SEOUL, South Korea — Hyundai's Sonata has been revised with a new 2.4-liter engine that puts the Korean car above its competitors from Honda and Toyota in the power department. The Sonata F24 GDi was introduced at designer Lie Sang Bong's fashion show called Fashion Meets Cars.
The Sonata's new gasoline direct-injection engine, developed by Hyundai, makes 201 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission, besting the Camry's 175 hp and 171 lb-ft and the Accord's 180 hp and 163.5 lb-ft.
The Sonata's sporty exterior is shod with 17-inch alloy wheels and tires; 18-inchers are optional. LED rear combination lamps are available, as is a Sport package with paddle shifters, among other items.
The new Sonata costs $24,995-$26,090 in the home market, including tax.
Hyundai is planning an event-based rollout of the new Sonata in Korea with such offerings as comparison test-drives with imported cars and a driving school.
Inside Line says: Hyundai holds onto its domestic market share with both hands. — M.J. Lee, Correspondent
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hyundaismoke says:
01:59 AM, 02/02/2010
I think all Hyundais should be named lke this. Sonata F24GDI, Elantra D20GDI, Accent S16GDI.
kdoodoo says:
11:38 AM, 01/26/2010
Hyundai has been popular for mockng designs but this one looks pretty origianl.
bjgw66 says:
10:56 AM, 01/26/2010
Not being a hater, glad to see more makes pushing the limits, but I.L. you mis posted... Accord is 177hp for the LX, LX-P, 190hp for EX, EX-L, and 190 on all 4cyl Coupes.
icecubefosho says:
09:27 AM, 01/26/2010
Looks like a Genesis/Mazda6/Solara made a baby
speddle says:
04:28 AM, 01/26/2010
It looks like Hyundai is gone back in it's weird styling mode. Remember the (up to '05) model Sonata? It looks like this should have been it's replacement, but the current sonata was introduced to look like an accord, to steal buyers away. What's with asian car companies downright copying vehicle designs? They've all done it. :s
cino_iconic says:
10:23 PM, 01/25/2010
Ekk... It looks like Solara meets ES330, and yes they are ugly.
lexuslvr says:
07:54 PM, 01/25/2010
Looks stunning. Deffinitely better than just about everything in its class. With the competitiveness of the new Tuscon the Sonata should do really well.
pmtguy says:
06:58 PM, 01/25/2010
this is the ugliest car i have ever seen looks like a toyota solaris gone wrong
notabigdeal says:
03:52 PM, 01/25/2010
There is no competition against Hyundai/Kia in Korea. I'm not sure but I think their domestic market share is a monopoly of 80%.