MANILA, Philippines – Hyundai Asia Resources, Incorporated (HARI) announces the Philippine release of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata, further cementing its mark in the performance-focused midsize sedan category.
After making waves in the local auto industry with the sixth-generation Sonata, the all-new 2015 Sonata, which will be officially released on December 15, 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 and beauty.
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 was clearly a design priority with the size upgrade. The all-new 2015 Sonata is the only midsize sedan classified as a “large car” in terms of interior space, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Run
With a quiet but responsive 178ps/23.3 kg-m Theta II 2.4L MPI DOHC D-CVVT engine underneath its hood, power is not a question with the 2015 Sonata. And to give even more flexibility and fuel efficiency, the new Sonata comes with a 6-speed automatic.
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 edge and flat underbody—reduces wind drag and keeps a firm grip on the road, further improving fuel efficiency, stability, and handling.
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Another new highlight is the sports steering wheel, which took 16 months to perfect. Now 1cm thinner than the previous model’s, the steering wheel varies in width and features a larger thumb rest to optimize driver grip and comfort. Also solidifying that sporty feel are new 18-inch alloy wheels.
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, preventing 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 allowing for more responsive steering. At the rear, the 2015 Sonata has a lowered Dual Multi-Link Suspension, which optimizes the rear wheel geometry and contributes to stable high-speed driving and cornering.
When driving uphill, the Sonata uses Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) to engage the brakes and prevent rollback when the car is inclined. HAC automatically disengages the brakes when you accelerate, providing a smoother and safer uphill ride. The Sonata also has an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) which allows drivers the ease of engaging or disengaging the parking brakes with a flick of a switch.
It’s no wonder then that the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the all-new Sonata as a 2014 Top Safety Pick+.
Versatility
Hyundai designed the Sonata with the interaction of man and machine in mind. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is the ideal behind the car’s 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 use of 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 and quietness through Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) enhancements, as the all-new 2015 Sonata gets improved interior acoustics and a more refined body structure.
The expansive cabin and Panoramic Sunroof together amplify the elegance of the Sonata, giving the owners a great sense of space and freedom. 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 hands-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 percent and 41 percent, 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-kg “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 strength, handling, and performance.
In the area of safety, the new Sonata has a Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) which uses advanced sonar sensors to alert drivers of vehicles that are approaching from spots that aren’t covered by the side mirrors. It’s 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 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, as well as Front and Rear Curtain Airbags which boosts protection for front and rear passengers in a side collision.
The all-new 2015 Sonata comes in 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 embodiment of Hyundai’s 30 years of game-changing car-making heritage.
