The Hindu Business Line : The new Sonata

THE untiring efforts of automobile companies at incorporating new technologies into their cars to make them more driveable, comfortable and safe have progressively lead to more and more technological features leaving the realms of science fiction and turning into reality.

Independent suspension, anti-roll bars, side impact bars, safety restraint systems such as the airbags, anti-lock braking systems and traction control are all technologies that were adopted to ensure a smoother and safer ride.

As part of its consistent strategy to offer technologically superior products, Hyundai Motor India (HMI) has launched a new variant to the Sonata — its premium sedan (E-segment).

The new variant sports an advanced 2.7 litre V6 engine. Hyundai, which has claimed that the new Sonata is designed to be the ultimate `driver's car', essentially decided to launch the variant after feedback from its current customers. The Sonata was launched first with a two-litre engine that developed a peak output of 134 bhp. The earlier version continues to be available.

The new Sonata offers an extraordinary 166 bhp of power. Hyundai is positioning the new Sonata at the small, but increasingly visible owner-driven segment of car buyers. However, one cannot do justice to this kind of power with the kind of driving conditions in most Indian cities. All the same, it is a first in this segment. In addition to raw power, the V6 also oozes refinement. The Sonata will be the first sub-Rs 20 lakh car to sport the revolutionary V6 engine.

Unlike the chauffeur-driven segment, owner drivers, in addition to more power, will also want more comfort and safety, especially if they are going to shell out over Rs 15 lakh.

So, Hyundai has featured, for the first time in India, a revolutionary `H-Matic' transmission on the new Sonata. Simply put, this new transmission gives the driver the choice between an easy drive auto transmission mode and a sporty manual transmission mode.

The Sonata 2.7 litre V6 packs more luxury and safety features than its predecessor. They include the 4-speed H-Matic transmission, an electronic brake distribution system, traction control system (for better ride in slippery conditions), anti-lock braking system and dual airbags (driver and driver side) all offered as standard fitment.

The V6 Sonata is available only with one trim level. The Sonata V6 is priced at Rs 15.90 lakh and the earlier two-litre engine Sonata Gold is priced at Rs 13.6 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi).

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