The new Hyundai Sonata which is scheduled to be launched in March is expected to give tough competition to the existing ruler Accord. Skoda Superb, Honda Accord and to some extent the Toyota Camry have been fighting constantly to establish their supremacy in the executive car segment. Among these cars, Honda Accord has been successful in establishing its leadership position. Although few years back, Hyundai tried to challenge the supremacy of Accord by its Sonata, the Korean car maker was not able to perform well in the segment. Hyundai has many hopes with the new Sonata as many innovative changes have been made in the car.
It is expected to be the best looking car that Indian car lovers will see after a long time. Due to the 'fluidic' look, the exterior of the new Sonata becomes quite impressive. Measuring 4.8 m, the Sonata is a long car. Passengers can enjoy decent leg space due to the 2.7m wheelbase of this vehicle. The large flowing headlamps mix smoothly into the sharp profile. Even the rear lights are trendy and look quite attractive. For well-spread and powerful beam, high intensity discharge (HID) system is provided in the headlamps of new Sonata. For maximum visibility, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used in the rear lights of the vehicle.
Motivated by cascading waterfall, front grille of Sonata has been designed. From the front to the rear, a chrome strip runs on the window line, enhancing the look of the car. The car has wide opening doors, promising comfortable entry and exit.
Maximum detailing has been done to the interior of this vehicle. Leather upholstery of this car is not only soft but also elastic. Ten ways power adjustable leather seats have lumber support. The mechanism of the car memory allows storage of two sets of driving position. Hence, when the chauffeur is off-duty, this feature will prove helpful as it can recognise the owner. Blue interior illumination creates a fine ambience inside the car. Like the Verna, the new Sonata also has blue lighting for the switches and minor controls. LCD screen incorporated in the car functions like a trip computer display.
The car maker has made the steering wheel of Hyundai Sonata multi-functional due to which the driver can control the audio system, operate the Bluetooth interface, and set the cruise control conveniently. Keyless go system is also provided in the car. The door handle has a button, which helps in unlocking the car. With the key provided, it is possible to start the car conveniently.
Due to a unique mechanism, the seats of new Sonata are capable of cooling or warming the derriere. Earlier, this feature was provided in the top luxury cars but now Hyundai has brought it in this segment for which the car maker should be complemented. Audio and climate controls are provided in the rear seat squab of Sonata. Hence, the rear passengers can change the music tracks conveniently. Due to advanced engineering, the engine of this new sedan is capable of generating 201 bhp, which is highest in the segment. The gasoline direct injection using a common rail, injects fuel directly into the cylinders.
The 255 Nm torque churned by the engine also assures that performance of the car will be excellent. It is expected that the performance of this new sedan will be as smooth as a as a 16-year-old Lagavulin. Powerful cars usually do not have high fuel efficiency but things are different for the new Sonata as it delivers 12 kmpl in the city. The car maker has not disclosed the price of this sedan but according to experts it will be within the price bracket of Rs.18 lacs and Rs.19 lacs.
Although, while fixing the prices of its products, Hyundai follows market trends but it needs to surpass the chutzpah featured by Honda Accord. Even though, earlier model of Sonata did not perform well in the market but the new car has every attribute present in it, which can make it the leader in its segment.
