." Will this be the last petrol Sonata?

Hyundai’s updated and possibly last-ever petrol Sonata has arrived in Australia with a dramatically futuristic look, expansive digital displays and a price tag of $55,500.

While not a new-generation Sonata, Hyundai has given the mid-sized sedan a substantial update. 

There are the obvious styling changes such as to the front with the 'Seamless Horizon' LED lighting strip, similar to that worn by the Hyundai Staria van and Kona SUV, as well as an aggressive bumper and redesigned LED tail-lights. 

The update has gone further, however, with new double 12.3-inch displays for media and driver instruments, along with the relocation of the gear shifter to the steering column.  

Even the car's body structure and sub-frame have been strengthened, plus there are improvements to insulation and components to reduce noise and vibration.

Available in just the N Line grade the Sonata makes use of the same 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine from the previous model without any change in the outputs of 213kW and 422Nm.

The N Line grade brings a sporty look with the fierce body kit, while inside, suede and Nappa leather N Line seats give the interior a premium feel.

A list price of $55,500 represents a $3435 increase over the outgoing model, but this new version offers more in the way of standard features.

Along with the double screens and leather seats, there’s proximity unlocking, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a leather steering wheel, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights and a power boot lid.

The Sonata is now in its seventh generation and experiencing low sales in Australia. Hyundai sold just 185 Sonatas to the end of September this year making it the lowest selling car in the brand’s local range.

Not being an SUV could be a large reason for the sedan’s lack of popularity in Australia where SUVs outsell other forms of passengers cars by more than three-to-one.

Hyundai not offering the Sonata in hybrid or electric form could also hint that the days of the Sonata here are numbered.

When asked if this was the last petrol Sonata to come to here, Hyundai Australia’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Bill Thomas held his cards close, saying, “Good question. We can’t answer it”.

When asked if he couldn’t answer it because he didn’t know or because he did know and wouldn't say, the reply was even more cryptic.

“It’s because we do know and we won't tell you,” he said.