Hyundai took the wraps off its popular-selling and totally redesigned 2015 Sonata mid-sized sedan in South Korea today.
The automaker is hoping the sedan, Hyundai’s most popular model in the U.S. after its Elantra, will impress buyers with upscale looks, “class-leading advanced safety and convenience features,” and a premium, luxurious experience, Hyundai said in a press release.
“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, said in the release. “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 2015 Hyundai Sonata
Handout, Hyundai
The Sonata adopts the new design language that was well-received on Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury sedan, a look that puts more emphasis on an athletic appearance. One main component of this new design is a bold hexagonal grille and LED daytime running lights. The new Sonata is 35 millimetres longer and 30 mm wider than its predecessor, meaning the sedan will see gains in interior volume. Hyundai also says the sedan’s platform has been improved to have better structural rigidity.
Hyundai says the new front-wheel-drive Sonata will deliver a luxurious experience generally expected from the segment above where the Sonata sits. The new Sonata will have active safety features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning systems and advanced cruise control. Premium features including rear parking sensors, a hands-free sensor-operated trunk, heated front and rear leather seats and rear-side curtain airbags will also be offered. Hyundai says this new-generation Sonata will be more driver-focused, refined and luxurious than its predecessor.
The Sonata also gets a new infotainment system with more connectivity options, offering USB input, Bluetooth, voice recognition, iPod connectivity and better smartphone integration.
There are no specifics on powertrain offerings yet, so we’ll have to wait until the Sonata’s North American reveal at the New York International Auto Show, which begins April 16, for more details. In North America, the outgoing Sonata is offered with a 2.4-litre, 193-horsepower four cylinder and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 274-hp four-cylinder. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The Sonata badge was first introduced in 1985 and, since then, global sales have reached seven million units.
