[Aditya]

The previous generations Hyundai Sonata sedan failed in India, partly because its brand value was poor compared to that of its European and Japanese competitors and partly because of the lack of a diesel engine. Last year, Hyundai revealed the 2015 Sonata sedan in South Korea. The car came with a choice of three engines only - all 4-cylinder petrol units.



Hyundai has now also introduced a 1.7-litre, 4-cylinder U2 diesel engine for the car in Korea. This engine is capable of producing 139 BHP and 340 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

Hyundai has also introduced a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine capable of putting out 180 BHP and 264 Nm of torque.



The introduction of these engines should help the Sonata cater to a wider audience.

The seventh-gen Sonata is 35 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the car it replaces. Its styling is in line with Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy with cleaner body lines. The exterior of the car features a hexagonal grille, swept back headlamps, LED daytime running lights, new bumpers and a fastback-like rear.

The interiors of the new Sonata are more spacious than its predecessor. Equipped includes a new infotainment and multimedia system, LED lighting, cruise control and heated seats. Safety features such as rear-side curtain airbags, lane departure warning system, and blind spot detection have been provided.

[aravind.anand]

It is a good move to have a Diesel engine in the line up, as this certainly does increase the appeal of the car. But we all do know that the segment is really shrunk over the last few years and today, with that kind of money an average Indian customer has a default vehicle - the Fortuner.

And discussing on the Sonata in isolation, the biggest challenge for the car would actually be its own interiors. The car looks European, understated and smart from the outside. But Alas ! Hyundai has lost the plot entirely when it comes to the interiors ! Too many buttons, and the design is definitely at least 10 years behind Hyundai's current design language!



Very boring, dated and totally outclassed - not just by its rivals, but even its own stablemates from lower segments!

[GTO]

What could be the reason that Hyundai didn't use the Santa Fe's awesome 2.2L diesel with 194 horses & 421 Nm torque?

This 1.7L diesel has power figures that belong to a segment lower.

[bigron]

Apparently the Santa Fe engine is not a direct fit into the engine bay of the sonata. Also, the volumes dont justify the addition R&D outlay.

[arnabchak]

Sonata has been understated right since inception.
If we track the history right from the Jaguar inspired Ver 1 followed by the Gold, Sonata has never been a high selling car.

Even during the days when the Accord ruled the D segment, Sonata was a laggard.
So poor are resales that you will get 8-10 year vintage Sonatas for as low as Rs. 2 lacs in Mumbai.

With the 1.7 ltr diesel, I do not see a great bump in sales though. Sonata has never enjoyed the aspirational value of say an Accord or even the Superb.

BTW, I am neutral to the new version too. Liked the old styling more as compared to what I see now, especially the rear lamps.

[tanwaramit]

In terms of engine and BHP, creta diesel is so close to this Sonata.

Doesn't seem to make sense for Hyundai to launch this spec in India.