Hyundai launches all-new Sonata at Auto Expo 2012
Stages global premiere of multi-purpose vehicle concept Hexa Space (code named HND-7)
New Delhi, January 05, 2012:
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) the country’s largest exporter and the second-largest car manufacturer, announced the launch of the all-new 2.4 liter GDI engine powered
Sonata
at the 11
th
Auto Expo. The global premiere of the multi-purpose vehicle concept
Hexa Space
(code named HND-7)
was the other key highlight of the day.
Speaking at the launch Mr. H W Park, MD & CEO, HMIL
said: “The premium Sonata and Hexa Space further establish Hyundai as a pioneer in innovation and design. Both the vehicles will raise the bar and set new benchmarks in India’s fast growing automobile market. The Indian customer deserves the best in the world, Hyundai is committed to bringing the best to India. A testimony of this commitment is the GDI engine that comes to India in the Sonata, it is present in the Hexa Space and the Veloster as well.”
ALL NEW SONATA
FEATURES
Keeping in mind the beauty of the orchid flower the all new Sonata is crafted on the principles of “Fluidic Sculpture” where contrasting surfaces create a vision of continuous motion. The cues for the front grille design are taken from the harmony of flowing water. Fluidic Sculpture lends the sedan cutting-edge architecture and top-line interiors.
This sixth generation new Sonata has interesting features like front and rear seat ventilation, high intensity Xenon head lamps, cruise control, paddle shift, 10-way adjustable power seat with lumbar support and a 4-way power adjustable front co-driver sear .
The eco-friendly Sonata comes with a host of occupant-protection equipment and accessories. It is equipped with 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) , Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rear view camera and smart key with push button start.
The new Sonata has a host of features to enhance the driving experience like the hi-visibility supervision cluster and a X-shaped centre fascia. The center console is positioned ergonomically in a high gloss film that lends it a sporty look.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The new Sonata’s 2.4 liter GDI engine proves its technological might by delivering the best power for any in-line engine in the segment. It delivers
201PS@6300rpm
of maximum power and
25.5Kgm@4250rpm
of peak torque. The super-efficient petrol engine is mated to
6-speed manual and automatic transmission
s.
Optimum performance, fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions are made possible by directly injecting highly pressurized fuel in to the combustion chamber while harnessing the benefit of Dual Variable Timing Valve Train (VTVT).
HEXA SPACE (code named HND-7)
Hexa Space code named HND-7 is a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) Concept that revolutionizes the use of interior space with innovative interior design. The vehicle features eight slim, hexagonally shaped seats that fit together like puzzle pieces, maximizing internal space while minimizing vehicle width. From actual honeycombs to the use of this shape in architecture the hexagon is known as an optimum shape for space efficiency.
Hexa Space is targeted at urban customers in their 30s and 40s who have a demanding lifestyle and who live in bustling cities of the world’s emerging economies. These customers need their vehicles to serve many roles and Hexa Space satisfies those needs with its unique seat design. Like the new Sonata it is built on the principles of “Fluidic Sculpture” which gives its bold character lines on the side panels.
The seats offer multiple configurations for seating – center seats fold flat for greater comfort, the second row folds flat to create a limousine function, the back row folds flat for light-cargo use. In addition, seven seats fold flat for heavy hauling and all eight fold flat for camping. Despite the roomy interior Hexa Space maintains a narrow overall width, key for maneuvering in the crowded streets.
VELOSTER & ELANTRA
The other major attractions at the Auto Expo are the 3-door
Veloster,
a utility coupe and the premium sedan
Elantra.
Showcased in the New Delhi Auto Expo 2008 as a concept car the Veloster is a premium crossover utility vehicle. It has bold looks with sporty and futuristic design elements. It comes equipped with 1.6 litre Gamma GDI engine and has 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. The Veloster is now one of the most successful cars internationally.
The new Elantra is a stylish and sporty sedan also built on Fluidic Sculpture lines. Internationally it is available in two engine options- 1.8L Dual VTVT and 1.6L CRDI VGT in both manual and automatic transmissions. It is targeted at young achievers in the age group of 30 to 40 years.
The company’s existing line-up from the Eon to the Santa Fe is also present. The specially modified i10, i20 are also showcased
.
HYUNDAI STALL – DIGITAL MEDIA TO SPORTS
In keeping with its design philosophy Hyundai has created its stall on the Fluidic Sculpture lines.. There are special zones with different themes like digital, sports, cricket, bollywood, technology. And a zone for Eon.
The
Digital Zone
has been created with the aim to give visitors an interactive experience in digital media. The various stalls at this zone enable the visitor to update his/her wall with posts and pictures on a real time basis on their Facebooks and emails using RFID cards – the pavilion is blu-fi enabled. A special application has been developed for visitors to download Hyundai commercials and wallpapers with social media plug-ins. The Twitter area within the zone with a giant LED/LCD TV will display the live tweets by visitors. At this zone
Digital Jockeys
will be present – this is a unique concept to engage online users
The
Sports Zone
highlights Hyundai’s association with International Cricket Council (ICC) and UEFA EURO. The ICC T20 World Cup is displayed here with cheer leaders performing to the tune of the Hyundai Cricket Anthem. The Sports Zone has screens installed for cricket fans to leave messages and wishes for the Indian cricket team for T20 World Cup.
At the special
DON2 Zone
visitors can see the car chase between Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra driving the new Sonata and the Santa Fe. Both the cars appear in the movie through an in-film advertising arrangement. The stall will highlights Khan’s association with the Hyundai brand since 1998.
The
Technology Zone
showcases the working models of the GDI and Kappa engines, while the eco-friendly
Blue Drive Zone
showcases Hyundai’s green technology enabled alternate fuel cars.
The
Eon Zone
has dance performances by the Shiamak Davar’s troupe. The
Sonata
Zone
has performances by ribbon gymnasts.
About HMIL
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea. It is India’s largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer. HMIL presently markets eight passenger car models across segments. The A2 segment has the Eon, Santro, i10 and the i20, the A3 includes the Accent and the Verna, the A5 segment includes the Sonata Transform and the Santa Fe is in the SUV segment.
HMIL’s fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts of advanced production, quality and testing capabilities. To cater to rising demand HMIL commissioned its second plant in February 2008 with an installed capacity of 300,000 units per annum. As HMC’s global export hub for compact cars, HMIL touched 1 million in exports in about a decade from starting operations. HMIL currently exports cars to more than 115 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It has been India’s number one exporter for six years in a row. To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has a 340 strong dealer network and 781 service points across India. In its commitment to provide customers in India with cutting-edge global technology, HMIL has set up a modern multi-million dollar R&D facility in Hyderabad. The R&D centre endeavors to be a center of excellence for automobile engineering.
Corporate website:
www.hyundai.co.in
For further information contact:
V Anand (+91-9810758141)
Hyundai Motor India Ltd.
Email:
anandv@hmil.net
Ravi Sharma (+91-9873136644)
Hyundai Motor India Ltd.
Email:
ravisharma@hmil.net
Monish Mazumdar (+91 9810542491)
IPAN Hill & Knowlton
Email:
mmazumdar@ipanhilandknowlton.com