2015 Hyundai Sonata is Stiffer, Smoother and More Advanced
With a new look, a new chassis and plenty of new features Hyundai debuted the all-new 2015 Sonata in Korea today.
The popular midsized sedan has a lot to live up to, but at first glance, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata improves in every category and will surely entice current owners to consider upgrading. Borrowing plenty of the premium technologies first introduced in the new Genesis, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is also significant for the brand, having been designed using an evolved Fluidic Sculpture philosophy. The result is a refined, premium style while the overall size of the sedan grows longer and wider.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2015 Sonata uses 30 percent more advanced high-strength steel and features an ergonomic driver-focused interior layout. In addition, the cabin has become more spacious and luxurious while new technologies include: Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), a hands-free Smart Trunk, driver knee airbag, modern LED lighting, emergency stop signal, an electronic parking brake and heated rear seats. Overall, the Sonata grows nearly 1.4 inches in length and is almost 1.2 inches wider.
When developing the all-new sedan, Hyundai placed a focus on chassis rigidity to ensure it’ll deliver an all new standard for ride quality in the segment. The new model received thorough testing on the Nurburgring while reducing road noise, vibrations and enhancing driving dynamics were also main priorities. To help improve ride and handling performance, significant changes were made to the front and rear suspension resulting in enhanced responsiveness, handling and stability. In addition, steering feel has been further enhanced with the development of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) resulting in a larger data processing unit, increased logic control cycle and motor control speed and greater steering column rigidity.
Three powerplants will be available for the 2015 Sonata in the Korean market including a 2.0-liter CVVL (166 hp, 148 lb-ft of torque), 2.4-liter GDi (190 hp, 182 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.0-liter LPi (149 hp, 143 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.
Look for the US-spec 2015 Hyundai Sonata to debut at the NY Auto Show next month.
GALLERY: 2015 Hyundai Sonata
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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As an owner of a 2011 SE Turbo, I'm a little underwhelmed. I thought the styling, plus the low price and large feature count, were the three things that moved the cars out of the door. Now they've taken what I consider to be a backwards step with the styling and that's one of the reasons why I loved the present car. The handling isn't perfect, but the acceleration is excellent and the seats are some of the best for long hauls I've ever had. I've thought about going back to Honda for my daily driver and this might be the push over the cliff that sends me back. The Accord isn't stylish, but it's roomy, has great visibility and handles great for a family sedan plus, for some reason its cheaper to insure ($25/month from Insurance Panda). I'm also a little concerned about the long-term durability of forced induction and feel a conventional V-6 would be a better power plant.
Test drove 2015 sonata se last night (yes its in dealer lots)...the car ride was only a Lil bit different and the looks&interior felt dated, I still love the 2014 sonata...I feel 2015 Chrysler 200 has more to offer than the sonata, pretty impressed with the new Detroit offering