Hyundai Sonata to be launched in the third week of March 2012!

Hyundai will launch the new Sonata during the third week of March 2012. CarToq confirmed with a Hyundai spokesperson that the Sonata’s prices will indeed happen during third week rather than the first week as speculated earlier.

Hyundai showcased the upcoming Sonata and the Elantra at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Let’s take a brief look at what the new Hyundai Sonata is all about.

Looks

The new Sonata boasts of Hyundai’s global ‘fluidic’ design language which is also seen on the Hyundai i10, the new Verna and the Eon. The chrome radiator grille and tear drop headlamps coupled with wide fog lamps complete the front profile of the car. On the sides, the smooth flowing roofline ends at the rear as it would in a coupe.

The smart curves and crease lines give it a dynamic yet elegant look. The car’s rear gets side swept tail lamp cluster, chrome tipped dual exhausts and a chrome strip on the boot lid too, giving it a premium look. With its large dimensions (4,820 x 1,835 x 1,591 mm), the Sonata is sure to have a strong road presence.

Space and Comfort

The new Sonata has grey-beige dual tone interiors. The central console has a waterfall layout and all controls seem to easily fall to hand. The neatly laid out dashboard adds to the car’s aesthetics. Hyundai claims that the Sonata has more interior volume and cargo space than the 2012 Toyota Camry. The Sonata has 20 mm longer wheelbase (2,795 mm) than the 2012 Camry.

Engine

The India-bound Sonata will be powered by the 2.4-litre GDI (Gasoline direct Injection) petrol motor with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-VTVT). The engine puts out 198 bhp (201 PS) of power and 250 Nm of torque. The engines will be mated to 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Expect the mileage to be in the range of 10 – 14 kmpl.

Expected Features

With regard to safety, the new Sonata will come with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and impact sensing door unlock. With regard to comfort, expect cruise control, paddle shifter, front and rear seat ventilation, 10-way adjustable power driver seat with lumbar support, smart key with push button start and driver seat memory settings.

In-car entertainment will include 2-din audio system with 6 CD changer, MP3 player, USB, Aux-in and iPod connectivity. The speaker system includes six speakers including amplifier and woofer.

Expected Price

The new Sonata is expected to have a price tag of around Rs.18 lakh. This will make the Sonata under cut the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry which are priced well above Rs. 20 lakh.

Summary

The new Sonata has attractive looks, spacious cabin and powerful engine. The new Sonata has to face competition in the form of Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Teana. If priced aggressively, the Sonata may sell in significant numbers and help the Korean brand to have strong presence in the premium car segments. Also the much-expected Elantra sedan will likely be launched only after July 2012.