Hyundai showcases Sonata Hybrid at Detroit show

Hyundai has displayed the hybrid version of its seventh-generation Sonata at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Sonata Hybrid continues to visually differentiate itself from other Sonata models with unique wheels and front and rear fascias that improve aerodynamics while highlighting Sonata Hybrid’s advanced technology and efficiency.

The 2016 Sonata Hybrid fuel economy is expected to improve more than 10 percent. Sonata Hybrid will be built at Hyundai’s Asan, South Korea assembly plant.

The 2016 Sonata Hybrid features the downsized 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a more powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor.

It is possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75mph/120kph by decoupling the petrol engine from the rest of the drivetrain.

Sonata Hybrid’s Nu engine develops 154bhp and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51bhp) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193bhp at 6000rpm. The Sonata Hybrid is expected to achieve up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA rating of 42mpg/14.86kpl, which is more than a 10 percent improvement from the previous model.

The lithium-polymer battery pack capacity is 1.62 kWh, a 13 percent improvement, and the battery pack now fits under the trunk floor, which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Hyundai says the 2016 Sonata Hybrid offers best-in-class cargo volume at 13.3 cu. ft., a 10 percent improvement over the previous Sonata Hybrid.

The new midsized Hyundai comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with individual tyre pressure display and a rearview camera are also standard. Projector headlamps are standard while HID headlamps are available.

Also, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available.