Officially Official: Hyundai reveals 2010 Sonata in Korea
2010 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai has just unveiled its all new Sonata mid-sized sedan in its home market of South Korea, and after months of spy shots, it's new look is a surprise to no one. Nonetheless, the new Sonata is a major departure from the current strong selling but incredibly bland model. The new one follows the current design trend towards more coupe-like styling with a sweeping shape, arched roof line and short decklid very reminiscent of the Volkswagen CC.
The home market version gets a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 165 horsepower that's rated at 30.1 mpg (US), an 11 percent improvement from the outgoing model. The North American version will go into production early next year at Hyundai's Alabama factory and be badged as a 2011 model. Here in North America the standard engine will be an upgraded version of the current 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. The U.S.-market Sonata is expected to debut at either the LA Auto Show later this year or Detroit Auto Show in early January. About a year after launch, the new Sonata will be the first U.S. market Hyundai to get the hybrid system that was shown at last year's LA show. Thanks to everyone who tipped us on this!
Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Sonata (KDM version)
[Source: Hyundai]
PRESS RELEASE
Hyundai Unveils the New Sonata
- Hyundai's sixth-generation Sonata encompasses new `fluidic sculpture' design philosophy
- Features 2.0 Theta II MPi engine, 6-speed automatic transmission
(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company's all-new Sonata, being introduced today, is expected to shake up the world's mid-size sedan market with its daring design.
The 2010 Sonata adopts Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language, boasts outstanding performance with the segment-leading safety features and fuel efficiency. Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, the new Sonata will further elevate the Hyundai brand.
"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," Euisun Chung, Hyundai's Vice Chairman said at the launching ceremony for the car today in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values."
The ceremony, held at a trendy riverside cafe, was attended by more than 200 VIPs, company executives and media members.
Sonata has been the perennial best-seller in Korea since the first generation model was launched in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata will continue this successful tradition with impeccable quality seen today in other Hyundai premium models, such as the Genesis and EQUUS.
Hyundai began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF (Note: The car may be launched under a different name in some regions). The project took 4 years and 450 billion won (US$ 372 million*) to go from concept to customer.
Although it is a completely new vehicle, Hyundai is retaining the Sonata name as the mid-size car has been Korea's most popular sedan. Applying a new design aesthetic of "fluidic sculpture," the 2010 Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image in its interior and exterior profiles. Inspired by nature, the "fluidic sculpture" tries to reflect sophistication and dynamism in the shape of the vehicle and will serve as the core of Hyundai's future design identity.
The outer design of the new Sonata exudes a voluminous look that creates character through the refined and harmonized lines. The interior has a dynamic look that matches the exterior while not compromising comfort or convenience. The Sonata is available in nine exterior colors, from Remington Red to Blue Black to Espresso, satisfying the diverse tastes of younger customers.
The new Sonata delivers powerful performance through its 2-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165ps, Max torque of 20.2㎏·m). Delivering the highest fuel economy in its segment at 12.8 kilometers per liter, fuel economy is more than 11% improved compared with today's Sonata. Furthermore, all engines are offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission for heightened performance.
To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags.
In addition, safety has been upgraded with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control including Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions-an industry first in this competitive segment.
The new Sonata comes with a three-piece panoramic sunroof, giving a sense of openness and freedom as well as a stylish look. The Parking Guide System (PGS) allows drivers to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse. The Dimension premium sound system offers high-quality sound in three types of modes to satisfy customers' wide-ranging musical tastes.
The Mozen system, a telematics service that debuted in 2003 in Korea, has evolved to become more sophisticated, offering more diverse and upgraded multi-media and IT functions. The newly applied Mozen Premium Wide Navigation system provides drivers with a faster communication service through the third-generation WCDMA wireless network. For two years, it also offers free safety services such as an SOS and anti-theft tracking service. The audio-visual functions have been upgraded with the 8-inch wide screen and JBL Premium Sound system.
In the new Sonata, Hyundai offers a wireless vehicle monitoring service-another industry first-- through the Mozen Autocare service, linking the vehicle's electronic control systems to a monitoring center. The center checks various components for errors, informs the driver of the analysis, and provides directions to nearby service centers, saving time for drivers.
Hyundai plans to sell 60,000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. Overseas, Hyundai will start production of the new Sonata at its Alabama plant early next year, while production and sales in China will start in early 2011. Hence, Hyundai expects to sell 450,000 units annually in all markets (Korea & overseas combined) beginning from the year 2011.
In addition, Hyundai plans to present the gasoline version in January next year with a 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine, which will be offered as a standard engine in the U.S. market.
The new Sonata's price will range from 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won (US$17,600 to US$21,450).
Hyundai is confident that the new Sonata, with vastly improved features, will attract and satisfy new as well as current customers. The added specifications are as follows: VDC, Electronic Parking Brake, Amplitude Selective Dampers, High Mounted Stop Lamp, Rear Heated Seats.
* Based on today's currency exchange rates.
■ YF Sonata specification
|
|
YF Sonata |
Sonata Transform (Gasoline) |
||
|
Gasoline |
LPG |
|
||
|
Overall Length (mm) |
4,820 |
4,800 |
||
|
Overall Width (mm) |
1,835 |
1,830 |
||
|
Overall Height (mm) |
1,470 |
1,475 |
||
|
Wheelbase (mm) |
2,795 |
2,730 |
||
|
Overhang (mm) |
Front |
1,597(1,591, 1,587) |
1,597 (1,601, 1,591) |
1,575(1,565) |
|
Rear |
1,597(1,591, 1,587) |
1,597 (1,601, 1,591) |
1,565(1,550) |
|
|
Engine |
Engine |
ThetaⅡ 2.0 MPI |
Theta 2.0 LPI |
ThetaⅡ 2.0 MPI |
|
Piston Displacement(cc) |
1,998 |
1,998 |
1,998 |
|
|
Max. Power |
165/6,200 |
144/6,000 |
163/6,200 |
|
|
Max. Torque |
20.2/4,600 |
19.3/4,250 |
20.1/4,500 |
|
|
Fuel efficiency (km/ℓ) |
A/T |
12.8 |
9.7/10.0 |
11.5 |
|
M/T |
13.6 |
10.7 |
12.8 |
|
|
Suspension |
Front |
MacPherson strut & ASD |
MacPherson strut |
Double Dishbone |
|
Rear |
Multi-link & ASD |
Multi-link |
Multi-link |
|
|
Empty Vehicle Weight |
A/T |
1,410 |
1,440 |
1,470 |
|
M/T |
1,395 |
1,425 |
1,465 |
|
|
Tire |
205 / 65R 16 215 / 55R 17 225 / 45R 18 |
205 / 70R 15 205 / 65R 16 215 / 55R 17 |
215 / 65R 15 215 / 60R 16 225 / 50R 17 |
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
stban 9:31AM (9/17/2009)
Very nice looking.
Reply
Sal Collaziano 10:37AM (9/17/2009)
For an affordable midsize family sedan, this is a very attractive car.. I know some people are going to love it and some are going to hate it.. Those who love it, I'm with you.. To those of you who hate it - you have to admit one thing - this new Sonata is a far better looking car - inside and out - than the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. I like the Nissan Altima but this looks a little better.. And I like the Chevy Malibu as well.. Now I won't say this technically looks "better" than the Malibu - but it's just as nice in a more luxurious kind of way. The Malibu looks more sporty to me - the Sonata looks more luxurious.
Now I have a feeling this Sonata will blow away the Malibu regarding interior materials. My bet is that there are far more soft surfaces, nicer leather and more available features.. Time till tell...
Sal Collaziano
http://www.hyundaikiaforums.com
Kaptain75329 10:56AM (9/17/2009)
Agreed; that interior looks world class. My first thought was "damn, these people are not playing around." I'm diggin' how the center stack flows from the lower divide into the dash like an exquisite orchid flower. Those trapezoid grips on the steering wheel say sophisticated to me, and the trim highlights look classy against what look like very rich materials.Very nice job indeed.
I can tell the Sonata is not for me, but it's definitely a serious and genuine contender for those shopping in midsize sedan market.
rock7256 11:05AM (9/17/2009)
imo this isnt a good looking car. the back is decent but the front reminds me of the current Solara and thats not a good thing.
Other Man 11:24AM (9/17/2009)
I must agree, and it breaks away from the tradition of heavily copied designs.
This is a million times better looking (in photos) than the Accord, Camry, Altima, or anything else from Japan. I'd say as well that it's better looking than the Malibu or new Fusion, therefore being up there with the CC as the best looking family sedan (whether or not you call the VW a family car at all).
The 2.4-DI should be noteworthy and the first in this class with DI no? The 3.8-L is supposed to get DI as well in the updated Genesis in a few years, but it remains to be seen whether the 3.3L or 3.8L will be offered here.
JDM Life 11:52AM (9/17/2009)
@ Sal Collaziano
Admit to what? Thats ALL your opinion. This does not look better then the Camry IMO....maybe a little better then the accord. But the design they choose makes it look like a Lexus ES no denying that. Theres nothing ordinal about this car. Its much better then the car is replaces i give it that but some of of you just because its NEW and better then the car it replaces its going to automatically destroy the Camry and Accord.
The Camry and Accord have built a foundation for years...you can beat that with a makeover.
I am not sayin this is not a good car....but I would rather buy a 268hp Camry SE Sport in red with the TRD package. Which is faster and performs better then this car and IMO looks better. The Camry lines are clean and simple....this has too much going on in the design department.
I also might add the interior looks good much better.
JDM Life 12:07PM (9/17/2009)
*Correct my comment.
The Camry and Accord have built a foundation for years.....you CANT** beat that with a makeover.
This is like the Genesis vs 5 Series....need I explain?
hoeun kim 12:09PM (9/17/2009)
@JDM life
"The Camry and Accord have built a foundation for years... (BUT) you can beat that with a makeover."
I'd agree with you on that.
Adis 12:22PM (9/17/2009)
Nice Car, BUT...... they cant seem to stop copying other car companies.... the interior is totally a fusion of Infiniti & Volvo - the outside is a fusion of Lexus ES + VW CC----
If the Japanese car companies try as hard as Hyundai to wow customers then i bet Hyundai will be left in the dust... And I bet right now, they are all working on it.... and i think we shall see it in the near future...
But again, i think this car is rally nice and its great because it will cause the Japs to raise the bar... again..
Invisible 2:43PM (9/17/2009)
OMG that is horrifically ugly.
And what a ripoff of the VW CC.
Other Man 2:58PM (9/17/2009)
@ JDM Life:
You cannot say the Camry performs better than this until more official information is made available. Keep in mind the KDM Hyundais have much softer suspension tuning, cheaper tires, and the whole lot.
If Hyundai tunes it well with a sporty model and gives it the 3.8-L (which offers up to over 300 hp potentially), the Camry would be a close match. The Camry SE V6 already is beaten by the Mazda 6s GT in overall performance and sporty flair.
kuxon7 3:46PM (9/17/2009)
Check it out the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWABzMYgLc
Not as nice as I had expected...
But I bet it could beat all of its competitors easily for a while...
Time will tell… :)
kuxon7 6:04AM (9/18/2009)
Check it out the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWABzMYgLc
bwzd7p2 4:46PM (9/17/2009)
@ JDM Life
We've already been told what engine this car will have: the new 3.5L Lambda II V6 with 277 HP. So no matter what the version, this car is going to have more power than a comparable Camry. So uhm, yeah, that better performance with the Camry thing you're nattering about likely won't be happening.
the4thheat 9:40PM (9/17/2009)
@Other Man
It's a nice looking car but I don't see how it breaks from the tradition at all. VW did their take on the CLS with the CC and this appears to be Hyundai's take on the CC except with a grille that has reversed lines that run into the hood (what's with everyone and these bizarro grilles these days?)
I'm sure it'll be a nice car to drive and the interior looks pretty great but I think it's a little much to say that it isn't taking it's inspiration a little too heavily from other cars. I mean if you want to talk about unique I think the Hyundai Scoupe probably looked fairly unique, so I don't see how this is any more unique than the Scoupe was.
hyundaifans.com 9:09AM (9/18/2009)
Its a good looking car especially on the inside.
jsjs 4:54PM (9/18/2009)
@Sal
I don't know if I would go as far as attractive, definitely more striking than most of the other bland, mid-sized mass-market sedans, but I'm a bit conflicted as to whether the overall look is attractive (some elements are overly stylized/busy), and will probably need to see it in the flesh to get a real sense in how it looks.
The interior/dash, otoh, looks really good.
My bet is that the 2011 Optima will soon be the best looking mid-sized, mass-market sedan on the market (the early photos are really promising).
jsjs 3:25AM (9/19/2009)
Blah, blah, blah... all this talk about the CC and Solara/ES.
First off, the CC, itself, was a total rip of the Mercedes CLS - so any comment about the Sonata being a rip of the CC is disingenuous at best and asinine at worst.
Second, the Sonata's roofline is more like a more rakish/aggressive version of the A6 or Azera than it is the CC/CLS which have a totally diff. treatment of the C pillar (the CC and CLS are much more similar than is the Sonata to either).
Third, the Ian Cullum designed XJ has a roofline/greehouse/C pillar very similar to the Sonata and the same imbeciles haven't been going off on how the XJ is a "copy" of the CC or CLS.
As for JDM and his claim about how it looks like the ES - other than a very vague similarity up front, the Sonata is pretty distinct from the ES - DIFFERENT grille, lower air dam treatment and shape/contour/placement of the headlamps (the Sonata has "crab claws" shaped headlamps while the ES had "cat-eyes" shaped headlamps which were placed more conventionally at the hood).
Only a biased moron would think the Sonata really looks like this...
http://www.edmunds.com/flipper/do/MediaNav/year=2003/make=lexus/model=es300/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=6583
That's like saying the current Sonata and Camry look alike b/c they have rectangular-shaped headlights.
Once could very easily say Toyota copied the 1st gen Hyundai Tiburon's wavy character lines on the Solara, but then again, JDM is notorious for seeing only what he wants to see.
http://www.cars-directory.net/gallery/hyundai/tiburon/1996/hyundai_tiburon_1508734_p.html
As for "building a foundation for years" - who really cares?
There are a no. boutique automakers w/o much history who are building some fine automobiles (i.e. - Koenigsegg) and despite the Toyota's "foundation" w/ the Camry, it has gone downhill (particularly the quality of interior materials) since the 1990s whereupon the current Camry is considered below average by pretty much every auto publication (Edmunds didn't even bother to include the Camry in its latest mid-sized sedan comparison since they considered the Camry so awful, it wasn't worth the bother).
rcerceo 9:32AM (9/17/2009)
Can Hyundai ever have an original design? Instead of stealing bits of Lexus and Cadillac on this one.
Reply
Luis 9:36AM (9/17/2009)
Definitely has some Audi taillights. The interior is nice, but the outside is wanting of something, I just don't know what.