All-new Hyundai Sonata 2014 to launch on December 15

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) is giving car lovers a treat this Christmas as it rolls out the all-new Hyundai Sonata 2014, the seventh-generation of the beloved premium midsize sedan. Just last March this year, Hyundai South Korea presented the production version of this model. The Sonata is expected to have two variants in the local market: a standard GLS estimated at P1.6 million and a Premium variant which could reach P1.8 million. HARI will be announcing the official price at the launch.

New 2.4 liter engine

The all-new Sonata will have a 2.4 liter Theta II DOHC D-CVVT MPI engine which pours in 176 horsepower and 228 Nm of torque. Much like its predecessor, this new release will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Supporting this car’s unibody frame is a MacPherson strut front suspension and a dual multi-link in its rear.

Larger dimensions

Hyundai has also modified the dimensions of the older Sonata, giving it an additional 30 mm to its width and 35 mm more to its length. Height and wheelbase have also been extended both by 10 mm, which easily translates to a roomier cabin. The US Environmental Protection Agency went as far as classifying the Sonata’s interior as that of a large sedan.

Sonata’s exterior features

The Sonata still strikes its well-defined front fascia with a trapezoid shaped front grille with numerous slits and sporty HID headlamps which look like eagle’s eyes. It also has an aerodynamic body with a well-placed silhouette and contours. Standard exterior features include a panoramic sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. Available colors include Aquamarine, Phantom Black, Ice White and Polished Metal.

Interior amenities

This car’s uniqueness is much appreciated when going inside its spacious cabin. Its instrument panel has its audio mounted on the center portion of its T-shaped structure with the aircon controls located below it. Hyundai also noted that noises and vibrations were reduced thanks to its improved body structure and interior acoustics. Much like other premium cars it comes with audio buttons integrated into the steering wheel. It also has a firmer driver’s seat which Hyundai said has support areas for a more comfortable seating position. Other notable features include a 4.3-inch LED display and a Smart Trunk feature which allows you to automatically open the trunk in three seconds within the press of a Smart key.

Security and safety

Driving this sedan has also been made easier and safer thanks to its modern safety and security features such as front, side and curtain airbags, a 110-mm backup/ rear view display integrated with parking sensors, hill-start assist, a blind spot detection system and automatic cruise control.

The outgoing sixth generation Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata has a long history as one of the top contenders in the premium midsize sedan segment, enough for C! Magazine to comment on its previous generation as a “solid winner and will surely be the most compelling argument against the established Camry and Accord, more than any other car in the segment yet.”