Images of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has leaked on to the internet. Expected to come with i40 badges in Europe, the i40 is arguably the best looking Hyundai to this date.
Its profile is somewhere in between a sedan and a coupe. Inspired by the sexy Mercedes CLS, you can’t point out one design element that’s common between the two. In India, the i40 will take the Accord-Camry segment to an all new level. If they price it in the Laura-Jetta segment, it is so going to be a steal for that price.
The 2.4 liter Theta II engine with GDI (gasoline direct injection) technology produces about 200 hp. A 2.0 liter petrol engine should be powering in the entry-level model.
Whether or not the 2.2 liter ‘R’ with 204 hp and the Euro 5 emissions standards busting diesel engine will make it to India is anyone’s guess. Even a Lambda V6 engine giving out about 250 hp is in the rumor mill. This could be a perfect candidate to eat into the Skoda Superb V6′ and Honda Accord V6′ pie.
6-speed manual or automatic transmissions will be available. A level of equipment is going to be up there – panoramic glass roof, stop-start technology and paddle shifts on the steering wheel will be bestowed on the new Sonata.
The Hyundai Sonata YF/i40 goes on sale in Korea in October andh in the North American and European markets by early 2010.
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