The Hyundai Sonata received a facelift and more important - the Hyundai Sonata Transform (the name of the new version) is the first Hyundai that gets the second generation Theta engine. The Theta II engine delivers more power and more torque:
- Theta 2.0 - 158 PS and 19,6 kgf,m
- Theta 2.4 - 171 PS and 22,8 kgf,m
- Theta LPI 2.0 - 137 PS and 18,9 kgf,m
Hyundai Press Release:
The Hyundai Sonata, Korea’s perennial best-selling sedan, has received a mid-cycle makeover which will strengthen its lead in the domestic market. The design team was careful not to tamper
with a successful look as the bumper, headlamps and radiator grille were given a very subtle retouching to give the car a more dynamic, tauter stance. New alloy wheels and revisions to the waistline molding, rear bumper and rear combination lamps perfectly harmonize with the new front view.
But perhaps the most important change is to be found under the hood as Sonata Transform is the first model to get the second generation Theta engine. The Theta II delivers more horsepower and
quicker acceleration but not at the expense of fuel economy. Indeed, the revised engines boast improved mileage and lower emissions.
The performance improvements have been realized through the addition of a variable induction system to improve engine breathing and a variable valve timing system for both the exhaust and intake ports. Automatic transmissions have a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmissions have been refined for slicker, easier shifts.
On the safety side, Sonata Transform’s front
collision performance has been further improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe.
Export Sales
But the most pleasant surprise of all are the changes to be found inside the cabin where the designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan thanks to a completely new crash pad, new floor console and door trim.
Music lovers will welcome Sonata Transform´s inclusion of auxiliary input jacks to accommodate ports audio devices such as i-Pods and USB memory sticks. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for driver and front seat passenger and high-low switches for the two front seat warmers. A new cluster ionizer system helps keep the cabin smelling Alpine fresh by balancing the level of anions and cations which inhibits mold growth.
Though now on sale in Korea, export versions of the Sonata Transform will not start shipping until early next year. Specifications of export models may vary slightly from the Korean domestic version.
