Hyundai Prius? Hybrid Sonata could have distinct shape, different name
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 9th 2009 at 3:26PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata
When you think of the word "hybrid," what vehicle pops into your mind? Likely, it's the Toyota Prius, and that's what they call a really big win for the marketing department. Much of the success that Toyota's seminal hybrid model has achieved has been attributed to its unique styling, which sets the fuel-saver apart from other manufacturers' hybrids, making the ecomobile instantly recognizable. Those that care about saving the planet – or at least those who like the appearance of caring – often choose the Prius due to its iconic shape and name.
Woong-chul Yang, president of R&D for Hyundai-Kia Motors, says, "People who drive a hybrid like to be differentiated." Sounds painful. In any case, the automaker is reportedly working on giving their first hybrid model, which will be based on the Sonata midsize sedan, a distinct shape. To go along with the unique profile, the Korean hybrid may get a different name to further distance it from its non-hybrid sibling.
Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
216 3:32PM (3/09/2009)
well if it had a different name then why would it even be considered a Sonata anymore?
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Taglane 3:35PM (3/09/2009)
Because it would be based off the same platform. Just like how the Elantra and Elantra Touring look different, but have (almost) the same name? Yeah.....That's the opposite of what Hyundai wants to do with their Prius.
Bob-omb 8:29PM (3/09/2009)
Wagon Corolla = Matrix. Give it a different name if it's different enough.
Honestly, making a dedicated Hyundai hybrid shape/name is a very smart move, I think. I bet it would sell far better than a Sonata Hybrid. And we'll see that again with how much better the Insight will sell versus the Civic Hybrid.
LDub 3:33PM (3/09/2009)
If the domestic automakers made half the smart decisions that Hyundai has made in the last 3-4 years, they'd actually have a shot of staying in business.
Reply
Taglane 3:36PM (3/09/2009)
....
Ken 6:30PM (3/09/2009)
You mean introduce a RWD V8 sedan like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Pontiac G8, or a new sports coupe like the Camaro and Challenger? Or how about entering the SUV market the way Hyundai has in the last few years?
Sea Urchin 3:36PM (3/09/2009)
"When you think of the word "hybrid," what vehicle pops into your mind? Likely, it's the Toyota Prius"-----------sorry, not for me, i always picture Malibu and Escalade.
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The Luigiian 3:38PM (3/09/2009)
Really? I think of the original Honda Insight, personally, as the epitome of hybrid vehicles.
Epyx 3:43PM (3/09/2009)
Another pointless comment by Sea Urine.
letstakeawalk 4:23PM (3/09/2009)
I think "platypus".
big J 6:30PM (3/09/2009)
who in their right mind would think of an escalade when the word hybrid is mentioned? and yes I know they offer a hybrid model escalade... but seriously now...
Luis 8:21PM (3/09/2009)
Malibu and Escalade? Give me a f-ing break. The Prius is the car that has MADE the market what it is. It was the first hybrid production vehicle (yes, sold in Japan before the Insight) and far outsold the Insight in the U.S.
Hyundai has learned from Honda's mistake: don't sell a hybrid version of the same car with a tiny badge to differentiate it from all the other Accords - it won't work. Make it look different...very different.
Harrison 9:49PM (3/09/2009)
Hmm...I think of pumpkins, warm spring days, and childhood innocence as I run freely through the grassy plains.
John 4:29PM (3/09/2009)
Might this be the so-called Hyundai Sonata 4 door "coupe" that has been spotted testing?
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joe23521 4:56PM (3/09/2009)
A 4-door coupe is as big an oxymoron as a 3-wheel bike. I just don't get it.
P.V. 6:17PM (3/09/2009)
That's entirely possible, and I would love seeing it in that form (it's inherently more aerodynamic AFAIK). In any case, I look forward to seeing this, and I would say that it would be prettier than the Prius anyway (given Hyundai's recent designs).
Epyx 3:41PM (3/09/2009)
I think Hyundai Hybrid Hyline has a nice ring to it.
Maybe in the future we can even get a Hyundai Hydrogen Hybrid Hyline.
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hypermiler 3:42PM (3/09/2009)
First Hyundai Hybrid launching is Elantra Blue on sale this summer, not Sonata Blue mentioned in the artilce.
The only thing interesting about Elantra Blue is that it uses same battery type used in GM's Volt.
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Brent Schmidt 4:04PM (3/09/2009)
How is the Sonota a "distinct" shape? It's a rip of the last gen Accord.
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ConceptVBS 4:17PM (3/09/2009)
You failed at reading didnt you?