The new Sonata / i40 has launched in Korea
The Hyudai Sonata has been launched in Korea. It will be the Hyundai i40 when it reaches Europe
The Sonata – which will be the Hyundai i40 in Europe – is yet another very convincing new model from the Koreans. Gone is the very boring old Sonata and in comes the very European style i40. It is a somewhat derivative design – from the ’Coupe Saloon’ school of design – but that’s a positive for a budget car maker like Hyundai. To bring to the market something that could wear a premium badge and not look out of place is a huge leap forward.
The interior of the has also been refined to fit in with the classy exterior, and boasts a contemporary design with high quality materials – much in line with the ix35 that launched at Frankfurt this week.
The new i40/Sonata grows in size from the outgoing model but, due to the coupe design, actually stands a little lower. It offers a high standard of kit including Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill Assist, Panoramic Roof and Parking Guide System.
Engines on offer in Korea include a 2.0 litre petrol Theta II with 165bhp and an LPG version with 144bhp. But when the Sonata becomes the Hyundai i40 in Europe expect a choice of diesel engines.
Another big leap forward for Hyundai.
Hyundai Sonata / i40 Korea Launch
Super lækker, godt design
MICHAEL 1963, From Pescara, Italy *
Una bella novità stilistica per la “grande” di Hyundai! La “I 40″ rappresenta un bel passo avanti rispetto alla Sonica. Con un prezzo conveniente e con motori e allestimenti adeguati saprà farsi valere molto meglio delle precedenti ammiraglie di casa Hyundai sui mercati europei! Interessante! Insieme alla Kia “Cadenza” rappresentano 2 validi prodotti dell’industria automobilistica coreana, che ormai non teme nessun confronto con la migliore concorrenza internazionale.