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.

The new Sonata draws heavy styling cues from Hyundai’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. The stretched back head lamps with a massive chrome grill and wide headlamps are quite dynamic to look at. However, on a personal note, I don’t the Fluidic styling on the i45 because it is overstyled. Having said that, the rear does look quite exquisite on the Sonata.

The brochure Hyundai issued at the Auto Expo revealed that the Sonata will be only available in a petrol avatar. It will be powered by the 2.4-litre GDI petrol motor with 198 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. A 6 speed manual or a 6 six speed automatic option will be available for cog shifting duties. Expect the mileage to be in the range of 12-14 kmpl.

The Sonata will boost interesting features like

• Push-button keyless start
• Six-CD changer with USB and Aux-in support
• Ventilated leather seats front and rear
• 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (four-way for the front passenger)
• Six airbags plus ABS, ESP and EBD.
• Parking Sensors and a rear-view camera with display which comes on automatically in the rear view mirror.
• Ventilated Disc at front, Solid at rear

Expect the price tag to be around 18 lakhs. The lack of diesel motor will definitely hurt the sales quite badly. Do you think this is another Kizashi in the making?

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?

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.

Source – DanceWithShawdows.com

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.

Source – TheAutomotiveIndia.com

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 third try, Hyundai has areas like appeal, features, comfort and brand value well covered.

The diesel engine is of paramount importance and there are reports of the Santa Fe coming to its rescue by sharing its diesel motor with the i45 for the Indian market as a Sonata diesel is unheard of overseas.

One sensed Hyundai’s nervousness and sense of uncertainty when the Santa Fe was launched. Hyundai was toying with the idea of assembling the car locally, but decided to pull out at the last minute. As the first consignment of Santa Fes have flown off the shelf, the company’s confidence in the premium segments will sort of be restored. The Santa Fe’s success couldn’t have come at a better time as the i45 is a product India will love for its design and features.

Source – Anythingonwheels.blogspot.com

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 with attractive models from international lineups. The 2.2-liter CRDI from the Santa Fe producing 197PS and 420 Nm of torque is perfect for the diesel-loving Indian market but it remains to be seen if such an operation is carried out after all given there is no such thing called an i45 diesel anywhere in the world.

If Hyundai can position the i45 in the 19-22 lakh rupee price band, it will meet with tremendous response.

We expect the i45 along with the new Verna to join Hyundai’ Indian arsenal this year.

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 styling is certainly a major improvement over the out going Embera. It is more aggressive with sharp lines flowing all around the body giving it a sporty coupe look.

The tail lamps are especially a thing of beauty because they look like the angry eyes of a Korean wrestler.

One good thing that we have always loved in the Embera – the Dual Exhaust pipes are carried over to the i45 as well.

Internationally, the i45 is comes with a 198HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 198Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. However, if it wants to create ripples in the mid size sedan market, it needs to have a diesel engine. I am quite sure Hyundai is also thinking on similar lines.

Another reason to get excited about this car is internationally it has scripted a success story. It has received many awards and accolades from the international automotive press. Thus it is safe to assume that the i45 will be a very strong contender in its segment if the pricing is right.

Looking at the spy pics, we bet that the launch is just around the corner.

Source – team-bhp.com

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.

Source: Hyundaiblog