Hyundai Introducing Sonata Eco With Dual Clutch, Turbo Engine
Published: June 20th, 2014
Share
Hyundai will add a Sonata Eco model, featuring a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a dual clutch transmission, when the new generation sedan debuts for the 2015 model year.
Automotive News reports that the 1.6L mill will put down 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, through a 7-speed DCT. Fuel economy will rise to 28/38/32 mpg, versus 29 mpg combined for the Sonata with the standard 2.4L engine.
The Eco will start at $24,085, $2,215 more than a 2.4L Sonata SE but adds a back-up camera, a five-inch touchscreen, Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system and slightly different interior trim.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
Everyone knows that these engines only exist for CAFE/EPA reasons. Otherwise automakers would continue using the reliable-as-a-hammer 2.5l-ish naturally aspirated four cylinder engines of a few years ago that are perfectly adequate and decent to drive.
I am not opposed to small turbo engines in midsize sedans but this 1.6T better be an improvement over the 2.0T that they offered in the previous generation. It power delivery was so awful I would have chosen the 2.4 over the turbo any day of the week.
Does anyone know who Hyundai's DCT supplier is?? Is it made in house?? Hyundai tries too hard to be something it's not and cannot. Is it necessary for an appliance to have a useless turbo with DCT and badge it with as an Eco?? It won't win current Camry and Accord owners.
I'm really curious how the Ford and Hyundai 1.6 turbos are in these largish sedans (Sonata, Fusion). I rented a Fusion for a very long drive recently, and with a choice of 1.6T and 2.5NA I took the 2.5, assuming it would be the more sensible powertrain. As it turns out, I doubt it. The throttle and transmission response were so bad that it's hard to imagine the 1.6T could be worse. Slow to respond to the accelerator, even slower to stop responding after you've lifted off the accelerator, unwilling to downshift ever, and all the giant-Four idle shake you can eat. Ample power when floored and decent highway MPG though, in a car that's stylish and comfortable and a fantastic handler.