New 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai’s pavilion at the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo will showcase the next-generation Sonata sedan which will be launched at the event according to company sources.

Hyundai’s existing Sonata Embera has gotten really old in the tooth and was hardly selling and thus the move to bring in the all new Sonata or the i45 as it is known internationally. The new Sonata will be manufactured in India and is thus expected to cost considerably less than its rivals which include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry (new one expected at the Auto Expo), VW Passat and the Skoda Superb. While Hyundai hasn’t spilled the beans yet, we expect a price range of Rs. 15-18 lakh for the new Sonata.

The new luxury sedan will be powered by a 2.4-litre petrol motor and a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine which also does duty in the Santa Fe. Hyundai’s new fluidic design language is found in abundance on the new car which appears a little fussy in terms of styling but might appeal to Indian buyers who like a bit of flash when it comes to their cars. Equipment levels like in the Verna are expected to be class leading. Will the new Sonata bring back the original Sonata’s glory days for Hyundai? Only time will tell. Along with the new Sonata, the new Elantra will also be revealed at the Delhi Auto Expo next month.