New Hyundai Sonata due for March 2012 launch

Due for launch during the third week of March 2012, the sixth-generation Hyundai Sonata is all set to re-establish the Korean car maker's flagship sedan in the Indian market

Unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata bears the fluidic design DNA that has become the family design language for the Korean car maker. The new Sonata is undoubtedly a good looking car and judging by the success of the fluidic design language directly reflecting in the sales figures of the new Verna, Hyundai’s new flagship model is sure to be accepted well in the market. 

The new Hyundai Sonata will come with a 2.4-litre Direct Injection petrol engine that will develop 201PS of power and 250Nm of torque, making it the most powerful sedan in its segment. Loaded with gizmos and technology, the new Hyundai Sonata will pamper its occupants with a host of features such as electric seats (memory on the driver’s seat), ventilated seats all around and heated seats upfront, Bluetooth, rear audio controls, dual zone climate control, etc. As for safety, the new Sonata will feature six airbags, active headrest, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Other standout features include automatic xenon headlights with washers, cruise control and paddle shift transmission.

The sixth generation of the Hyundai Sonata will be launched in the third week of March 2012,  after Budget 2012-13 is announced. This will allow Hyundai to finalise the new Sonata’s prices in accordance to the upcoming Budget polices for the next financial year. Our guesstimate is that it will fall in the same price bracket as its rivals, the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb. 

While the current Sonata Transform never really stood out of the crowd, the new Sonata leaves quite an impression with its fluidic design language, direct injection engine and host of features and technology. The sixth generation Hyundai Sonata will undoubtedly be a car to be considered for buyers in the premium sedan segment.