2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced in Korea, PHEV Sonata to follow suit



Exactly one week ago, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors introduced the all-new seventh generation Hyundai Sonata on Malaysian soil. In Seoul, South Korea, the nine-month old sedan gets a new variant to join the Sonata lineup – the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2.0L.

2015 Sonata Hybrid

QUICK FACTS

Name 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Segment
D-Segment Sedan
D-Segment Sedan
Engine 1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology 1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder Nu GDI mated to a 38 kW electric motor
Transmission 6-speed automatic, conventional torque converter 6-speed automatic, highly-efficient traction motor
Max Power 152 hp @ 6,200 rpm 153 hp
Max Torque 194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm 190 Nm (Electric Motor makes 205 Nm)
Price (OTR without insurance) from RM138,888 (OTR without insurance) N/A

 

So what’s new under the hood? The Sonata Hybrid get the 2.0-litre Nu GDI engine (ours is the 2.0-litre Nu MPI, used in the previous Hybrid Sonata) mated to a 38 kW electric motor, an improvement of 3 kW from the previous Sonata Hybrid. Numbers the engine make are 153 hp and 190 Nm of torque, whereas the electric motor makes a maximum torque of 205 Nm. At best, the hybrid sedan is capable of achieving 5.5 litres per 100km if it runs on 16-inch wheels, or 5.65 litres per 100km with 17-inch wheels.

141216_All-New Sonata Hybrid (2)

The six-speed transmission is also new, fitted with a high-efficient traction motor instead of the conventional torque converter, minimising energy loss through friction while improving fuel economy. Also out is the mechanical oil pump, which is replaced by an electric oil pump.

141216_All-New Sonata Hybrid (3)

It gets a larger lithium-polymer battery pack (1.62 kWh compared to the previous 1.43 kWh) is housed under the floor of the trunk, and its coefficient drag has been brought down from 0.27 Cd on the regular Sonata to 0.24 Cd. Design wise, the Sonata Hybrid is given a new hexagonal grille, chrome molding under the doors, low-drag rear diffuser, streamlined 16- and 17-inch wheels including the full underbody cover that’s also standard on Malaysian Sonatas.

141216_All-New Sonata Hybrid (4)

There’s also a good kit of safety features thrown in as standard to the Sonata Hybrid: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist complete the list, including a new driver’s knee airbag.

2015 Hyundai Sonata 2 (26)

The Sonata Hybrid  will be joined by a Plug-in Hybrid variant in the second half of next year as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s initiative to offer a complete range of eco-friendly models by 2020. Full details of the PHEV Sonata will be revealed at the upcoming 2015 North American International Auto Show at Detroit in January.

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IMAGE GALLERY

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

 

Hyundai Sonata 2.0L