First of all, the exterior dimensions of the Hyundai Sonata have grown slightly: +35 mm in length - 4855 mm; +30 mm in width - 1865 mm; +5 mm in height - 1475, and the wheelbase has increased by 10 mm and is 2805 mm. The Hyundai Sonata has become more comfortable and safer thanks to the use of new technologies for manufacturing power elements.
The share of ultra-high-strength steels in the body has grown from 21% to 51%, the number of hot-stamped parts has increased, etc. All this has made it possible to increase torsional rigidity by 41% and bending rigidity by 30%. Undoubtedly, these innovations have also had a good effect on the handling of the large sedan.
To better realize the new achievements, the suspensions have also been modernized, although their design remains the same: McPherson in front and multi-link in the rear. Not only the characteristics of the springs and shock absorbers were changed, but also the geometry of the chassis was adjusted.
In addition, the rigidity of the steering column was increased, and the electric power steering received a faster processor. The new control device allows you to change the sensitivity of the steering with the press of one button, Drive Mode Select.
The Hyundai Sonata has an interesting automatic trunk lock opening function - Smart Trunk. Unlike the same Ford, you don't need to balance on one leg with a load in your hands, just wait 3 seconds and the trunk will open. For this, it is enough that the electronic key from the car is in your pocket. You can always disable this algorithm through the car's on-board menu.
In addition to Smart Trunk, the Sonata is capable of automatically switching high beam to low beam. By the way, LED daytime running lights are present in both the front and rear lights. Among the innovations, it is worth mentioning: the driver's knee airbag, adaptive cruise control with full emergency stop function, blind spot monitoring systems and lane keeping assist, and in more expensive versions - an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice control and iPod integration.
As for engines - a two-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 170 hp and a 2.4-liter one with 200 hp. They are paired with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
European sales of the Hyundai Sonata will begin in the second half of 2014.
