Hyundai Asia Resources, Incorporated (HARI) has teased the newest 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the country. The company’s revitalized performance-focused mid-size sedan will officially launch this coming December 15, 2014, and will arrive in four colors: ice white, polished metal, phantom black, and aquamarine.
The latest Sonata has a larger body than the previous model: longer by 35mm, wider by 30mm, 10mm taller, and 10mm longer at the wheelbase. This of course equates to more passenger space within the cabin, leading the 2015 Sonata to be classified as the only “large car” in the mid-size standings.
Besides a bigger footprint, the seventh-generation Sonata also seeks to redefine luxury through its four core principles dubbed as RSVP – Run, Stop, Versatility, and Protect.
Run
A Theta II 2.4L MPI DOHC D-CVVT power plant lies under the hood of the 2015 Sonata. It’s capable of a 178Ps power output and 23.3kg-m of torque @ 4,000rpm, all mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox.
The Sonata also flaunts Hyundai’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. It has a lowered hood tip and flat underbody for reduced wind drag and more road grip, leading to improved fuel mileage, stability, and handling.
Inside is a sporty steering wheel that spent 16 months at the design table. 1cm thinner than the previous Sonata’s, the new steering wheel has a larger thumb rest for better grip and comfort. Adding to the sleek feel are all-new 18-inch alloy wheels with a refreshed tread design.
Additionally, an Auto Cruise Control is on hand so drivers can set and maintain their speed, relax their feet, and save fuel.
Stop
The 2015 Sonata has various features aimed at making driving easier. This includes Electronic Stability Control for skidless turning; MacPherson Strut Front Suspension for more responsive braking and steering; lowered Dual Multi-Link Suspension for stable high-speed drives; Hill-Start Assist Control for easier starts when on an incline; and Electric Parking Brake which engages the parking brake with a flick of a switch. These features, among others, led to the 2015 Sonata as a Top Safety Pick+ of the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Versatility
Using the Human Machine Interface ideal, comfort is emphasized in the all-new Sonata’s stylish interior. Its driver’s seat innovatively distributes body weight through its soft material, with side supports giving a snug feel when seated. The base has a denser pad, and the back rest is made firm for proper posture.
The dashboard takes a T-shaped layout, with switches, controls, and screens all ergonomically designed for easy reach of the hand and easy view of the eye, keeping the driver focused at the task at hand when on the road.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) enhancements throughout the cabin also improves interior acoustics with a refined body structure, ensuring passengers a smooth and quiet ride.
A panoramic sunroof encompasses the cabin, and a smart key and smart trunk roundup the premium feel.
There are also additional Puddle Lamps that light the way when getting on or off the vehicle, and a Bluetooth-equipped entertainment system for wireless music and telephony.
Protect
The 2015 Sonata’s shell is built from Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS), a material twice as strong as ordinary steel lending the newest Sonata 35 percent more bending strength and 41 percent better twisting strength. The AHSS is made by Hyundai itself, ensuring end-to-end quality and adding to customers’ confidence.
There’s a Blind Spot Detection System that uses advanced sonar sensors informs drivers of vehicles coming from hard-to-see angles. Front and Rear Parking Sensors coupled with a 4.3-inch LED Display with Rear View Camera are on hand to make parking easier no matter how tight the space is.
Airbags run aplenty within the Sonata, with Front Airbags for the driver and front passenger, Front Side Airbags, and Front and Rear Curtain Airbags ensuring safety in case of an accident.