This is the another new car launch this month- Hyundai has rolled out its refreshed Sonata, called Sonata Transform with refreshed looks and a more powerful engine.
“Sonata is a proven success globally and offers high end luxury, top notch comfort and advanced safety features. The all new Sonata Transform is aimed at further delighting our customers as it successfully integrates all the key attributes of a premium sedan.” said H.S Lheem, MD, HMIL.
The second generation Theta family of gasoline engine which produces a generous 175PS@6000 rpm of maximum power and a peak torque of 23.8Kgm @4000 rpm, resulting in robust acceleration and a quick throttle response. The 2.4 litre, four cylinder, DOHC engine is assisted by a Variable Intake System (VIS) and VTVT technology which makes it highly fuel efficient as well as a refined unit, powers the refreshed Hyundai Sonata Transform. Its gearbox is a 5-speed manual version.
The diesel variant powered by a 4-cylinder, 2-litre Common Rail engine (CRDi) with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) is both are frugal as well as an efficient performer. With a peak power of 150PS@3850 rpm and max torque of 32.1kgm@2000 rpm, it generates enough performance to delight the enthusiast. The diesel (CRDi) variant will be available with both, 6-speed manual and a 4-speed H-Matic, that is an Auto transmission from Hyundai
This is not merely a so called facelift, like other carmakers sometimes do by just changing the wheels and bumpers. Hyundai has changed its looks with a refreshed front and it has also concentrated on improving its features.
New features of Hyundai Sonata Transform-
- Front and rear bumper insert
- Outside mirror housing and waistline molding
- Rear defoggers
- Fog lamps, twin exhaust
- 2-tone beige interiors(combo of beige and black)
- Automatic head lamp off (battery saver)
- Wood finish inserts on steering and dashboard and doors
Safety Features on the Hyundai Sonata Transform-
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Six airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbag)
- Seat belt pre-tensioner with load limiter
- The passive safety includes features like crumple zones
- Side impact beams
- Impact sensing door unlocking system
Also, the all-new Sonata Transform arrives with a palette of 5 new solid and metallic exterior hues for the customers to choose from.
Price-
The Hyundai Sonata Transform's price starts from Rs 13.9 lakh and goes to Rs 15.9 lakhs, boasts of dynamic style, power packed performance, elegant interiors along with the Hyundai badge of reliability and value.
2.4 VTVT-MT- Rs.13,90,000
2.0 CRDI-MT- Rs.14,90,000
2.0 CRDI-AT- Rs.15,90,000
An additional feature of curtain airbags can be added with an extra cost of Rs.31,807
The very first Sonata resembled a Mercedes Benz C-Class from the front view. The Hyundai Sonata Embera which followed had these tail lights that dragged along the side of the boot, much like the 5-Series. The diesel option on the Sonata Embera added gave Accord, Camry and Teana buyers something to think about but was not very successful.
With the addition of new and exciting features at almost same price, the Sonata Transform is a VFM package.
IAB Comment- People talk about the new suffix helping in boosting sales, but we say you look at the prefix- Hyundai.
Hyundai should stick to selling economy hatchbacks and sedans in India. Globally, Hyundai might be transforming into a premium car maker, fighting for a position among the big players- BMW and Mercedes Benz and luxury brand Lexus in the U.S of A.
However the line-up they offer in India still consists of previous-gen vehicles Santro and the Accent, and on the other hand it has moved up the ladder in other markets replacing them with new-tech cars i10 and Verna.
Maybe what Hyundai India can do is deal with the Embera, Genesis, Tuscon, Equus and Santa Fe in a different manner- As a different entity. Sales and service outlets need to be exclusive for these cars so customers feel they are treated not like a Santro customer.
Why not bring brand Kia into India to sell these older models in a long-term plan. Hyundai also has commercial vehicles like the i800, which it can sell under the Kia banner. What Hyundai can do is offer the older cars and the upcoming low-cost car under the Kia banner.
A lot of options are open for Hyundai, but it's up to them to reorganize their old and new cars to compete with Honda, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes Benz in India. Sense or non-sense?
