The current generation Hyundai Sonata was launched internationally back in 2009. It carries the 'Fluidic Sculpture' styling theme, which has been observed on almost all of its cars. Now, Hyundai is ready with 'Fluidic Precision', its new theme, which will be first implemented on the 2015 Sonata. The next-generation Sonata has been undergoing trials in a few places, including the Nurburgring in Germany and the latest mule has been spotted in South Korea.
The 2015 Sonata will continue using the current architecture with some rework resulting in increased dimensions. Design wise, the sedan will take cues from the Genesis and Equus and is expected to tone down the sweeping, free-flowing lines to adopt a bit more conservative styling. It will sport a big chrome front grille and slender, partial LED headlights.While LED tail lights will wrap horizontally into the bootlid and the dual exhaust pipes will be chrome tipped. Inside, a new dashboard design will integrate a touch screen infotainment and navigation system. Controls will sit higher up between the air vents, providing better access. In India, the Sonata has always been equipped on par with its rivals. The new one is expected to feature a host of driver assists like automatic braking, lane keeping aid, radar cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
For the international market, the Sonata will be equipped with a 1.6-litre engine, found in the Veloster coupe and the current 2.0-litre engine, both turbocharged. In India, the Sonata is offered only with a 198bhp, 2.4-litre petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto box.
Codenamed ‘Sonata LF’ (the current car is ‘Sonata YF’), the car will make its debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show in April. It will be followed by the 2015 Genesis sedan and then, a new fuel-cell vehicle. Despite being launched internationally as early as 2009, India got the current Sonata only in 2012. So we can’t be quite sure when the new Sonata will make its way here. The D-segment car hasn’t been quite a hit in India, probably due to the lack of a diesel mill in its range. Once launched, will the Hyundai be able to topple Skoda Superb as the D-segment top-seller, or will the Sonata continue to remain an underdog, remains to be seen.
Source : www.bobaedream.co.kr
Video source : WCF
