THE MARCH TOWARDS offering all models with a range of engines including electric and hybrid, shows no sign of abating any time soon, although not all of them are destined for Australian showrooms.
Hyundai Motor has launched the Sonata Hybrid equipped with world’s first Active Shift Control (ASC) technology and solar roof system, although at this stage, the hybrid variant of the new Sonata, which arrives in Australian showrooms in Q4 2019, is still under consideration.
The Sonata hybrid boasts hybrid exclusive design with enhanced dynamic elements. Standing it apart from other Sonata models the hybrid is equipped with unique cross hole cascading grille, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels which not only accentuate the look and feel of an eco-friendly vehicle but also provide fine-tuned aerodynamics. Of course, it will have to overcome the increasing disenchantment with traditional sedans by buyers who seem besotted with SUVs.
Hyundai Motor’s solar roof system makes its debut on the Sonata Hybrid. The system recharges the battery to increase travel distance while preventing unnecessary battery discharge. The solar roof system, with six hours of daily charging, is expected to increase travel distance by an extra 1,300km annually.
Hyundai also applied world first ASC technology to improve the dynamic driving experience and fuel economy of the vehicle.
ASC applies new control logic software to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU), which then controls the electric motor to align the rotational speeds of the engine and transmission, ultimately reducing gear shift time by 30 percent.
With the synchronisation, ASC not only improves hybrid vehicle’s acceleration performance and fuel economy, but also durability of the transmission by minimising friction during a gear shift.
Sonata is equipped with Smartstream G2.0 GDi HEV engine and 6-speed hybrid transmission. The engine’s power output is 112kW and maximum torque is 188Nm. The vehicle’s electric motor delivers power output of 38kW and maximum torque of 205Nm. Combined system power output is 143kW and vehicle also boasts combined fuel economy of 5.0 l/100km.
Digital Key
The new Sonata supports a ‘Digital Key’ function via a dedicated smartphone app. Digital Key utilises Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which exhibits a high level of security. The NFC wireless data communication takes place only when the device and the reader are placed several centimetres apart.
Hyundai’s Digital Key can also control selected vehicle systems remotely via smartphone. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the alarm and even start the engine.
The level of access to different vehicle functions can be tailored to each user, for a defined period. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when renting the vehicle.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Sonata is fitted with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) which is capable of pedestrian detection that alerts drivers to emergency situations, and braking autonomously if required. Using front radar and front view camera sensors, FCA operates in three stages. Initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, it assesses the nature of the collision danger and can apply increasing amounts of braking force to avoid a collision or minimise damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system is activated when a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist is sensed in front of the car.
Lane Follow Assist
Lane Follow Assist automatically adjusts steering to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane of travel. LFA can keep the vehicle centred at speeds between zero and 145 kilometres per hour on both highways and city streets.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 4,900mm | |
| Width | 1,860mm | |
| Height | 1,445mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,840mm | |
| Engine | Smartstream G2.0 GDi HEV | |
| Transmission | 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission | |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 5.0L/100km (16 inch) 5.2L/100km (17 inch) |
|
| Displacement | 1,999cc | |
| Engine | Max. Power Output | 112kW |
| Max. Torque | 188Nm | |
| Motor | Max. Power Output | 38kW |
| Max. Torque | 205Nm | |
| System Power Output | 143PS | |
| Boot Space VDA | 510 litres | |
* All features mentioned above, including fuel economy, relate to the model sold in the Korean Market. Features and specification may vary by the market.
Australian launch Q4 2019
The next-generation Sonata will launch locally in the fourth quarter of 2019, but the Sonata Hybrid is currently under review for the Australian market.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Hyundai Sonata models, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.