Hyundai All-new 2015 Sonata takes a graceful bow. The next generation Sonata debuted last December 15 at the Mall of Asia with a breath-taking performance by Filipino Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez (first from left). The launch signals a new era of for Hyundai’s Modern Premium vehicle lineup. At the launch were the board members of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) (L-R) Chairman Emeritus Richard L. Lee; President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo; Chairman Edward Go; and Vice Chairman Conrad Marty
Hyundai Asia Resources, Incorporated (HARI) announces the release of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the Philippines, further cementing its mark in the performance-focused mid-size sedan category.
After making waves in the local auto industry with the sixth-generation Sonata, the all-new 2015 Sonata is luxury redefined, poised to set a new trend in global quality and an epitome of integrity with its four core innovations, labeled as RSVP—Run, Stop, Versatility, Protect, features that embody strength from within and beauty from without.
The seventh-generation Sonata has a significantly bigger body than the previous model, measuring 35mm longer and 30mm wider. It is also slightly taller by 10mm, and has a longer wheelbase by 10mm. Passenger space is clearly a design priority with all these size upgrades. The all-new 2015 Sonata is the only car classified as a “large car” in terms of interior space compared to its mid-size competitors, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Run
With a Theta II 2.4L MPI DOHC D-CVVT engine underneath its hood, power is not a question with the 2015 Sonata. It sports a maximum power of 178 ps while remaining quiet and responsive, delivering 23.3 kg-m of maximum torque at 4000 rpm. And to give even more flexibility and fuel-efficiency, the all-new 2015 model comes with 6-speed Automatic Transmission for drivers to achieve precise and smoother shifts.
Stability in design is basic to superb driving. With Hyundai’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Sonata’s body is engineered to look good and perform even better. Its new shape—lowered hood tip and Flat Underbody—reduces wind drag and keeps a firm grip on the road, further improving fuel efficiency, stability, and smoother handling.
With this inner strength, the all-new 2015 Sonata lives out luxury with a purpose through the Sporty Steering Wheel. Admittedly a looker, the new steering wheel took 16 months to meticulously perfect the design. Now 1-cm thinner than the previous Sonata model, the steering wheel varies in width and features a larger thumb rest to optimize driver grip and comfort. Also solidifying that sporty feel are the new 18-inch Alloy Wheels, which provide the ultimate road looks, rotation balance and, of course, performance with a new tread design.
For long trips, drivers can switch to Auto Cruise Control to set and maintain their desired speed, relax their feet, and save fuel in the process.
Stop
Taking common safety standards up a notch, the 2015 Sonata was built and designed with the view to keeping drivers and passengers safe. One of the new Sonata’s premium safety features is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which senses steering wheel movement and applies braking to each wheel independently and so prevents skidding even during sudden stops and turns.
The MacPherson Strut Front Suspension was improved to increase bearing strength, thus becoming more stable when braking and allows for more responsive steering. At the rear, the all-new 2015 Sonata has a lowered Dual Multi-Link Suspension, which optimizes the rear wheel geometry and contributes to stable high-speed driving and turning.
When driving uphill, the Sonata uses Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) to engage the brakes and prevent rollback while you’re inclined. The HAC then automatically disengages the brakes when you accelerate, providing a smoother uphill ride.
For even more convenience, the Sonata has an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) that allows drivers the ease of enabling or disabling the parking brakes with just a flick of a switch.
It’s no small wonder then that the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the all-new Sonata as a 2014 Top Safety Pick+.
Versatility
A car, no matter how powerful or gorgeous it is, is only as good as the comfort of its drive. This is why Hyundai designed the Sonata with the interaction of man and machine in mind. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is the ideal behind the design, features, and technological innovation.
The Sonata sports an innovative driver seat, which is the result of numerous studies in body pressure distribution, as well as the best materials. The leaning area is soft, while the side supports were given more depth to create a snug feel when seated. The base of the seat also got a denser pad, and the back rest is kept firm to support proper posture.
The horizontal dashboard and center fascia layout are driver-friendly. Switches, controls, and screens are ergonomically designed with the T-shaped layout within comfortable reach of the hand and easy view of the eye, thus minimizing the tendency to let go of the wheel or take one’s eyes off the road.
Hyundai encompasses the feel of luxury by giving the ultimate comfort through Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) enhancements, as the all-new 2015 Sonata gets improved interior acoustics and a more refined body structure. With the Sonata, drivers get a powerful car without foregoing a smooth and quiet ride.
The expansive cabin and Panoramic Sunroof together amplify the elegance of the Sonata, giving the owners a great sense of freedom driving on a sunny day while luxuriating in the space within. The Smart Key and Smart Trunk complete the premium feel. If you find yourself with an armful of packages, just stand near the trunk with the Smart Key for three seconds, and the lid automatically opens!
Another thoughtful convenience are the side mirrors with Puddle Lamps to light the way for you and your passengers as you get in or out the car. Finally, you can connect to the Sonata’s entertainment system via Bluetooth to enjoy hand-free calls or enjoy music from your mobile devices.
Protect
With Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS), which is twice as strong as ordinary steel, the Sonata’s bending and twisting strength has been reinforced up to 35% and 41%, respectively, compared to the previous model. This is due to Hyundai’s delivering end-to-end engineering by producing its own steel for its own cars to give customers added confidence.
Proof to this is the production of a film about the all-new 2015 Sonata. One Sonata was fitted with a 500-kilogram “Edge Arm” system that comes with a 360-degree video camera to film another Sonata. Besides the equipment, the Sonata had to carry the camera crew that weighed a total of 350 kilograms. With the car’s base weight of 1,460 kilos, plus the Edge Arm system and the camera staff, the Sonata carried a whopping 2,310 kilograms, proving its impeccable strength, handling, and performance.
Focusing on safety standards, the all-new Sonata has a Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) which uses advanced sonar sensors to alert drivers on vehicles that are approaching from spots that are hard to see. It is also equipped with Front and Rear Parking Sensors and a 4.3-inch LED Display with Rear View Camera to help make parking a breeze, even in tight spaces.
The Sonata, of course, is generous with airbags. Aside from Front Airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, there are also Front Side Airbags that help protect the chest and pelvis. And rear passengers need not worry, as the Sonata has the Front and Rear Curtain Airbags which boosts protection in case of a side collision.
The all-new 2015 Sonata comes in these stylish and confident colors– Ice White, Polished Metal, Phantom Black, and Aquamarine.
As the Korean auto giant’s first-ever model to carry the “luxury” tag, the 2015 Sonata continues to up the ante—the perfect embodiment of Hyundai’s 30 years of game-changing car-making heritage.
Watch out for the launch of the All-new 2015 Sonata on December 15, 2014.