Fuel efficiency is a crucial element in today’s vehicles. In an attempt to attract more buyer attention towards its new sedan, 2015 Sonata, Hyundai announced a third powertrain expected to deliver 32 mpg (14kpl) combined fuel economy and will be priced at $23,275 (approximately Rs 14,01,736), excluding $810 freight charge, and go into production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.
Expressing his views on the new variant of the Sonata, John Shon, manager, product planning said, “Sonata Eco enhances the sophisticated design and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata with even more impressive fuel economy. This innovative powertrain improves fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience.”
The 2015 Sonata Eco will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine which would churn out about 177bhp and 264Nm of torque. Sonata Eco is the first-in-class Hyundai product to utilize a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain helps Sonata Eco deliver an estimated 28 mpg (12kpl) city and 38 mpg (16kpl) highway. The estimated 32 mpg combined rating is more than a 10 percent improvement over a 2015 Sonata SE powered by the 2.4-liter Theta II engine.
2015 Sonata Eco comes standard with all the features of Sonata SE plus a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, stitching on the instrument cluster hood, chrome interior door handles, 5-inch color touchscreen audio, a rearview backup camera and Blue Link telematics system.
With all these features, Hyundai Sonata would prove to be an ideal product for the fuel efficiency hungry audience in the Indian car market.
We hope Hyundai brings in this product to India. But till then let us know what do you think of this 2015 edition of Sonata through your comments below.