Hyundai India is all set to re-enter the D segment with their new contender – the all-new Sonata. The Sonata will pick it up from where the old Embera left off. Hyundai’s first Sonata was quite a successful product in the Indian market owing to its Mercedes-looking front fascia. However, the later attempts to revive the Sonata brand were a bit half hearted with the Transform and the Embera.
Now though the Korean car maker has a firm grasp of the workings of the Indian market. The i45 or Sonata was showcased at the Indian Auto Expo to gather feedback from the customers.
The new Sonata draws heavy styling cues from Hyundai’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. The stretched back head lamps with a massive chrome grill and wide headlamps are quite dynamic to look at. However, on a personal note, I don’t the Fluidic styling on the i45 because it is overstyled. Having said that, the rear does look quite exquisite on the Sonata.
The brochure Hyundai issued at the Auto Expo revealed that the Sonata will be only available in a petrol avatar. It will be powered by the 2.4-litre GDI petrol motor with 198 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. A 6 speed manual or a 6 six speed automatic option will be available for cog shifting duties. Expect the mileage to be in the range of 12-14 kmpl.
The Sonata will boost interesting features like
- Push-button keyless start
- Six-CD changer with USB and Aux-in support
- Ventilated leather seats front and rear
- 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (four-way for the front passenger)
- Six airbags plus ABS, ESP and EBD.
- Parking Sensors and a rear-view camera with display which comes on automatically in the rear view mirror.
- Ventilated Disc at front, Solid at rear
Expect the price tag to be around 18 lakhs. The lack of diesel motor will definitely hurt the sales quite badly. Do you think this is another Kizashi in the making?
