*SCOOP* : New Hyundai Sonata / i45 caught testing on Bangalore-Chennai Road

[synchromesh]

Mod Note : Please continue the discussion on the Hyundai Sonata Official Review Thread (Hyundai Sonata : Official Review). Thanks

Hi,

Here are some scoop shots of the i45. Thought it would be more appropriate to continue this thread rather than commencing a new one.

Spotted on the BLR-Chennai road after Krishnagiri, were a couple of cars covered with tarpaulin. Their size seemed to reveal a higher category in sedans but could not figure out anything more until I saw a white beauty that cruised past. (Lack of picture quality regretted since the 'i' was accelerating hard.)

The first look however gave the impression of a design aping the City / Civic / both (I don't want to mention about Chevvy Cruze here). Managed to capture the shimmering i45 badge in the 3rd pic.
I was thinking that it could be a replacement for the Elantra, until I read Sid's report.
Shall be posting some more shots of the front and side in a couple of days.
Until then, happy motoring!

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by synchromesh

Hi,

Here are some scoop shots of the i45. Thought it would be more appropriate to continue this thread rather than commencing a new one.

The first look however gave the impression of a design aping the City / Civic / both (I don't want to mention about Chevvy Cruze here). Managed to capture the shimmering i45 badge in the 3rd pic.

Shall be posting some more shots of the front and side in a couple of days.
Until then, happy motoring!

Thats an excellent catch dude. Until now, Hyundai has been completely silent on this car's launch in India. But now that the test mules are running undisguised, the car should be close to its launch date. Also, it seems that Hyundai is going to stop the 'Sonata' brand and launch it with the 'i45' badge. Lets hope this 'i' succeeds just like the i10 and i20.

[dockap]

The car in the first picture looks different from the other two.
Look at the tail lamps and the rear view mirrors.

[wildon]

Great Catch, so along with Verna (RB) , i45 launch is around the corner?

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by dockap

the car in the first pic looks different from the other two
look at the tail lamps and the rear view mirrors

The car in the first picture is the New Verna (RB). I think he has posted it along with the Sonata.

[_raVan_]

Great pics! Launch should be around 6 months down the line now.

I think this should be moved to Indian Car Scene forum instead of being in International Automotive Scene.

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by synchromesh

Hi,

The first look however gave the impression of a design aping the City / Civic / both (I don't want to mention about Chevvy Cruze here).

As much as I am happy and excited that you caught the i45/Sonata on test, I am not able to agree with you on the above sentence. As usual, since its a Hyundai, all of us are ever so eager to call it a copy of this and that. This Sonata, if at all any, can only be said to be influenced by the VW Passat CC and Mercedes CLS for the four door coupe styling.

Please give Hyundai credits where its due.

[synchromesh]

Originally Posted by dockap

the car in the first pic looks different from the other two look at the tail lamps and the rear view mirrors

Thanks for pointing that out. I had missed noticing it myself.

Originally Posted by wildon

Great Catch, so along with Verna (RB) , i45 launch is around the corner?

Thanks wildon. Since its running undisguised, I guess you are right.

[jkdas]

Looks real good and luxurious inside! Hope they dont do a blunder with pricing.Price it right and you have Civic/Altis/Laura customers queuing up!

[PraveenM]

In the last picture on post 130, the GDi badge is clearly visible. Are they testing the 2.0 GDI engine here? In the US it reported to run on regular fuel. Would be nice to have this engine in India

[synchromesh]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Looks real good and luxurious inside! Hope they dont do a blunder with pricing.Price it right and you have Civic/Altis/Laura customers queuing up!

Very true. When I tried to speak to the i45 test driver, he rolled down the windows and I could see him engulfed in plush comfort.
Apart from Civic/Altis/Laura, my hunch is that Hyundai may want to hit the market as soon as the Kizashi will be available in all metros. Interesting to see how these guys will time the market!

[harishnair]

Great scoop synchromesh.

The Hyundai i45/Sonata is a larger vehicle compared to Civic/Cruze, so it's safe to assume that it will be competing in a higher segment. It is surely gonna kill the Kizashi which will be its direct competitor and will also affect the Accord/Superb sales to some extent if priced right.

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by PraveenM

In the last picture on post 130, the GDi badge is clearly visible. Are they testing the 2.0 GDI engine here? In the US it reported to run on regular fuel. Would be nice to have this engine in India

Yes, it seems that Hyundai is bringing in the 2.0L GDI engine along with the Sonata/i45. The new Sonata has been a stellar success in the US and Canada for Hyundai. Atleast this time, I hope Hyundai succeeds in the Luxury Sedan segment beating the likes of Accord, Kizashi and Superb.

[kpzen]

Killer design.
If hyundai learns from the past, and gets the pricing right this could be a hit.

[Vid6639]

Man the car looks brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Only problem I did not see any diesel engine option for this car anywhere in the world.

2.4L engine will be good but a gas guzzler.

2.0L engine with turbo develops 210bhp. Now that should be worth it.