Hyundai launches all-new Sonata in the Middle East

DUBAI– Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched its All-New Sonata mid-size sedan in the Middle East. The All-New Sonata is the second Hyundai model to feature the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design concept, while also offering modern styling, excellent performance, and the practical application of the company’s latest technologies such as Smart Trunk function and Blind Spot Detection.

The improved 7th generation model is the result of three years of research and development conducted by Hyundai in the Middle East and around the globe, in order to maximize product competitiveness and satisfy the diverse needs of the Middle East market. It is now on sale across the region.

Unveiled at the Royal Automobile Museum of Jordan, the All-New Sonata is expected to continue the popularity of a model that has traditionally been one of Hyundai’s best-selling models in the Middle East since it was first introduced. In 2013, the Sonata sold over 26,000 units across the Middle East – a region that is set to become Hyundai’s biggest market after the US. Since its introduction in 1985, cumulative global sales of the Sonata have reached almost seven million units.

Tom Lee, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “The All-New Sonata has been subjected to numerous performance tests, and has undergone thorough quality checking, both on a global level, and on-ground in the Middle East, and we believe that the model represents a significant step forward in all aspects in the mid-size sedan segment.

“The All-New Sonata features some of Hyundai’s most advanced technologies, and has achieved top-class safety ratings according to both internal and external testing. Our aim was to create a world class mid-size sedan through innovation while maintaining the model’s heritage, and we are confident that the All-New Sonata will prove extremely popular with our customers throughout the region.”

The All-New Sonata is the second model to have been designed using Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 philosophy, following in the footsteps of the All-New Genesis which was launched in the Middle East in April 2014. It boasts a dramatic new exterior look, as well as a new and improved interior, and a design concept that focuses on ‘Inner Force’: a theme that points to evolved aesthetics and confident perfection.

The new model aims to deliver maximum driver confidence through the inclusion of top safety features and a new suspension, which will provide the driver with a smoother overall ride. Pioneering safety technology such as Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control and Electric Parking Brake are all included.

An impressive 51 percent of the All-New Sonata’s steel is Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), increasing stiffness and protecting passengers more effectively with improved body structure rigidity. This has helped the vehicle to achieve a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States; a prestigious international honour.

The All-New Sonata also benefits from improved interior ergonomics, resulting in a completely driver-focused cabin that incorporates Hyundai Motor’s core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity.

Multiple comforts include a Panoramic Sunroof, manual rear side window curtains, electrical backlite glass curtain, integrated driving mode system (normal, sports, eco) and an Integrated Memory System (IMS) for the driver seating position. The Smart Trunk feature also allows drivers to open the trunk remotely if their hands are full. Puddle Lamps projected from outside mirrors and HID Xenon headlamps add to the premium feel of the vehicle.

The All-New Sonata also offers a top-of-the-line multi-media sound system, with an option of an impressive 4.3” colour TFT – LCD screen with Rear Camera Viewing for high audio or a 3.8” Negative Mono LCD for basic audio, both of which are accompanied by MP3, Bluetooth hands-free and My Music Functions. The high quality sound system is linked to eight optimally tuned high-performance speakers and subwoofers, offering live multi-dimensional sound. The All-New Sonata also supports AUX & USB ports and iPod bundle cable connection.

The All-New Hyundai Sonata will initially be offered to Middle East customers with a choice of two different engines: a 2.0 L multi-port injection (MPI) or a 2.4 L MPI, both with 6-speed automatic gearbox. Prices are set to start from USD 20,500