Hyundai sent out a press release containing details and prices of the Sonata range in India. Hyundai did not conduct a launch, and we assume the Auto Expo unveiling was the reason. The Sonata is available only with a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injected petrol paired to manual and automatic transmissions. There is no diesel option, and we’re not sure if Hyundai is considering one for the future.
The Sonata manual is priced at Rs 18,52,979 and the automatic transmission sets you back by Rs 20 ,61,272. These prices are for ex-showroom, Delhi.
click through for the brochure of the Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai India has uploaded the brochure, photographs and general information on the new Sonata on its official website. The details provide an in-depth look at the D Segment sedan that was unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo in January.
The Sonata will finally be launched in early March with a 2.4-liter GDI engine producing 201PS and 255Nm. It is paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission. It stands on 17 inch alloy wheels equipped with disc brakes on all four corners. The Sonata is offered in India in white, silver, brown and black. No we did not miss talking about the diesel engine because there isn’t one.
Hyundai India is all set to re-enter the D segment with their new contender – the all-new Sonata. The Sonata will pick it up from where the old Embera left off. Hyundai’s first Sonata was quite a successful product in the Indian market owing to its Mercedes-looking front fascia. However, the later attempts to revive the Sonata brand were a bit half hearted with the Transform and the Embera.
Now though the Korean car maker has a firm grasp of the workings of the Indian market. The i45 or Sonata was showcased at the Indian Auto Expo to gather feedback from the customers.
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 ]
