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Showing posts with label 2015 sonata. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015 sonata. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Now over the the U.S. of A.....the 2015 Hyundai Sonata wins another award

7:45 AM 0

The current, 2015 Hyundai Sonata has garnered another award over in America. Edmunds.com and Parents magazine have come together and voted the Sonata as one of the 10 Best Family Cars to buy in America. The Hyundai Sonata earned the award for its safety and family oriented features, interior space as well as technology offered.


Over in Malaysia we get essentially the same car, with most of the same equipment minus the Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems. We still get the Blind Spot Detection, ESC, Active headlights and Hillstart systems as well as a whole lot more gadgets.

I drove this car a while back and I did enjoy it even after some initial apprehension. The driving experience of this Korean make is actually far better than some of the other D segment cars sold here today when you take into account its price and what specification that is offered. The 2.0liter engine and 6 speed transmission seems to be well matched and whilst its no road burner, performance is adequate. The ride is good, not harsh at all and the handling is entertaining and predictable at the limit. It is also fairly large inside, as you can see from the interior photos. So any sort of award isn't too surprising.

The only thing is that I do wish more people would come out of their comfort zones and have a look at these cars.

Rear Legroom is more than ample even with a driver whose height is 178cm if you note the position of the driver's seat.

Press Release

Hyundai Sonata Honored As A 10 Best Family Car By Parents Magazine And Edmunds.com

Parents magazine, one of the most trusted publications for parents, and

Edmunds.com, one of the most trusted sources for new car shoppers, have come

together to name the 2015 Hyundai Sonata as one of the Best Family Cars. The

Sonata earned this award for its safety and family-friendly features like roomy cabin

space and intuitive technology.

 “Families look to their cars to keep them safe while delivering versatility for daily

activities and we are proud that the Sonata continues to exceed the expectations of

parents on what matters most to them,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate

and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “To keep families safe on the road,

the Sonata comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag

designed to provide additional protection in certain collisions.”

For the eighth year in a row, car experts from Parents magazine and Edmunds.com

determined the top 10 family cars by examining hundreds of vehicles and whittling

the list to the safest, most reliable, best performing family-friendly models. All the

cars share the features that make daily and family journeys easier, such as reliability,

impressive mileage and ample cargo capacity. The Sonata will appear in the July

2015 issue of Parents and online at parents.com.

The seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new

Fluidic Sculpture design language, stiffer body structure, enhanced ride quality,

reduced noise, vibration and harshness and convenience features. No longer

reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision

Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure

Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan. Furthermore, the Sonata’s

smart trunk gives families a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while

keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, so putting items like sporting

equipment away after a game is easier and more convenient. The owner simply

needs to approach the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait

three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items inside

when hands are full. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient

technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class.

In addition to this award, the Sonata recently was named a U.S. News & World

Report Best Midsize Car for Families, KBB.com Best Family Car of 2015 and also

won the Cars.com, USA TODAY, MotorWeek Midsize Sedan Challenge.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

30 years of the Hyundai Sonata

12:14 AM 0

The Hyundai Sonata has come a long way. It all started in 1985 when Hyundai needed a mid sized executive car to compete with something called the Daewoo Royal over in South Korea. It was based on the Hyundai Stellar and basically took over from the Stellar from 1988 onwards. And slowly the Sonata reputation has grown into what it is today.


I remember in the early 1990s when Hyundai first stepped foot in Malaysia under the auspices of Berjaya Group (these days Hyundai is under Hyundai Sime Darby). We had the second generation Sonata on sale together with the Hyundai Scoupe. Both had Mitsubishi based engines so those days, the sales people were busily marketing them as affordable Korean cars with Japanese technology.

And look at them these days. A far cry from what they were. They have been patiently climbing up that staircase of progress. Of course, the Hyundai Sonata is a fine example of this progress. I have driven the current 7th generation Sonata and it is one of those mid-sized cars that offers a lot of car for the money asked. I have to say that I was genuinely surprised that the car could handle a spirited B road drive quite well too. A tremendous jump from what Hyundai were dishing out in the early 1990s.

So happy anniversary Hyundai Sonata. May you have many more.

PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SONATA
• Sonata Mid-Size Sedan First Launched Globally in 1985
• More than 7.3 Million Units in Global Sales


Hyundai is celebrating the 30th anniversary for the iconic Sonata mid-size sedan. The Sonata made its debut in 1985 in Korea, playing a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth and reputation. With more than 7.3 million Sonata models sold since its introduction, Sonata has become a family sedan loved by customers all around the world.


“The Sonata has been a huge factor in Hyundai’s growth not only in the U.S., but around the world,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “During its 30-year history, we have been able to craft and evolve Sonata to the ever-changing needs of our customers. And, with the Sonata family growing this summer to include the all-new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, we’re expanding an already diverse lineup with something for everyone.”


In the U.S., Sonata was introduced in 1988 and helped Hyundai grow into one of the country’s top automakers. Since then, Hyundai Motor America has sold more than 2.3 million units in the U.S., including nearly 80,000 Sonata Hybrid models since its 2011 U.S. introduction.


SONATA GENERATIONS


1st Generation Sonata (1985)
The 1st Generation Sonata was one of Hyundai’s first models designed exclusively by Hyundai’s in-house design teams. The 1st Generation started the Sonata legacy by exceeding 1 million unit sales in Korea for a single model line for the first time.


2nd Generation Sonata (1988)
Unlike the 1st Generation model, which was rear-drive, the 2nd Generation Sonata employed a front-wheel drive system for enhanced interior packaging efficiency. As Korea’s first independently-designed model, it departed from angular design language and adopted a more organic, aerodynamic design. The facelift of this generation, launched in 1991, was the first model to be badged with the newly revised Hyundai logo.


3rd Generation Sonata (1993)
The 1990s marked the acceleration of digital technologies replacing traditional analog technologies. The 3rd Generation Sonata leveraged this consumer trend, enjoying robust sales due to many advanced features, including automatic side mirrors and anti-lock braking system (ABS) technologies.


4th Generation Sonata (1998)
The 4th Generation Sonata, launched in 1998, was the best-selling model in Korea from February 1999 to August 2000. This generation was sold in Europe and was equipped with an in-house developed engine and a Hyundai Intelligent Vehicle Electronic Control (HIVEC) transmission. It was also the highest scoring mid-size sedan in the 2004 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey in the U.S.


5th Generation Sonata (2004)
The 5th Generation Sonata was designed to be a world-class mid-size sedan as a fundamental development target. This generation of Sonata adopted a European design theme, offering premium character and road presence. Equipped with significantly advanced features and a top-ranked safety rating, the 5th Generation Sonata received near universal praise from automotive media and customers alike.


6th Generation Sonata (2009)
The 6th Generation Sonata was one of the first Hyundai models to employ the industry-leading Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Its bold and compelling design, powerful, efficient engine and solid performance created a new sensation in mid-size sedan markets throughout the world with record sales, solidifying Sonata in the minds of consumers as one of the Hyundai’s most recognizable models. In addition, the Sonata Hybrid model was introduced globally on the Sonata platform in 2010.


7th Generation Sonata (2014)

The latest 7th Generation Sonata has further refined and balanced the convention-shattering version of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, raising the bar for the mid-size sedan segment in both design and performance. Further, the all-new Sonata expanded its powertrain offerings with two additional eco-friendly models, including the Sonata Hybrid unveiled in 2014, and the first Sonata Plug-In Hybrid model, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2015.

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Monday, January 26, 2015

Austere Luxury. Something We Don't Get To Have Anymore

8:22 PM 0

I recently came from a test drive of the all-new Hyundai Sonata sometime ago and I was quite impressed with what the car had and what it had to offer its driver and passengers. It had all the bells and whistles. It had Navigation from a Papago based system as well as Waze installed into its ANDROID based infotainment unit. Being an ANDROID based system with cellular data hooked onto it meant that it had normal radio as well as internet based entertainment and software like Spotify for your to listen to your favourite songs. Aside from music, navigation and a whole lot more entertainment, the Sonata came equipped with lots of creature comforts like power windows, electrically adjustable seats, rain sensing wipers, auto lights and a whole lot more. The only thing left for us to do is drive them to where we want to go and when you did that, you would be entertained. And all of this in a mid-priced full sized sedan. Not top of the line luxury brand mind you, just something mid-sized family 



It occured to me that we have come to expect so much from our cars these days and it was actually a good thirty five years or so ago, cars were still sold without a radio here in Malaysia. In the early 1980s when you walked into a showroom and bought a car you'd find that your car had an engine (usually underpowered), four wheels and some doors. Your hands were called into play when changing gears and for winding down windows. The winding down window part we have now taken for granted with the advent of power windows was a manual hand wound affair those days. Only some large Japanese cars  and some European models offered this on option.  In fact, air-condition was an option too.

See those things on the doors in front of the armrests? Those, my dear chap, are window winders. Note the velour seat trim too!!!!

I think the best way for me to put the point through is for me to talk about something as prestigious as a Mercedes Benz W123 which sold from the 1970s to the mid 1980s. Even then the Mercedes Benz name was synonymous with prestige, luxury and success. But buy a W123 200 sedan and you get a paltry 2.0liter engine with 93hp, four speed manual transmission, a large clock in place of a rev counter and no power windows. A radio was optional. It costed more than a Japanese Datsun 260c of the time which had a more powerful 2.6liter engine and had power windows too. Of course, no one wanted a big Datsun in those days unless it was a company car. Those that had money, bought the Benz. Plain and underpowered as it was. 

And it was plain. It had a boxy exterior that lasted until 1985. By the early 1980s, cars were already starting to go wedge shaped or slightly rounded. It was still upright and stodgy even when its BMW competitor, the 5 series was all shark nosed and pointy. Somehow, that exterior is now more classical and styling than the shark nosed E21/E28 BMW 5 series these days.

Its interior was spartan. It had a steering wheel (in plastic, not even in leather for most specs) and a long gear stick. There was minimal wood or decorative stripping too. It came stock in MBTEX vinyl or velour cloth interior. Leather was an expensive option that was seldom taken. With MBTEX, plastic steering wheel and without option wood, the car, aside from maybe the optional Becker radio (seldom installed in a Malaysian sold car) was totally spare on the inside. 

In fact, if you bought the larger w123 230 model, you'd get the same thing, with maybe a rev counter in place of the large clock and a larger 2.3liter engine. You'd still need to wind up your own windows in the higher priced car. But what a car it still was, the W123. You felt like you were sitting in a bank vault. Its doors closed with a satisfying thunk. It rode with poise. It took its time to reach 100km/h though with only 93hp from its carburetted 2.0liter engine but the engine was understressed and once at speed took about a leisurely gait on either the motorway or the small B-roads. The suspension was supple and mechanical refinement was better than average for its time. It partly was so comfortable as the car only had so little horsepower to handle. 

It's no wonder that the car that senior government servants and local businessmen wanted to own or be seen in. So it was plain, inside and out and had adequate power only. Somehow, luxury those days did not mean lots of gadgets and gizmos or even a glitzy interior. Or a 0-100kmh time of under 9 seconds (minimum). Those days the 200 petrol might have done 100kmh in around 16 seconds. But no one cared. They bought the car for what it stood for and how actually refined it was. You wanted to waft leisurely in one, in relative comfort rather than being pinned to the seats or sliding around under acceleration or cornering. Drive one today and it would still feel like a tank. It was very well built.


Maybe if you compare that old girl to the latest W212 Mercedes Benz E-Class, a similarly classed car from today that you find that everything has changed. You get IPOD/IPHONE Connectivity, RDS radio, reverse/park sensors, collision sensors, dual climate control, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, a lot of wood or aluminium trimming and a whole lot of perceived luxury. There are tons of switches and buttons compared to the spartan W123 interior (pictured below). And the entry level E200 now has 184hp  instead of 93hp. So the ride is firmer to help compensate for the added power. You can waft in the new car, but it isnt as supple as the old girl which has only ninety over horses to deal with. Of course it corners better, it quieter and has all the electronic gadgetery that you ever want or need. And things you never thought you'd need too.


In fact, gone are the days where even luxury cars were austere, or spartan. I sometimes long for a luxury car where you only get the basics. An adequately powered unstressed 2.0liter engine that allows for a comfort tuned suspension like from the days gone by, a basic radio player (with maybe a USB input), stalks to operate lights and wipers but nothing else electric -  windows and seats all mechanically operated. This means wipers and lights that you have to operate yourselves, a manual gear shifter or if that isn't possible, a conventional 5 speed automatic gearbox that is essentially maintenance free (unlike say a 6,7,8,9 speed gearbox or a cvt or a dual clutch thingy) and nothing else. Four wheels and some doors but with superb materials used for all major components and fabulous build quality. That's about it. Maintenance for this car would be cheap too as nothing electronic is there to go wrong.

This is about stripping down luxury driving to its essentials. It is about getting its occupants from A to B in comfort and nothing else. Maybe for entertainment the radio and its stations would suffice. GPS is handled by roadsigns and a map. The hands operate everything required instead of everything dependent on systems. Austere luxury is what we don't get these days. I doubt this can happen anytime soon as most of us are spoilt by all the comforts that electrics give us. Even sports cars these days have tons of electrics and controls. Could it be one day be possible again? Luxury without electronics?
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

All-new Hyundai Sonata launched for the 2015 model year over at the 2014 New York Motor Show

9:49 PM 0

 Hyundai has released the all-new Sonata for the 2015 model year. This is a whole new model folks. Note that its 'fluidic sculpture' design is in place but isn't so fluidic for this model. It looks slightly more conservative than the previous model and it also looks more conservative if you compare it with the European specced and inspired Hyundai I40. For your information, the Sonata is sold over in America but the i40 is sold in Europe. Maybe this is why there is a difference in styling. A more conservative looking, Ford Mondeo-ish looking car for America less curves compared to the i40. 
Here in Malaysia we have the Hyundai i40 on sale as well as the Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata being the entry level D segment car here for Hyundai whereas the i40 is the flagship sedan for Malaysia. I personally prefer the shape of the i40 over both the old and this upcoming 2015 Sonata. BUT that being said, both Hyundai i40 and the new Sonata showcases some confidence in the Korean car manufacturer. I wonder if this new Sonata will be brought into Malaysia considering it is now closer in specs to the i40 rather than before. And will they ever bring in the Turbocharged GDI engine for us enthusiasts to have fun with? Time will tell. 

PRESS RELEASE.
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA BLENDS CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING DRIVING DYNAMICS AND PREMIUM DESIGN
Sonata Evolves with Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 Design Language and Class-Above Features
NEW YORK, April 16, 2014 – Hyundai today introduced its all-new seventh-generation 2015 Sonata at the New York International Auto Show. Following the incredible success of the outgoing Sonata, the all-new generation offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, stiffer body structure, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and advanced safety and convenience features. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class. The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, Ala. and go on sale early this summer.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2011 Sonata raised the bar for design in the mid-size sedan segment when it was introduced in 2009. Consumers noticed the groundbreaking design and so did the competition. Sonata’s design matures for the 2015 model year with energetic and crisp lines complimented by smooth and subtle surfaces. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is a confident evolution of the original fluidic sculpture design language that perfectly expresses Sonata’s premium look and excellent value.
A larger, more refined grille with a wide air intake defines the face of the 2015 Sonata. Simple, harmonious lines adorn the exterior while hinting at the improved dynamic performance and human-machine connection Sonata provides. Taut, horizontal rocker panels reflect the chassis’ increased stability and surefootedness while the signature Sonata beltline is now stretched tight to accentuate the sedan’s strength. The coupe-like roofline remains, but it is balanced by a larger window graphic that emphasizes the roomier interior. Horizontal lines in the rear underscore Sonata’s width and give the car a planted look. This purposeful shape achieves a remarkable drag coefficient of just 0.27, lower than any non-hybrid in the mid-size sedan class.
Shoppers looking for a traditional design will appreciate the 2015 Sonata SE’s exterior styling that includes standard LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler and chrome surround for the day light opening. Sonata Limited adds rocker panel extensions and dual exhaust for a premium look.
Sonata Sport features a more aggressive front grille and bumper, side rocker extensions and side chrome molding. Sport models powered by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine feature dual exhaust while Sport 2.0T models feature a unique rear bumper fascia, quad exhaust tips and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sport model is expected to be the most popular Sonata. With the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T, performance is something you taste and the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language certainly whets the appetite.
“We crafted the shape of the 2015 Sonata in the same way an award-winning chef refines his recipe over the years,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America. “With the 2011 Sonata, Hyundai took the mid-size sedan from a meal to a gourmet dinner. The evolution to Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’s more taut, modern lines reflect the improvements in refinement and driving dynamics for 2015.”
INTERIOR DESIGN
Confident, energetic lines define the 2015 Sonata’s exterior and are complimented inside the cabin by a premium interior with a special emphasis on ergonomics. Intuitive buttons and controls are placed on the center stack, which is angled toward the driver to make the controls easier to reach. Hyundai’s core interior design principles are safety, intuitiveness and simplicity and Sonata delivers in spades.
Controls are grouped logically and placed in the most convenient position for the driver. To create a unified experience inside the cabin, designers met with various suppliers to make sure all buttons and switchgear have a consistent feel. The height of the display screen for the audio display or 8-inch navigation system and instrument cluster are optimized for visibility and reside on the same plane to enhance readability during a quick glance. These ergonomic enhancements help the driver remain focused on the road ahead and provide confidence behind the wheel.
All components inside the cabin were examined and opportunities for improvement were taken very seriously. Even the steering wheel went through extensive testing to determine the ideal diameter, shape and tactile feel to maximize driver confidence. Improvements in the design of the steering wheel and changes to the layout of the instrument cluster necessitated a new steering column design. Designers and engineers sweated every detail in their quest to make the interior as safe, intuitive and simple as possible while delivering convenient features with pleasing aesthetics.
Sonata Sport 2.0T receives a unique interior that enhances its more dynamic personality. A D-cut steering wheel and paddle shifters help provide the confidence enthusiastic drivers expect while the sport instrument cluster with six o’clock needle position hints at the improved performance from the more responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Reducing undesired noise inside the cabin was a top priority for the 2015 Sonata. Engineers reduced the size of the apertures in the bulkhead and increased use of sound deadening materials in the dashboard to prevent unwanted noise from entering the cabin. Engine notes were tuned to be pleasing to the ear without being intrusive. More sound absorption materials are used under the floorpan and an underbody tray made of fibrous glass expansion board improves aerodynamics while reducing unwanted road noise.
The 2015 Sonata’s efficient packaging delivers outstanding passenger and interior volume. With 106.1 cu. ft. of passenger volume and a total interior volume of 122.4 cu. ft., 2015 Sonata is classified as a large car by the EPA.
ADVANCED HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL PLATFORM
A rigid platform is essential for a great car. Everything from ride quality to crash test performance is enhanced with a stiffer platform. The 2015 Sonata uses advanced high-strength steel for more than 50 percent of total platform composition, which results in 41 percent stiffer torsional rigidity and 35 percent greater bending strength. Advanced high strength steel is twice as rigid as traditional steel while weighing 10 percent less. More hot-stamped components are used, especially in the B-pillar area.
A revised multilink rear suspension design enhances responsiveness, handling and stability while reducing impact harshness. Dual lower suspension arms replace the old single-arm design and distribute lateral forces more effectively to improve ride quality without sacrificing handling. The new rear suspension geometry helps keep Sonata more stable under hard braking and helps provide shorter stopping distances.
Reinforced side and cross members strengthen sub-frame mounting points and improve suspension responsiveness. Revised front sub-frame bushings are 17 percent stiffer than before and contribute to better steering feel and improved responsiveness. 2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T utilizes a new rack-mounted dual-pinion electric power steering system that offers more natural steering feel. Sport 2.0T models receive a unique sport-tuned suspension and larger 12.6-inch front brakes. These upgrades deliver increased driver confidence and a premium driving experience.
Improvements in ride and handling were validated at Hyundai’s world-class facilities in Namyang, the Mojave proving grounds in California and the new test center located at the famed Nurburgring. Validating the 2015 Sonata’s performance at world-class test tracks resulted in a world-class mid-size sedan that inspires confidence in a wide variety of driving conditions.
POWERTRAIN



Hyundai continues its all four-cylinder engine lineup for the 2015 Sonata. A revised 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four-cylinder engine powers SE, Limited and Sport models. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb. ft. of torque. Hyundai’s powertrain engineers slightly reduced peak power for the 2015 Sonata to shift the powerband downward for better responsiveness in lower-RPM situations where customers spend the majority of their time. The new Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing (E-CVVT) improves performance in low temperatures and reduces emissions.

A revised 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI, also featuring E-CVVT, powers Sport 2.0T models. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is also optimized for lower-RPM drivability and it produces 245 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. The turbocharger features a smaller turbine and compressor wheel, which provide better responsiveness and more torque in the low and mid RPM range. Both Theta engines are paired with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission.
SAFETY FEATURES
Sonata comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag designed to help prevent the driver from sliding down the seat in a collision, which allows the other restraint systems to be more effective. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display are also standard. Projector headlamps are standard while HID headlamps are available.
Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the 2015 Sonata to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan.
Sonata’s advanced Blind Spot Detection system is designed to alert drivers of an approaching vehicle in the next lane if the turn signal is activated. This Lane Change Assist technology is a segment-exclusive active safety feature. Drivers are first alerted of a vehicle in the blind spot by warning lights in the side mirrors. When the turn signal is activated, the Lane Change Assist system determines the closing speed of any vehicle in the adjacent lane to determine if the lane change is safe. If the system determines the vehicle in the other lane is closing too quickly, it sounds an audible alarm to warn the driver that the lane change is unsafe. The Lane Departure Warning System uses a forward-facing camera to recognize lane markers. If the system detects the vehicle is headed outside the lane markers, a warning light on the dashboard illuminates and an audible sound alerts the driver.
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) is another feature derived from the 2015 Sonata’s advanced Blind Spot Detection system. RCTA scans the areas to each side of the 2015 Sonata when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. If the system detects another vehicle is approaching from the side, the Sonata driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool that helps Sonata drivers utilize the active safety technology.
CONVENIENT TECHNOLOGY
The 2015 Sonata embodies Hyundai’s Modern Premium brand direction by providing convenient technology formerly reserved for luxury sedans in the mid-size segment without the premium price tag. Switching the high beams on and off manually doesn’t seem like a hassle, but Sonata’s High Beam Assist allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road and let the headlamps deliver maximum visibility without accidentally blinding oncoming traffic. Bright LED daytime running lights give the 2015 Sonata’s face a premium look. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with full stop capability helps make driving on the freeway less stressful. This system allows full function down to zero mph to operate seamlessly using the front-grille-mounted radar sensor. SCC enables the 2015 Sonata to help maintain safer, consistent spacing with the vehicle ahead in varied traffic conditions.
Smart trunk gives drivers a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground. The owner simply needs to approach the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place groceries or luggage inside when hands are full. Rear seat passengers are treated to segment-exclusive sunshades, an option typically found on luxury cars. Feedback from current Sonata owners resulted in a height-adjustable passenger seat and now both front seats can be heated and ventilated. Even rear-seat passengers enjoy the luxury of heated seats on a cold day. A heated steering wheel will be a favorite feature for owners of the 2015 Sonata Limited equipped with the Tech package. The desire to deliver class-above value allows these convenient technologies to trickle down from the all-new Genesis to the all-new Sonata making it the most sophisticated mid-size sedan available.
MULTIMEDIA
All 2015 Sonatas come standard with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM® satellite radio and Bluetooth® phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition. Available upgrades include an 8.0-inch navigation system with downloadable apps, HD radio, Dimension or 400-watt Infinity premium audio systems with next-generation Blue Link® telematics.
Hyundai’s 8.0-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display with improved touch sensitivity, a map and music split screen display and the ability to record SiriusXM presets 1-6. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song won’t be an annoyance any longer. Rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to the full song or catch up on a sports broadcast. SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times. All 2015 Sonatas equipped with navigation will also support Pandora® and SoundHound applications as well as “Eyes Free” Siri integration, which allows drivers to perform a variety of functions without taking their eyes off the road. Apple CarPlay will take iPhone integration to the next level on the 2015 Sonata later this year.
MORE BLUE LINK ENHANCEMENTS ARRIVE WITH 2015 SONATA
2015 Sonata will be the second Hyundai vehicle to offer the next-generation Blue Link system. The debut of the all-new Sonata coincides with the launch of a new Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app.
NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK FEATURES
Destination Search powered by Google – users will be able to take advantage of Google’s powerful destination search via the Blue Link button (voice recognition) and navigation display, or through myhyundai.com and the Blue Link mobile app sending a destination to their 2015 Sonata
Remote Start – now includes a timer (from 1 to 10 min.), remote stop, remote climate control and remote defroster available via the mobile app
Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app – gives owners another convenient option for scheduling service at their favorite dealership
HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CAR CARE IN-VEHICLE APP
The Blue Link in-vehicle car care app will be available for download onto the head unit screen of 2015 Sonatas equipped with navigation. The in-vehicle app will have similar features to the Hyundai Assurance Car Care mobile app and gives 2015 Sonata owners another convenient option for scheduling service at their favorite dealership. Features include:
Car care services
Service scheduling
Maintenance information
Warranty information
Warnings and indicators guide
Owner’s manual information
Quick reference guides
Dealer locator
Roadside assistance
Blue Link information
Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, car care and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Remote and Guidance. More details regarding Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.HyundaiBlueLink.com.
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