Hyundai South Africahas launched a new engine derivative for the flagship Sonata range. The 2.4 GDI Elite engine measures 2.4-litre in displacement and is now more powerfulthan its predecessor of the same size.
While Hyundai has made great strides in catching up with some of its competitors, when it comes to powertrains they are still lagging. This is evident in the fact that the 2.4 is a naturally aspirated motor at a time when the likes of Volkswagenand Ford are pulling out highly efficient and powerful turbo engines with smaller displacements. Nevertheless Hyundai is confident that the jump from 131kWto 148kW at 6300rpm, as made by its GDI Elite, is enough to impress customers who’ve been flocking to drive off the current 6th generation Sonata since 2010. It generates maximum torque of 250Nm at 4 250rpm. Thankfully the engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Hyundai says it will go from 0 – 100km/h in 9 secondsflat, reach a top end of 210km/h, while averaging 7.9 litres of unleaded fuel per 100km.
“The Sonata was already a very elegant, well-designed sedan that was the choice of many buyers who were looking for a modern premium motoring package at a very competitive price,” says Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s Marketing Director Stanley Anderson. “The new engine and subtle changes to its exterior looks, coupled with the changes on the extensive list of specifications, has enhanced this excellent offer of Hyundai in South Africa even more. It is important to note that this new Sonata is not a facelift – the designers have merely added some very sensible ‘product enhancements’ on the exterior as well as the interior.”
Not a facelift? Said “product enhancements” are to the tune of a redesigned front grille featuring the familiar family face, now with a three-louvre spindle finished in chrome, a new front bumper with redesigned headlights, new side mirrors and new rear lights. How is all this not a facelift? Unless Mr Anderson means a facelift is still on its way…
The other new bit is the interior and it now features a touch-screen sound system (still no RDS though), chrome on the door handles, two-zone climate control, electrically-adjustable front seats, cruise control, park assist, USB music port, leather seats with a 3-way memory function for the driver, and others.
Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GDI Price
R379 900
Post Title → HYUNDAI SONATA UPDATED WITH NEW ENGINE
