2011 Hyundai Sonata

Who would have imagined a few years ago that it would be so much interest in the new generation of Hyundai Sonata, it would be perfectly justified for us to sleep until early morning to write a post on the car ... But times change, GM went in and out of bankruptcy, Fiat Group has acquired Chrysler, and surprise, surprise, Hyundai overtook Ford team in the first half of the year to become the fourth largest automaker in the world. So there you have it. But let's turn back Sonata. After more than a diversion of the New Orleans Levy, the Korean manufacturer has officially introduced the four-door sedan in the domestic market today.

"Sonata sets a new standard for world-class medium-sized sedans with state-of-the-art technology, build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, vice-chairman of Hyundai, at the opening ceremony for the car in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise the value of Hyundai brand."

It can not be Alfa Romeo, but compared to his boring and unimaginative predecessors, we would say that the sixth-generation Sonata made a huge step (a call that leap) forward in terms of design. Some even claim that he obviously receives signals from the style of the so-called four-door coupe segment, such as the floating roof and short rear end, and they're right.

Sonata also boasts a fresh interior with modern style, in accordance with the latest products of Korean companies, such as the new Tucson / ix35 SUV, which was revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show this week.

Size wise Sonata 4820 mm long, 1835 mm wide and 1470 mm high with a wheelbase of 2795 mm, making it slightly longer and wider, but slightly lower than the previous model.

Sonata, which may be sold under a different name in some regions (eg, i40 in Europe), will be offered at the start of the domestic market with 2.0-liter Theta II MPi petrol engine with 165HP and the version of LPG, which makes 144HP. Both engines are paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai said it plans to add a 2.4-liter Theta II GDI petrol engine range in January next year. This engine will be offered as standard on models in the U.S. market.

 All versions of the Sonata is equipped with a standard Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill-Start Assist Control and Brake Assist system functions. Other highlights include available three-part panoramic sunroof and a new system of parking management (PGS), which allows the driver to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in the opposite direction - or so says the company.

Hyundai said that the early development of the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF with projects worth 450 billion won (U.S. $ 372 million) to go from concept to production.

The company plans to sell 60 000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. With an increase in U.S. manufacturing plant in Alabama, plant in early 2010 and in China next year, Hyundai expects to raise the number to 450,000 units a year worldwide since 2011.

In South Korea, the new Sonata Prices range from 21.3 million won to 25.95 million won (U.S. $ 17 600 to 21 450 U.S. dollars).