Hyundai continues testing the D Segment i45 (Sonata in other markets) around Chennai. The latest pictures sent in by our reader Vasanth alias Killen Vassy is helpful in proving that.
What amazes us is Hyundai testing the white mule with no camouflage. They haven’t duct-taped the GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) badge either. The i45 was used on the “New Thinking – New Possibilities” TV ad campaign and that could be a reason why they don’t believe in secrecy.
The i45′s segment is also seeing a change in fuel preference. Many people are opting for diesel. VW Group’s Superb and Passat sales are mostly bought in diesel, the latter is not even offered with a petrol engine. The Toyota Camry continues to be bought by NRI’s who are in love with it.
Many IAB readers like Sarun have spotted the i45 testing on the highway Chennai-Bangalore highway say it looks like a magnified Verna with an increase in loudness in design expression. The i45′s graceful design will be the i45′s standout highlight but missing a diesel engine and being imported mean it may only assume the role of brand shaper.
The kind of car the i45/i40/Sonata is and what it has done to Hyundai’s brand image in America and Europe, it will be a shame if it scripts a tale similar to the Suzuki Kizashi here. The lack of a diesel engine and lofty sticker price could put it in the Kizashi’s basket.
Can we expect Hyundai to launch the i45 at the Auto Expo in Delhi next January?
DWS reports that Hyundai will debut the i45 saloon during the second half of 2011. This is contrary to other media reports claiming an Auto Expo 2012 launch.
The car will carry the i45 badge instead of Sonata. Test mules have been spotted near Chennai wearing the i45 badge and surprisingly no camouflage. The vehicles on test had a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) badge hinting that there was a 198hp/250Nm 2.4-liter motor on-board. Hyundai’ ad campaign on TV during the World Cup showed a formation of Sonatas creating sound waves.
There is a good possibility that a 2.2 litre CRDI engine producing 197 bhp/420Nm from the Santa Fe will be fitted to the Sonata, as the segment is moving towards diesel fuel. The VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Honda Accord are going to have company very soon.
TheAutomotiveIndia, after getting our attention with Ford Fiesta spyshots, now have more to show. One of their forum members have caught the Hyundai i45 on test on the expressway just outside Chennai.
Hyundai isn’t keeping the i45 under wraps as ad broadcasting regularly through the cricket world cup ensured pre-launch hype had begun. Earlier last month, Autocar India editor Hormazd Sorabjee tweeted that Hyundai will introduce the i45 at the Auto Expo next year.
HMIL’s CEO and MD Mr HW Park told IAB during the launch of the Santa Fe that the company will bring Verna RB, Avante and Sonata “one by one” to India.
Anything On Wheels has caught the Hyundai i45 on test again, this time on the NH4. The i45 is sold as the Sonata worldwide. Hyundai India however could strategically use the i45 nameplate as the “i” brand in India is a runaway hit. Hyundai has sold two generations of the Sonata in India, both simply succumbed to the might of either the Honda or the similarly sized Skoda. In its [ Read More ]
Hyundai India is the official partner for the ICC World Cup 2011 and its commercials are playing on ESPN Star Sports during the warm up matches. Hyundai has cleverly chosen to air commercials featuring the i45, a car expected in India this year. A 2.4-liter GDI petrol engine capable of sending 200hp to the wheels is the best bet for the Indian market as competitors are rolling up their sleeves [ Read More ]
If you think that the choice among Accord, Camry, Superb, Teana and Kizashi is a tough one, then you will not like this news. Choosing a winner will get a whole lot tougher with the introduction of Hyundai’s contender – The Hyundai Sonata YF/i45. A global replacement of the aging Sonata (a.k.a Sonata Embera), this car was the first one to benefit from the new ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy. The [ Read More ]
The Hyundai Sonata (also known as the i40 and i45) has won the 2010 Australian International Design Awards in the Automotive and Transport category. This award is conferred to most innovative and best designs internationally.
The Hyundai ix35, which was also a finalist for the coveted award was awarded with a Design Mark. The reason for the two Hyundais doing so well in the Design awards is because of Hyundai’s new ‘Fluidic Scupture’ design direction.
Andre Hudson, Design Manager, Hyundai Design North America -
Fluidic Design is a Hyundai signature, a design language which will appear on future Hyundai volume models. It gives our range a unique and premium identity and defines Hyundai as a modern, progressive company. With i45, we wanted to deliver a strikingly modern shape, yet accommodate the wide variety of practical needs which sedan buyers require met.
This Design award is just one more feather in the new Hyundai Sonata’s cap as the new Sonata went off to a flying start setting sales records in many markets. The Hyundai Sonata with its upmarket looks and classy interiors poses a serious threat to global bestsellers Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Hyundai, the world’s 8th largest automaker has been very successful worldwide in the recent past. The latest 6th generation Sonata, which was launched recently has manged very strong sales worldwide. The latest Sonata YF has been designed based Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language and looks fantastic.
Hyundai recently sold its 5 millionth Sonata. Hyundai launched the first generation Sonata way back in 1985 in the Korean market and the Sonata was launched in the international market only in its second generation in 1988. The largest market for the Sonata is Korea, where it is the country’s bestselling car. The next biggest market for the Hyundai Sonata is the USA.
When Hyundai launched the Sonata in India last decade, the car managed decent sales and the Indian car buyer developed a liking for it. But competition in the form of the Accord and the Camry, later joined by the Superb dampened Hyundai India’s hopes on the Sonata. The next gen Sonata Transform was an excellent car it also managed only average numbers.
We hope the latest generation Hyundai Sonata YF is hopefully given a favorable ecosystem in India. It has the potential to take over its plush looking Japanese rivals with looks and technology. Hyundai would be bringing the Sonata YF to India not anytime soon but in the distant future.
