Hyundai Sonata DN8 The Edge

Launched in 2019, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata was meant to be the evolution of what's known to be Korea's people's car of the generation but due to today's motoring climate, it seems that more and more Koreans are starting to wane off from it and it faces the risk of its demise. 

Not giving up, Hyundai unleashed the facelifted DN8 Sonata with prices starting at 280,800,000 Korean Won plus additional costs. The question is, is the big minor change made the Sonata the best-looking Korean midsize sedan yet?

2024 Hyundai Sonata

Beginning with the design, the big minor change retains the side view of the pre-facelifted DN8 Sonata but what happens at the front and back is a completely different story. The front features a Staria-styled nose while the back mimics its little brother, the Avante CN7. With such radical restyling, it looks like the once-boring executive midsize sedan for the commoners became a much fiercer, likable one. Touche.

2024 Hyundai Sonata

The interior has been heavily revised for this big minor change with the dashboard bearing a Hyundai-first panoramic curved display akin to today's Opel/Vauxhall models that were driving under the influence of Peugeot, if you catch my drift. With an extra-long monitor featuring a 12.3-inch instrumental and a 12.3-inch sat-nav touch screen positioned at the driver's side, it features a new steering wheel with a gear lever positioned behind it just like its big brother, the Grandeur GN7, repositioned switches for the climate control, and the similar creature comforts carried over from its pre-facelifted model, this is luxury reasserted for the heavily revised model.

2024 Hyundai Sonata

The choice of engines remains the same for this updated model ranging from the 180PS 1.6L Turbo, 2.0L petrol, 2.0L LPG, and 2.0L Hybrid, and for the N-Line model, a 290PS 2.5L Turbo petrol engine mated to an 8-speed DCT. 

Like the old one, the new Sonata can be either comfortable or sporty at the push of a button but drivers can use the CUSTOM feature to choose just how sporty or comfortable their car is to their liking, resulting in a more personalized driving pleasure. In the case of the N-Line model, the N-tuned parts add some spice to its dynamics if you're into that.

Apart from the driving pleasure for all, the new Sonata comes ready with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features that will keep itself safe on the journey home unless you know what.

With the biggest update for the current-generation model, will this be Hyundai's last-ditch attempt to make the Sonata great again? You judge.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Sonata DN8

The previous LF Sonata was meant to be a technological tour de force for Hyundai to be a class apart from the competition but due to its regular styling reminiscent of the YF model, there were only a few people interested in it until the New Rise gave a new life to the LF and slightly gained some attention to it. Responding to the lukewarm reception of the old LF model, Hyundai called the shots to give the Sonata a new lease on life with this full model change.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

There's a big reason why the chassis code for this generation is called DN8 because some might joke as "did not ate", it truly is the eighth generation Hyundai Sonata for this full model change, the Sonata is now a class on its own and with only a few executive midsize saloons out in the open, the DN8 Sonata strives to become the alpha of the now-endangered species.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

First, let's get to know about the design but sadly, there's something perplexing about the exterior design. On the front, you will notice the hexagonal-shaped grille and the Malibu-styled lamps but look closely at the edge of the headlamp and you will notice that the edge of the headlamp's stretching through the car's side. It's as messy as looking at a little kid with overstretched eyelids, something you would put on the Body Bizarre documentary. While the front face looks horrendous due to the overstretched edges from the headlights, the coupe-like styling is somewhat of a compliment for some while the rear view looks like it came from the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. In other words, the design of the new model looks rather bizarre than blasphemy. On the inside, however, tells a different story.

2020 Hyundai Sonata interior

On the inside, you are welcomed by the G70-styled steering wheel, mood lighting, seating for five people, climate control, heated seats, HUD, adjustable seats, and so on, which isn't so bad for a car like this but the biggest party piece is that for expensive versions, the new DN8 Sonata comes armed with a built-in camera, which is perfect to record some crazy moments on the road and then share it on social media. This is just like every other people nowadays where they won't go out without a dashcam to record even the silliest things on the road just to break the internet. There's also another party piece for the DN8 Sonata and with the Hyundai Digital Key app ready, your smartphone becomes a key for the Sonata and you can get away from every single journey in a keyless manner. It really is the future, people.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

At launch, the DN8 Sonata is powered by a G4NM 2.0L Smartstream G MPi engine producing 160PS of power and 20kg-m of torque, which is rather regular for a midsize saloon, and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it promises a combined fuel economy of up to 11.9km/L as is. Of course, there's also a variant powered by a 2.0L LPG engine which consumes more than petrol but is cheaper to fill it up than petrol, which is fit for taxi drivers and company car users. Of course, there will be turbo and hybrid variants to follow later.

In terms of driving feel, the DN8 Sonata can be either comfortable or sporty at the push of a button but drivers can use the CUSTOM feature to choose just how sporty or comfortable their car is to their liking, resulting in a more personalized driving pleasure. Apart from the driving pleasure for all, the new Sonata comes ready with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features that will keep itself safe on the journey home unless one of you needs to go to the rest stop for a toilet break.

The DN8 Sonata starts at 23,460,000 Korean Won and this is still as reasonably priced as the old model. So, while the DN8 Sonata looks bizarre on the exterior design, its technological marvel really makes it more like the man of the people and concerned drivers can't wait to get their hands on its built-in camera feature to record even the silliest stuff on the road just to break the internet. Needless to say, it really is the Sonata for concerned drivers who can't wait to smell some freshly picked sweet potatoes from the troll farm. Typical...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Sonata New Rise

The current LF Sonata by Hyundai has been given a much-needed minor change it deserved following a hunch that its stale styling never appealed to the general public. Called Sonata New Rise, this minor change will see a much improved styling on the current-generation model and then some.

So, here comes the 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change and for this minor change, the front face now mimics the one as seen on the new i30 while it features the most dramatic rear view in the Sonata history. In addition to the new rear lamp designs, the big SONATA lettering and the Hyundai logo are plastered in the middle, which reminds everyone of the old EF Sonata from the late 90's but with a bit more feel. For turbocharged models, it has been given sporty cosmetic treatments to make it look assertive and sporty for a midsize saloon.

Inside, there are small changes occured and much to the dismay for speedo boys everywhere, the touch screen is now standard and no matter what you're doing, it will never come off and that idea of a CD player-less dashboard is becoming more rampant to the cars of today because carmakers starting to get annoyed over speedo boys changing the car's radios so they have done the inevitable. They give the interior some irreplaceable tech to scare some speedo boys, especially with a smartphone mirroring feature that works well with iPhones and other smartphones via MirrorLink. Sounds convenient, yet scary from the hands of speedo boys so I'm afraid your luck has run out. You can't find the radio anywhere and you can't replace it. The end.

Anyway, back to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change, it still offers four engine choices from last time such as a 1.6L T-GDi, 2.0 CVVL, 2.0 T-GDi, and the 1.7 CRDi-VGT engine. That's three petrols and a diesel offered in the 2018 Sonata and get this; in the more powerful 2.0 T-GDi engine, it has been offered with an 8-speed automatic, which sounds rewarding but somewhat regular if you may ask.

Safety wise, the 2018 Sonata comes with a Lane Departure Warning system assisted by a Lane Keep Assist function, as well as High Beam Assist and Dynamic Bending Lights for better nighttine driving, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change starts at 2.255 million up to 3.253 million Korean Won and its available to order now. So, with the new look in one of the fastest-selling executive midsize saloons in South Korea, can the new Sonata rise up to the occassion? Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Sonata (LF) Plug-In Hybrid

With the LF Sonata range consists of petrol, diesel, and hybrid, the unexpected range for South Korea's longest-running midsize saloon in history gets a little boost with the addition of the first ever PHEV sold in South Korea, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid

As the first-ever Korean-made plug-in hybrid saloon, the new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid offers the best of both worlds apart from running in either petrol, electric, or both because for this PHEV saloon, drivers will be able to fill it up with either petrol or charge its batteries at home by whatever means necessary. 

With the 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, which is five times more than what the regular Sonata Hybrid's battery had, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid is expected to have an all-electric range of over 44km, which is a class-leading record for PHEV saloons on the market, according to Hyundai. In terms of recharging, it will take two and a half hours to have it fully charged at a 240V Level 2 charging station while at home, with the 120V outlet at hand, it will take five hours to have it fully charged.

Like the Sonata Hybrid, it comes with the 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output but for the PHEV model, the electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, 32% more than the motor used in the regular Sonata Hybrid. Have them together as well as the 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid delivers a combined 17.2km/L of fuel consumption, which is kinda less than what the regular Hybrid had but because this is a PHEV saloon, its fuel consumption well served.

Optional safety features are offered in the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid including the Forward Collision Warning System, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, and not to mention the Advanced Smart Parking Assist System where you can let the parking all by itself when it spots a vacant parking space.

The new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid starts at 40,620,000 to 43,220,000 Korean Won, which costs a lot more than the regular Sonata Hybrid, but because being the first PHEV offered in South Korea, looks like it's going to be treated as a niche vehicle with no competition in sight but as the right opportunity comes in the Korean motoring industry, there will be rivals ready to take on the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, wanting a piece of it.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Sonata (LF) Hybrid

A few months ago, the Hyundai Sonata has been given its full model change under the LF codename and for this new generation, it focuses on four terms; RUN. TURN, STOP, and PROTECT. RUN refers to the engine choices, TURN refers to the handling characteristics although this new model now comes with some multilink cleverness, STOP and PROTECT refers to the safety features. It was launched prior to the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Sonata next year since its debut late 1985 and while the rapidly-growing carmaker has big plans for the Sonata's 30th birthday next year, they've added a new Hybrid model to the mix.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The new and improved Sonata Hybrid still emphasizes on four terms; RUN. TURN, STOP, and PROTECT, while delivering its own blend of fuel-efficiency for the roads of today. On the exterior view, the Sonata Hybrid features a different look than the standard model judging from its different front grille, new alloy wheels, and a new rear lamp design that is very different from the standard model.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid interior

On the inside, it looks pretty much the same as the normal Sonata and it's lavishly equipped with cutting-edge technology that will seduce you to its connectivity whim. Plus, it's surprisingly comfortable as well even in the back seats just like the original. The only difference in the Hybrid model is this 4.2 Color TFT LCD on the dashboard that monitors how I'm driving. It monitors how fuel-efficient am I driving, the range, the mileage, and so on. There's so much to explore about the new interior from the driver's point of view.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid speedometer

Now, let's talk more about the biggest improvement on the hybrid drivetrain. For the brand new Sonata Hybrid, the 2.0L Nu engine as seen from the previous YF Sonata Hybrid model has been given the GDi treatment. Yes. It now comes with Gasoline Direct Injection so it's now more powerful than ever with 156PS of power output. This new engine is mated with an electric motor generating 38kW of power and an improved Li-ion battery with 13.3% higher capacity and relocated under the boot floor for added space at the back. Sounds good enough for us and with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, the new model delivers a combined fuel economy of 18.2km/L. That's two times less than its rivals from Japan but don't be fooled because it's much more engageable to drive rather than those CVT-powered hybrid saloons from this class.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Just like the normal model, the new Sonata Hybrid comes with some optional safety features including the Forward Collision Warning System, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, and not to mention the Advanced Smart Parking Assist System where you can let the parking all by itself when it spots a vacant parking space. Looks like this hybrid saloon really sticks true to its promise that its petrol-powered version delivers.

The new Sonata Hybrid starts at 28,700,000 up to 32,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs for optional extras depending on the variant.

Available colors: Ice Mint, Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Night Sky, Remington Red, and Phantom Black.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Hyundai Sonata LF

The first Hyundai Sonata was launched in South Korea since November 1985 and next year, the Sonata's age will be reaching 30 years old. No wonder this is one of Korea's longest models in history and while we're still waiting for the Hyundai Sonata to reach its 30th year in 2015, looks like they got themselves a head-start by launching the latest seventh-generation of one of Korea's oldest car names.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Well, the front view maybe more of a Subaru Legacy facsimile but the seventh-generation Sonata (LF) incorporates the carmaker's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 first applied to last year's Genesis. This is by no means one of the most attractive saloons in its class or that's the theory because being a Korean, it's going to take a stiff competition against medium saloons from Europe, America, and Japan.

The new Sonata kinda focuses on four terms; RUN. TURN, STOP, and PROTECT. RUN refers to the engine choices, TURN refers to the handling characteristics although this new model now comes with some multilink cleverness, STOP and PROTECT refers to the safety features. Well, you get the idea but let's explain more about the new seventh-generation model from the bare essentials.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

2015 Hyundai Sonata interior

This new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design on the new Sonata takes a step further on how it looks and since it was Peter Schreyer's order, since he's now in charge of being the CEO of Hyundai Motor Group, the new boss wanted the new Sonata to be more of a facsimile to some European cars it will face and judging by the looks of it, this new model managed to pull it off in all of the right corners.

On the interior, the new Sonata is festooned with technology you might expect from a high-end business saloons and if you belong to the yuppie generation, this car might suit your style because not only you can feel comfortable on the driver's seat but you can get a bit spoiled on the infotainment system. Let's hope you're not a senior driver because you can find infotainment systems a bit to problematic in your kind of age.

At launch, the new, seventh-generation, LF Sonata carries on two petrol engines from the previous YF model such as the 2.0 Nu CVVL engine and the 2.4L Theta II GDi engine. First, the 2.0L CVVL engine produces about 168PS of power output, 201Nm of torque, and more importantly, combined fuel economy of 12.1km/L. Then, the 2.4L Theta II GDi engine develops a shy 193PS of power, 247Nm of torque, and 11.5km/L of fuel consumption. Although those fuel economy stats are stated by the manufacturer, your actual driving range can vary.

Both the 2.0L and the 2.4L GDi variants are mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Well, that's for the RUN statement of the Sonata but what about the statement of TURN?

In the handling stakes, the new Sonata comes with the multilink suspension setup so theoretically, the new model can handle like a European medium sedan and I am quite humbled by the result of what Hyundai did to keep up against their opposition. Once more, it even comes with Adaptive Shock Dampers to make the car more comfortable to drive in the bends. Couple that with the Vehicle Stability Management and the Vehicle Dynamics Control and you got yourself a well-civilized midsize saloon that is as sensible as reading a book on Korean culture.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

In the case of STOP and PROTECT, the new Sonata has been loaded with some optional safety features including the Forward Collision Warning System, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, and not to mention the Advanced Smart Parking Assist System where you can let the parking all by itself when it spots a vacant parking space. Useful if you are in a last minute to change your clothes for a big day.

Even though the new Sonata comes with seven airbags, there's one thing you will notice and nope, not from where you're seeing at, there's an additional airbag under the steering wheel! How did they added an airbag under the steering wheel? Well, isn't that witchcraft? I don't know but it's all in the name of PROTECT for the new Sonata.

The pricing starts at around 22,550,000 KRW (estimate $21,000) for the entry-level model with the 2.0L Nu CVVL engine while the top-end model with the 2.4L Theta II GDi engine is priced at 29,900,000 KRW (estimated $28,000) so it's a smart buy for the buck.

Available Colors: Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Remington Red, Coast Blue, Night Sky, Phantom Black.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

New Nu 2.0L CVVL engine, effective on 2013MY YF Sonata and K5

Hyundai YF Sonata

Kia K5

Effective on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata (쏘나타) and the 2013 Kia K5, they are equipped with the new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine that replaces the Theta 2.0 MPi engine. The all new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine produces 172PS of power and 20.5kg-m of torque. This will provide a maximum fuel economy of 14km/L but if you come with an "IDLE STOP & GO" option, it will achieve 14.8km/L of fuel economy. This is going to be the first Korean-made vehicles to come with a Continuous Variable Valve Lift technology ever to be on sale in South Korea.

Nu 2.0 CVVL engine

Scoop:

1) http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1578

2) http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=890

Hyundai Sonata YF's "UNEXPECTED" updates

2012 Hyundai Sonata

In case you didn't know, Hyundai Motor Company performed some "UNEXPECTED" upgrades to the Hyundai YF Sonata (known in some countries as the i45) for the 2012 Model Year. Small upgrades include a new radiator grille, improved LED taillights, new side mirrors, new rims, and something UNEXPECTED.

Engine choices include a Theta-II 2.0L MPI engine and the high-performance Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDi engine. 

Available colors include Noble White, White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Hyper Metallic, Dark Gray, Remington Red, Blue Black, and Black Diamond.

Scoop:

http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=32&pidx=605

The "UNEXPECTED" update for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata sounds unexpected but focusing on style is what it deserved against its rivals!

Hyundai YF Sonata and Kia K5 received the much awaited 2.0L Theta II L4 Turbo

2012 Hyundai Sonata F20 Turbo GDI

2012 Kia K5 T-GDI

The wait is over. Both the Hyundai YF Sonata (known in Australia as the i45) and the Kia K5 (known worldwide as the Optima) received the much awaited 2.0L Theta II 4-cylinder Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine and yes, the new engine provide the power of a 3000cc engine with the 2000cc fuel economy. Need to repeat again? 2000cc fuel economy with 3000cc power.

Scoop:

For the Hyundai Sonata F20 Turbo GDI:http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=594

For the Kia K5 Turbo GDI: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1463

Power output for the Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI engine is 271PS while torque output is 37.2kg-m.

That's all I can say. Those two mind-numbing Korean executive medium sedans finally received what they've been waiting for; a turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine. This would be more exciting for the hardcore Korean car enthusiasts looking for some thrills after dark.

Heh, don't expect both the Sonata Turbo GDi and the Kia K5/Optima Turbo GDi come to the Philippines, yet...

And we're still waiting if HARI and CAC decided to bring the hybrid versions of the Sonata and K5/Optima.

What do you think?

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. Kia K5 Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Kia K5 Hybrid

What can I say? Both the YF Sonata Hybrid and the K5 (Optima) Hybrid were launched yesterday in South Korea. They're both equipped with the Nu 2.0L MPI engine with 30kw electric motor providing almost 200 ps of power output. They're both armed with a Li-ion battery which is essential for the EV mode. I guess both the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia K5 Hybrid shared the same technologies but I wonder which of these executive hybrid medium-sized sedan is my pick?

CASE ONE:

The South Korean market finally gets the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid after months of waiting for this variant to come since the 2010 New York Auto Show debut. What's different is the front view that ditches the grille from the current-generation Hyundai Sonata and the front bumper has some kind of an hexagonal hole on it, as part of the Fluidic Sculpture. With the concept of "New Thinking, New Possibilities", the Sonata Hybrid is a different kind of hybrid you'll ever face on the streets of Seoul. I am highly appreciated over the Sonata Hybrid's exterior design but I think it needs to be more better.

CASE TWO:

The Kia K5 Hybrid/Optima Hybrid is the latest addition to Kia's award-winning K5/Optima sedan. It remained its Tiger Nose grille while the front bumpers and tail lamps were changed to be more "down to earth" and this is one of the coolest design flow I have ever seen in the history of hybrid cars. What I don't like are the rims because they are much more hideous to see than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

It's up to you to decide which of these two Korean executive hybrid sedans is your pick.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Following with the success of the Hyundai Avante LPi Hybrid (launched in July 2009), the first LPG-powered hybrid car in the Korean market, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the true gasoline-electric hybrid medium sedan known that will revolutionize the "New Thinking, New Possibilities" concept by any means of ecology, the all-new Sonata Hybrid.

First debuted at the 2010 New York Auto Show and sales in South Korea starts now, this May 2011, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the brand's second hybrid car and the first premium hybrid medium-sized sedan based on the YF Sonata, which was launched in September 2009.

In terms of design, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid became even more aggressive because of its front side that ditches the traditional YF Sonata grille, in favor of its highly aggressive front fascia. The rear lamps were modified to make it even more elegant at nighttime. In the side view, customers may notice the Blue Drive badge as seen on the Avante LPi Hybrid.

For those who don't know what is Blue Drive, this is Hyundai's eco-brand that sustain cars emitting zero emissions, and brings out the harmony among cars, people, and the environment. Blue means blue plant and sustainable life and Drive means mobility and impulse according to Hyundai Motor Group.

The new Sonata Hybrid is powered with the all-new Nu 2.0 MPI engine that delivers 150 PS of power output but thanks to the 30kW motor attached, the power output of the Sonata Hybrid leveled up into 191 PS. As a hybrid sedan, the Sonata Hybrid is packed with the Lithium-ion Polymer battery that can be used at 20kph speeds. For a true eco car, it has a CO2 emission of 111g/km and it has a fuel economy of 21km/L.

Another thing about the Sonata Hybrid is its 4.2-inch full color TFT LCD at the instrumental cluster, which shows the eco level and eco point, depending on your driving style. You can even expect seeing cool animation on this LCD that shows how fuel efficient is your Sonata Hybrid is. When you're not in a hurry, you can use the EV mode that allows the Lithium-ion Polymer battery to be used in place in gasoline engine.

There is also a catch; when you are going uphill, both the Nu 2.0 MPI engine and the Lithium-ion battery are active, generating more uphill power on the go but when going downhill, only the Lithium-ion battery becomes active, saving some gasoline while descending downhill. This is a very crucial tactic for the Sonata Hybrid.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is a highly exclusivity standard transmission offered on the Sonata Hybrid.

The Sonata Hybrid comes with six available colors such as Hybrid Blue, White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Hyper Metallic, Dark Grey, and Black Diamond. It comes with two available trim variants such as Premier and Royal.

My Comment:

It's about time that South Koreans finally get the Sonata Hybrid after months of waiting since its debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. I just hope that Hyundai Asia Resources will get the environmentally-friendly Sonata Hybrid to the Philippines soon. Maybe we, Filipinos, haven't got the chance to try Korean-made hybrid cars. We got succumbed by hybrid cars sold in the Philippines such as the third-generation Toyota Prius, Lexus LS 600hL, Lexus RX 450h, Lexus CT 200h, and the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. If those Filipinos can't wait to get their hands on the Sonata Hybrid, why not request to Hancars? Because Hancars is a highly respected gray market dealer of all things Korean such as the Hyundai Grand Starex, I'm sure that Hancars are willing to offer the Sonata Hybrid first before HARI officially brings the Sonata Hybrid to the Philippines soon.

Forget about what I said, anyway, the Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai's full fledged gasoline-electric hybrid medium sedan that shares the success from the Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid, the first LPG-powered hybrid vehicle launched since the summer of 2009. Looks like the Koreans are ready in the age of eco-cars but can the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stacks up against its balanced rival, the Kia K5 Hybrid?

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

A Hyundai Sonata will star on Fugitive Plan B...

Moments since Korean superstar Rain was in the Philippines for the shooting of KBS's new action drama, Fugitive Plan B, Hyundai Motor Company will take partnership for the drama.

This is the current-generation Hyundai YF Sonata sold in the Philippines with Korean superstar Rain during the shooting of Fugitive Plan B. Coming soon on Korea Broadcasting System  this late September. Other than Rain, it stars Daniel Henney, Lee Na-Young, and Lee Jeong-Jin.

No freaking way! Hyundai will be leading on Fugitive Plan B while Kia will be leading on Athena: Goddess of War. Two rival stations, two rival car manufacturers, and two action packed Koreanovelas! If I watch both Fugitive Plan B (coming this late September on KBS) and Athena: Goddess of War (coming on SBS this November), which Korean action drama would I go for?

I've recognized Rain (not just as a singer and an actor, he was take place in a BMW web movie, BMW Meets Truth) and Daniel Henney (from the GM Daewoo Gentra TV Commercial). I wanna watch this new action drama!

Photo: www.edaily.co.kr

The all-new Hyundai Sonata

A sonata is a musical term for a composition composed by one or two instruments and usually in a third and fourth movement. At Hyundai Motor Company, the name Sonata is a luxury medium sedan launched since the 1980's in the Korean market and gained a huge success in the international market against popular medium sedans such as the Mazda Atenza, Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Honda Accord & Inspire, Subaru Legacy B4 and other medium sedans in the market. Now, in September 2009, the internationally honored Hyundai Sonata has finally reached its all-new form and taken Hyundai's new trademark fluidic sculpture as seen on the face lifted Verna/Accent, face lifted Santa Fe, and the sexy utility vehicle called Tucson ix (ix35 in the European market).






The all-new Sonata from Hyundai has finally opened the books for modest drivers like you. With its new fluidic design, which is now Hyundai's new design language, coupe-like structure, and all the luxury amenities offered for this premiere medium-sized sedan, this is the only musical score that settles the scores against other orthodox medium sedans on the road. There are a few pointers on the new generation model; the front side is somewhat a mixture between the ultra-luxury Genesis (Rohens) sedan and the ultra-aggressive Genesis Coupe (Rohens Coupe), the body side is somewhat based on the familiar bodywork from Kia's upcoming VG executive sedan, and the rear view is aggressive to bring the beast within this majestic machine.






From its majestic exterior, the new Sonata is powered with the new 2.0-litre Theta-II MPi engine deliver an improved power of 165ps at the torque of 20.2kg•m and the improved fuel economy of just 12.8km/L. Available transmission is a 6-speed automatic transmission only. Rumor has it; Hyundai will be putting a fuel-efficient GDi engine to the Sonata next year. Not only that, the Sonata now has improved features such as Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Parking Guide System, six airbags, and the world's first Amplitude Selective Dampers.






New optitron meters, climate control, leather seats, butterfly-shaped steering wheel, optional navigation system, premium audio system, USB/MP3 connectivity and everything to list at the Sonata's majestic interior. Combining modern living and a piece of prestige on the inside provides plenty of harmony between the passenger and the driver of overall excitement. In addition, the instrumental panel in this car might be bland but it adds beauty for the new generation model.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED....

Contrasted to the previous generation model launched since autumn 2004, both Korean and international buyers took advantage to its form. Now on the new generation Sonata, this is no equal than the last-generation model. With its new form and new packages available for this car, things are bout the change a bit differently when owners finally opened their books to this majestic Korean sedan. Some called it luxurious but others called it sporty. The new Sonata has not made it becoming a full-fledged car but it is getting close. With the new generation Sonata, the books opened for you to attest its honest affair.





Photo: http://www.mk.co.kr/