Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, today unveiled the `all-new Sonata’, a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s long-established mid-size sedan.
The all-new Sonata represents the practical application of premium Hyundai Motor technologies first introduced in the all-new Genesis, which was given its world premiere in Korea in November 2013.
A modern, enhanced vehicle with class-leading advanced features, the all-new Sonata has been designed using Hyundai Motor's evolved Fluidic Sculpture philosophy. Displaying a refined, premium style, the all-new Sonata showcases Hyundai Motor's sleek exterior and intuitive interior design ethos, projecting a harmonious and athletic appearance.
The all-new Sonata's design concept focuses on 'Inner Force', a theme that points to its evolved aesthetic and confident design. Premium equipment, style and status deliver a feeling typically associated with vehicles in the segment above. The all-new Sonata successfully fulfils the practical needs of drivers, while evoking a sense of confidence and class. It also represents the democratization of new technologies first developed for inclusion in the all-new Genesis, offering Modern Premium values to more customers.
"The Sonata has been playing a key role in Hyundai Motor's rapid growth in the global market, as well as leading the development of the Korean auto industry. We are confident that the all-new Sonata will change the landscape of the global mid-size sedan market," Choong Ho Kim, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor, said during the all-new Sonata launching ceremony in Seoul today. "Hyundai Motor has been pursuing qualitative growth, providing innovative experiences and values to our customers, and the all-new Sonata will be at the centre of these efforts."
The all-new Sonata project began with the aim of developing a world-class premium mid-size sedan through innovation in fundamental areas, while maintaining the model's proud heritage. Inspiring driver confidence was an important goal for the all-new Sonata: the new model utilizes a modified Hyundai Motor platform that has been optimized to offer a dynamic driving experience. The car's newly designed underpinnings contribute to an improvement in suspension performance and a greater structural rigidity over the previous generation model, resulting in 41% greater torsional strength and 35% greater bending strength than the outgoing model.
The new model is 35 millimetres longer and 30 millimetres wider than the previous generation Sonata, delivering a marginal increase in exterior size but worthwhile gains in internal volume.
Advanced suspension design and active safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System and Advanced Smart Cruise Control, ensure a rewarding and safe driving experience. Uncompromised levels of convenience features are fitted to the all-new Sonata, providing it with the type of luxury, safety and technology equipment typically associated with cars from the segment above. A variety of premium features such as rear parking sensors, heated leather seats and rear-side curtain airbags emphasize Hyundai Motor's commitment to delivering value beyond expectations. Advanced multimedia systems and next-generation infotainment equipment are also fitted to the all-new Sonata.
Hyundai Motor's engineers concentrated on offering efficient and effective powertrains that would deliver maximum performance for the all-new Sonata. As a result the new model offers drivers impressive acceleration and economy, together with useable low and mid-range torque that provides exceptional drivability in every situation. The wide range of engines is mated to manual and automatic transmissions, and all drivetrain options offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions, re-emphasizing Hyundai Motor's continuing commitment to the global environment.
Since the Sonata badge was first introduced by Hyundai Motor in 1985, cumulative sales have almost reached seven million units, making this model the third Hyundai Motor model ever to achieve that landmark figure. Hyundai Motor's previous generation Sonata was launched in 2009, embracing the brand's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. The striking design and stylish appearance of the previous generation Sonata enhanced Hyundai Motor's image.
The all-new Sonata, the result of three years of development and an investment of approximately 450 billion Won (approx. $460 million Australian dollars), is scheduled to be launched outside Korea in the second half of this year. Hyundai Motor targets selling a total of 228,000 units (Korea: 63,000 / Overseas: 165,000) this year, while aiming to expand up to 338,000 units (Korea: 89,000 / Overseas: 249,000) next year.
LOCAL MARKET
All-new Sonata specifications and pricing for the Australian market will be announced closer to the vehicle's local launch in the second half of 2014.
