Hyundai today unveiled its all-new Sonata Hybrid in Seoul, Korea. The all-new Sonata Hybrid features a unique hybrid design, advanced safety and convenience features, a spacious interior and trunk, and an upgraded powertrain. The all-new Sonata Hybrid is powered by an efficient Nu 2.0-liter GDI hybrid engine mated to a 38 kW electric motor. The gasoline engine delivers maximum power and torque of 156 ps and 19.3 kg.m, up 4 percent and 5.5 percent respectively, compared to the previous model. The 38 kW electric motor delivers 8.6 percent improved maximum power, with maximum torque of 20.9 kg.m (205 Nm). With the upgraded engine and electric motor, the new model achieves a significant improvement in fuel consumption: a class-leading combined rating of 18.2 km/ℓwith 16-inch wheels (17.7 km/ℓ with 17-inch wheels).
The all-new Sonata Hybrid continues to utilize a lithium-polymer battery pack – which in 2011 made Hyundai Motor first automaker in the world to incorporate such efficient battery technology into production cars – now with a 13.3 percent higher capacity of 1.62 kilowatt-hour (versus 1.43 kWh). The battery has been relocated under the floor of the trunk, allowing for a flat trunk floor, creating a more useable cargo area, 10.5% larger than that of the previous model, with 60/40 split-folding seats.
The all-new Sonata Hybrid also benefits from new, advanced safety systems including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist. In addition to the full suite of passive safety technologies, the car also incorporates a new knee bag to prevent injury in the event of a collision. The all-new Sonata Hybrid will be joined next year by a Plug-in Hybrid variant of the Sonata, which will be Hyundai Motor’s first Plug-in Hybrid.
At the front, the larger, more sharply-edged hexagonal grille has a unique inner-grille pattern. The hexagonal grille, a hallmark of Hyundai Motor design, aids cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, while the new, slimline LED daytime running lights and HID headlamps echo the high-technology image. A distinctive chrome molding at the bottom of the doors helps to accentuate the Hybrid model’s sleek shape. At the rear, the revised, voluminous rear fenders flow into new, high-visibility LED rear lamp clusters.
