Hyundai Sonata Officially Revealed: How Much of An Impact Will It Have On The Accord/ Camry?

Hyundai Sonata Officially Revealed:  How Much of An Impact Will It Have On The Accord/ Camry?
Who would have imagined a few years back that there would be so much interest in a new generation of the Hyundai Sonata that it would be totally justified for us to stay up until the early morning hours to write a post on the car... But times change, GM went in and out of bankruptcy protection, the Fiat Group acquired Chrysler and surprise, surprise, Hyundai overtook the Ford Group in the first half of the year to become the world's fourth largest automaker. So there you have it. But let's wind back back to the Sonata. After more leaks than a New Orleans levy, the Korean maker formally introduced the four-door sedan in its home market today.

"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's Vice Chairman at the launching ceremony for the car in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values.

"It might not be an Alfa Romeo, but compared to its dull and unimaginative predecessors, we'd say that the sixth-generation Sonata makes a huge step (call that a leap) forward in terms of design. Some will even claim that it clearly adopts styling cues from the so-called four-door coupe segment such as the swooping roofline and the stubby rear end, and they're probably right.

The Sonata also boasts a fresh interior with a contemporary styling that's in line with the Korean firm's latest products such as the new Tucson / ix35 SUV that was revealed at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show.
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B7FANB7FAN - 9/17/2009 12:14:20 PM
+5 Boost
If the front of that car doesnt look like a 2004-2009 toyota solara i dont know what does.....this car looks like a knock off of the lexus ES

BUT THE SAD PART ABOUT IT IT LOOKS REALLY REALLY GOOD I THINK IT LOOKS BETTER THAN THE ES. BUT THEN AGAIN PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SAY "BUT ITS A HYUNDAI" i WANT TO SEE WHAT PEOPLE GOT TO SAY ABOUT HYUNDAI 10 YEARS FROM NOW.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 12:36:07 PM
+1 Boost
I predict, and I don't do that often as you guys know it can be dangerous. But I believe it is safe to assume the Sonata will within 5 years, be one of the best selling sedans on the market. Let me make my point. Quality isn't an issue with it cars but resale will be for awhile true. Design is becoming a non issue, this new iteration is light years ahead of the Camry. This is the wrong time for Toyota to be experiencing quality issues with it product line with Hyundai coming on so strong. Many are looking for dependability and some will leave Toyota flanks for something different and dependable. This is allowing a slight opening for someone like Hyundai. This company speaks to a much young demo that Toyota.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 1:46:06 PM
-1 Boost
No not a slip at all, intentional. First, the Taurus isn't in the segment being it's priced in a different range and sized larger. I would think the Fusion is within this market. The Malibu possible, but looking at the target market, import buyers look at Camry and Honda or cross shop these brands. I don't see the Malibu in the mix as often as I see say Mazda 6 or the existing Sonata. By watching the pattern Hyundai is following, it will go after lead sales target ( i.e; Genesis/ Lexus, and Genesis coupe/ Mustang). Chevy isn't really on the radar even though sales will suffer but less than the Camry. The Sonata looks like it could be the next Camry to an unsuspecting customer not following trends as close as we are.


NewBeginningNewBeginning - 9/17/2009 2:36:42 PM
-2 Boost
This is $19K Lexus called Sonata.

It will sell like hot cakes.


Agent63Agent63 - 9/18/2009 1:31:04 PM
0 Boost
It looks good. A huge improvement.


Mason3RobertMason3Robert - 9/17/2009 9:24:24 AM
+1 Boost
I dont know why but it not "hitting" me like it is everyone else...to me its confused. The design is different but slightly busy with no one direction......The interior I'll pass on all together. Sorry!


SteveSteve - 9/17/2009 9:37:25 AM
+2 Boost
I have to agree with Mason3Robert WRT the styling. It looks awkward, to my eyes. Not hideous, like an Aztec, but lacking harmony and flow.


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 9/17/2009 1:30:35 PM
+5 Boost
It looks ackward. This current Hyundai owners will be happy with it, but don't see anyone crossing over.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 9/17/2009 10:54:21 PM
+4 Boost
the interior looks (especially the center stack) like it was stolen from a nissan maxima




NewBeginningNewBeginning - 9/17/2009 9:31:27 AM
-3 Boost
another jap killer.



mobilianmobilian - 9/17/2009 9:34:49 AM
+5 Boost
Is it just me... but where is the exhaust? The design overall is alright, but the front is a little too busy for my taste. I agreed with most, it's a big improvement from the current bland model though.


monstermonster - 9/17/2009 9:45:20 AM
+1 Boost
Good question. where is the exhaust. Also the front looks a lot like the current camry/avalon. The interior is quite pleasant.


rigidrigid - 9/17/2009 10:11:57 AM
+4 Boost
They are hiding the exhast so they look like they do not pollute. Audi has been doing this for a while now others are picking up on it.

Car looks fine to me for what it is..a Honda by another name.


SpicyMikeySpicyMikey - 9/17/2009 10:00:11 AM
+1 Boost
Some of you guys are talking about this things styling like art critics at a museum. This is an everyman everyday car. The buyers of this are not that sophisticated nor do they even care. You think someone buying this car cares how the beltline intersects with the fender flairs? It's all about value. Hyundai is slaughtering everyone because of that. Look around on the highway when you drive. Seems 30% of the cars on the road are Hyundai's now. This company is changing the game, and quick. I'm impressed.


Mason3RobertMason3Robert - 9/17/2009 10:22:10 AM
+2 Boost
Yeah, seeming and actualy hold two different values...thank GOD. 30% of cars on the road are Toyota


SpicyMikeySpicyMikey - 9/17/2009 10:39:54 AM
+2 Boost
Why do you say "Thank God"? Why do so many on this site root for one brand over another? Do most of you own stock in the Auto industry? Competition is good. I never owned a Hyundai but I hope their success forces Toyota, et.al., to find ways to be more inovative and lower costs. That's good for everyone. Everyone put down their pom-poms (especially the German brand cheerleaders on this site). It's a company, not your mother. What did they ever do for us to deserve our loyalty?


SpicyMikeySpicyMikey - 9/17/2009 12:31:36 PM
+1 Boost
^^^ South Orlando Florida. I'm exagerating, but, not by that much. Maybe 15-20% of cars on city streets seem to be Hyundai's. They are everywhere. Seeing lots of Genesis coupes already also. Question now is for you. Where do you live that you don't see this trend over the last 18 months of Korean cars. Are you in the midwest? my friend?


SpicyMikeySpicyMikey - 9/17/2009 2:42:41 PM
0 Boost
Could be. But when I travel and rent a car in another city it's always an American brand or sometimes Toyota. Never German, Honda, or Hyundai. Not saying that somehow my experiences aren't skewed, but don't think car rentals are the reason.

I think my original point was not to put too much emphasis on looks in this price range. Looks always count, but not as much here. Value is king. Elantra $13k+, Civic $14k+, Corolla $15k+, Focus $16k+. Sonata's competition stacks up the same way. Hyundai keeps winning more and more market share because of that. I'm no one's cheerleader. I don't give a damn about Hyundai. Don't even own one. Just making an observation.


SteedPubSteedPub - 9/17/2009 10:59:53 AM
+3 Boost
It looks psychotic


JUGNUJUGNU - 9/17/2009 11:12:16 AM
-2 Boost
I think sonata is looking great for it's class. BTW the front end could have been better. Rear end is sharp and thin but the front is looking huge especially grille and headlights are oversized and a bit bland. But still very good overall. Stud.

JUGNU


quizzquizz - 9/17/2009 11:24:06 AM
+1 Boost
This car for under $20,000 list? Definitely changes the game. People shopping for a $19,000 car are entry level buyers looking at some pretty bland offerings by Camry/Accord, both of which are more expensive. Chevy Malibu and Ford Taurus are over $20,000. What exactly can you get in the mid-size range for around $19K? This car definitely has to be a consideration.


_43LE_43LE - 9/17/2009 11:56:49 AM
+6 Boost
Poor Shempy, still a bitter little person...when will he ever learn? He's an embarrassment for Canada and I'd like to apologize on behalf of all Canadians. We're not usually like this...


MSP6MSP6 - 9/17/2009 12:47:35 PM
+1 Boost
I tought Alberta was a US state ...



MSP6MSP6 - 9/17/2009 2:11:48 PM
+2 Boost
That why you all came down in MTL with your flags in 1995 to say "PLEASE STAY WE LOVE YOU" ?


Designer1Designer1 - 9/17/2009 11:47:57 AM
+1 Boost
Really 2 thumps up for Hyundai. When will the big 3 tax payers robbers learn to do clean work for the people like this?


g2okg2ok - 9/17/2009 11:48:07 AM
+1 Boost
I think it will shake Toyota/Honda quite a bit since it attacks the bread & butter sales. The only part of the design that seems odd is the chrome-creased accent that come to the front on the side of the hood

Question is if Hyundai can fix their dealer network. It's really a sorry group that will handicap some nice cars. As it stands I still won't buy a Hyundai because the dealers are the epitome of sleaze.



SpicyMikeySpicyMikey - 9/17/2009 4:20:20 PM
+2 Boost
True. Hyundai dealer network is terrible. Bunch of hacks. How they are going to sell a $50k+ Equus with this dealer support, I have no idea.


SpectatorSpectator - 9/17/2009 12:26:47 PM
0 Boost
Awsome interior for a non lux midsize. The steering wheel alone is georgous.

And while I agree the front end is not the best in the business, it continually gets better and compared to the Honda's out there...it looks like a supermodel.


cericceric - 9/17/2009 12:29:15 PM
+3 Boost
Way too many curvy lines inside and out.
Styling-wise, it is over-done. IMHO.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 12:47:16 PM
+5 Boost
Where is HyundaiSmoke? This is like the second coming for him and he isn't at the party, what's up?


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 1:35:26 PM
+4 Boost
True that. No it will be compared to the new Bugatti 16 C Galibier sedan in exclusivity.


MSP6MSP6 - 9/17/2009 1:02:03 PM
+3 Boost
It may be a few grands cheaper than the Accord/Camry, but what about resale value ?

I would agree to pay more for a car I won't have any issue to re-sell after 3-5 years, and for which I will get a decent price.

Better pay 30K and get 16k after 4 years than pay 25k and get 8K...
Simple maths.



PlanBPlanB - 9/17/2009 3:52:36 PM
-1 Boost
I work around a lot of used cars and I can tell you that Sonatas (the current ones) resale value are catching up to used Camrys and Accords. Not equal yet, but they are gaining on them.


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 9/17/2009 1:15:15 PM
+1 Boost
Don't think it will have much impact. It will keep current Hyundai owners happy and they will trade in for this. People already looking at Hyundai will also be happy with it.


thstonethstone - 9/17/2009 1:23:37 PM
+1 Boost
Hyundai is simply doing to Toyota what Lexus does to MB/BMW and its a proven winner: offer 90% of what the leader has at 80% of the price.


mplsmpls - 9/17/2009 1:29:40 PM
+4 Boost
Back looks like a Merc, BMW, and Honda combined, Front loos like aToyota and Vauxhall Insignia, Hyundai has no ideas of itself.


mplsmpls - 9/17/2009 1:31:40 PM
-1 Boost
This car is made in Korea and alot of the money will go back to Kore, whilst Toyota, Honda make cars in USA and provides jobs and security to many in USA


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 1:47:23 PM
-1 Boost
And alot of money going back to Japan, don't forget that.


NewBeginningNewBeginning - 9/17/2009 2:28:32 PM
+2 Boost
Sonata will be made in USA in Alabama factory for US market.



NewBeginningNewBeginning - 9/17/2009 2:31:28 PM
+1 Boost
200hp 2.4L I4 with 6 speed tranny will be offered for US market as well.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 4:37:10 PM
+4 Boost
HOW THE HELL do you get that I have an antil-Hyundai bias I post the article, second stated that it will be one of the best selling vehicle in 5 years. I compare the Sonata to the Accord/Camry because this is what HYUNDAI targets. First, price, this car will cost around $21K to 30K somewhat give or take. Displacement, how can you compare it to the Chrysler 300? That will be the Genesis V6. Size- again it will compare to the midsize segment. You can't over reach with a product like you think.

If you ever dealt with sales or customer base, it doesn't work just because you think it should and you are very disillusion to think other wise. It is what it is, no magic, smoke or mirrors, simple family transportation that looks good to the average buyer. Period. i wouldn't call the best selling sedans in America lowly. They have earned this place by great products, solid reputation and consistently proving to its base it has what it take to keep them and you do them a disservice to make a statement as such.

Hyundai wants to be Toyota so much, it models its flagship after Lexus, and copies the design language of the Camry but goes beyond to a point of over doing it. Since when did Hyundai become BMW, Lexus, Buick direct competitor as far as a company is concerned?

The Genesis doesn't make for a complete up-market move for the whole company. You are too scattered thinking and misplaced in your overall blindness to what Hyundai really is.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 5:13:09 PM
+2 Boost
i guess, in Where is Waldo world, damn dude this is as Mike Tyson would say"reh dickulous"


MSP6MSP6 - 9/17/2009 6:07:08 PM
+2 Boost
Hyundaismoke is an hopeless person, she is considering the accent as upmarket near-luxury / mini-like car... Enough said.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 9/17/2009 5:10:50 PM
+1 Boost
So Hyundai only carried a 5 spd auto before this new model. Accord and Camry had 6 spd.

This is from Hyundai's 2009 press release.
The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines.

So when you look and conquest sales, the Sonata falls into the segment it tries to distant itself from. By its own admission, it competes in a segment it pretends not to be in.
So now we need to compare the Sonata to the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300 V6 but with a 5 spd tranny only in the top models because the comp doesn't offer a 4 cyl. nor manual trannies. As you can see, Hyundai tries to be too much. They need to re-define the lines and fill the gaps. Very few even compare the Kia Optima truly. Maybe the next generation will put it on the market radar.






Hyundai Sonata


The new, second-generation Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration. Fuel economy numbers are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®.212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque.


Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm).

306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Solid and on que for Hyundai IF it is offered on the Sonata.



Buick La Crosse

New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 32 mpg highway, 21 mpg city

CX - equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

CXS - equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).



morhpthanumorhpthanu - 9/17/2009 6:39:37 PM
0 Boost
The climate control buttons remind me of the volvo climate control system.


onetimeonetime - 9/17/2009 7:21:50 PM
0 Boost
Another YF Sonata Interior Version Pix:

http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/multi_image/national/2009/09/17/67310/dsc00689_clubkoup.jpg

http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/multi_image/national/2009/09/17/67310/dsc00691_clubkoup.jpg

YF Sonata Movie and Commercials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP21zS_V3qE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX9uC_Z_g3s&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlcn68iiZME&feature=related

ENJOY!


mikeydred20mikeydred20 - 9/18/2009 10:00:07 PM
+2 Boost
I hate this company now they are copying Infiniti's interior design theme good luck there


lemmyb2lemmyb2 - 9/28/2009 4:44:35 PM
+1 Boost
Daring design, but not good looking at all. Re-sale value will plummet 100% a few minutes after you've paid for it.


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