Destined to shake up the Malaysian executive sedan market with a daring, emotionally-driven design, state-of-art technology and superior build quality, the new Sonata promises to be an exceptional driving experience. The all new Sonata’s unique design language evokes a sense of desire and strong appeal among virtually all generations of drivers. With a very possible April 2010 launch, its asking price is set to be very competitive against segment leaders with higher features and interior kit.
FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN LANGUAGE
Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on developing Fluidic Sculpture, an entirely new design direction. Fluidic Sculpture is a consistent, cohesive design language that will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom. The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window. A mono-form side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the new Sonata, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details. Multi-spoke wheels 17-inch complete the assertive stance.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Sonata rides on a 2,795mm wheelbase which is just 65mm longer than the previous iteration. At 4,820mm and 1,835mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor (by 20mm and 5mm, respectively) greatly improving the interior cabin space but the overall height of 1,470mm has been lowered by 5mm without affecting headroom.
POWERTRAIN
The Sonata will be equipped with two powerful and fuel efficient Theta II petrol engines: Theta-II 2.4 and 2.0 engines. The lighter weight Theta II engines with a straightened air intake system, that allows the engine to inhale a larger volume of air, put out more power and torque: the Theta-II 2.4 is rated at 178ps and 23.3kg.m of torque emits just 190g/km of CO2 while the Theta-II 2.0 delivers 165ps and 20.2kg.m of torque, further reducing CO2 to only 180g/km.
An all new 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.
Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact six-speed delivers a performance edge. In this application, it helps brings a nine percent gain in fuel economy. The gearbox has no dipstick because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
FUEL ECONOMY INNOVATIONS
Nestled between the speedometer and tachometer, the “ECO” coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. It uses an “ECO” icon backlit by LEDs with either the red, white or green LED lighting up in accordance with driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic “ECO” coach and 7 to 9 percent with the manual.
SAFETY INNOVATIONS
To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags.
