Besides the much anticipated Kona, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors Malaysia today also launched the all-new 8th generation Hyundai Sonata.
Built on an entirely new platform, the all-new Hyundai Sonata is only available in the SmartStream G2.5 version which is priced at RM206,888. HSDM is offering the first 50 Sonata units at a special introductory price, inclusive of tax savings, of RM189,888 (Peninsular Malaysia, on the road excluding insurance).
The new-generation Sonata is the first sedan designed with Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring a newly designed Digital Pulse Cascading Grille that spans from the front of the new Sonata, finishing at the innermost points of new combination headlamps.
A chrome line flows from the wing mirror, right around the side passenger windows, and returns to the front of the car by running down the length of the hood and ending at a sharp right angle beneath each headlight. This chrome strip features graduated LED Daytime Running Lights embedded with Hidden Lighting Lamps.
Also a first for a Hyundai vehicle, Hidden Lighting Lamps are a design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata’s light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be chrome when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on.
Key details include a trunk spoiler and black side skirts along the lower flanks. The car’s overall height has been lowered an inch to enhance the sporty profile even further. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, each with a design that suggests forward motion even when stationary.
At the rear, a wide horizontal line extends across the centre of the trunk, stretching to the edges of the car. This line is actually a long LED strip that connects each brake light, creating a striking visual impression at night.
Inside the cabin, highlights include a first-in-class 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which is customizable to suit different driving modes and preferences. At the centre of the dashboard, a large, 8-inch HD screen enables occupants to interact easily with the audio-video and navigation (AVN) functions. This screen can also accommodate a split-screen function that allows audio and navigation to be displayed simultaneously.
Other standard features include a sunroof, electric parking brake, smart trunk, wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and split-folding rear seats.
There is also a HUD that offers improved visibility in different lighting conditions, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) system. Passengers benefit from a six-airbag set-up along with a suite of safety other features such as the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist System (BAS) and the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Power comes courtesy of a new Smartstream 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 180 hp and 232 Nm of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Gear selection is controlled by a new Electronic Shift Button (shift-by-wire) selector that makes for safer, more precise and fool-proof gear changes.
The all-new Sonata comes in a choice 6 exterior colours namely, White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Grey, Oxford Blue, Midnight Black and Flame Red.
While the Oxford Blue and Flame Red exterior colours are matched with the black leather interior; Shimmering Silver exterior colour with the Greige two-tone leather interior, the White Cream, Nocturne Grey and Midnight Black exterior colours are matched with the Camel two-tone leather interior.
