- IL offers an early look at a Hyundai Sonata convertible.
- The midsize Hyundai convertible would likely use a fabric top.
- Engine options would be limited to the 2.4-liter inline-4 or 2.0-liter turbo.
SANTA MONICA, California — Before the current-generation Sebring became the butt of every automotive joke in the land, Chrysler sold a stink-load of the convertible version of earlier Sebrings to folks who valued rear seats more than sportiness in their drop top. Partly, this was because none of the other mainstream players really offered a reasonably priced midsize convertible. With the Sebring laid low and the Toyota Solara and Pontiac G6 convertibles dead, the market would seem wide open for the car seen here in our illustrations.
With the sedan or coupe's roof removed, the new Sonata's dramatically styled flanks look even more striking. To keep cost and luggage volume at a reasonable level, Hyundai would choose to use a power-folding fabric top instead of a retractable hardtop. Again, should the company like a lesson in how a folding hardtop can devastate a car's proportions, it need look no further than the current Sebring hardtop convertible.
The Sonata convertible would certainly be available with the same engine choices as the sedan: a 200-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 as in the SE model or the 274-hp 2.0-liter turbo from the 2.0T model.
Either way, don't expect to see either the gas/electric powertrain from the recently unveiled hybrid model or the six-speed manual transmission currently offered in the base sedan.
Inside Line says: Within the next couple of years, we might be able to drive a rented four-seat convertible on our Hawaii vacation without having to wear paper bags over our heads. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Add A Comment »
xsnappy2 says:
11:29 AM, 11/04/2010
I would buy one!
hyundaismoke says:
02:14 AM, 05/19/2010
The Author is correct on that assessment. Definately not a Sebring, as this will be a sweet ass convertible.
kernals12 says:
04:56 PM, 05/11/2010
in my estimation, hyundai will likely build it, they're experimenting with many markets and this stylish, efficient and affordable droptop would be a popular choice, for those who want a convertible but find the Mustang or Miata to hard core and can't afford the 3 series or Eos
jm1212 says:
04:13 PM, 05/09/2010
seems like hard tops were really just a trend...automakers are moving back too high quality, well insulated soft tops to help with weight, fuel economy, and trunk space instead of those bulky and very heavy hard tops.
jscion says:
04:06 PM, 05/09/2010
I think a convertible version of the new Sonata is a fantastic idea. The sedan is truly jaw dropping and really makes the Camry and Accord look dull. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible is a piece of poorly made jumk and the Toyota Solara seems to to be on Toyota's chopping block as Toyota never bothered to come out with an updated Solara with the introduction of the redesigned 2007 Camry. The Sonata Convertible will fill this market very well. There isn't much selection in affordable convertibles now so Hyundai will probably be able to sell enough of these.
alex38 says:
04:41 AM, 05/09/2010
@ chopperx
Wow, nice job spotting that.
Perhaps Hyundai should take notice here and build it 'cuz its looking pretty sweet in this form.
Although prolly not a huge market, I'm sure there are folks who would but this. Thanks
ant14 says:
05:04 PM, 05/08/2010
"Hyundai has a 10 year, 100K mile warranty"...essentially that sounds great, but as people i know that own Hyundais, they are frustrated at the fact of being constantly at the dealership getting repair work done. No one reimburses them for their time being spent either taking care of these issues. And read the disclaimer as to what the warranty really covers... Hyundai has imporoved considerably, I mean, there was really only one way to go, up. But take a look and speak to owner's who have owned them 4-6 years and the story, and love afair, is faded...
jonpelc says:
10:43 AM, 05/08/2010
"Comparing Hyundai to Chrysler! Chryslers Sebring is a safe car & Chrysler Has 4 top awarded safe vehicles on the National insurance institutes 2010 safety list, while Hyundai has NONE!!!!"
Sorry to burst your bubble but Hyundai does have Top Safety Awards from the National Insurance Safety Institute. The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks as the top SUV for safety and provides the lowest insurance cost of any vehicle in its class. The 2011 Sonata was just ranked #1 midsize sedan in its class and the only one in its class to achieve a 5 star safety rating across the board including rollover! So your argument is not valid.
gordancin says:
09:37 AM, 05/08/2010
Now THIS makes sense. Rather than a having both Hyundai AND Kia produce coupes off this platform have Hyundai produce a semi luxurious convertible (for those who like to cruise and seeing as the two door photoshop Sonata really isn't all that impressive)... and have Kia produce a sporting coupe (so Kia can now have some type of "sporting" 2 door a class above the Koupe without stealing Hyundai's thunder with the Genesis coupe platform).
This makes sense. Might be an expensive proposition but it makes sense to me. I hope Hyundai/Kia product planners are reading Inside Line...
new22003 says:
07:13 AM, 05/08/2010
So this is what a solara + sebring offspring would look like.