New [Korean] Hyundai Sonata Revealed

One of our Best and Brightest over in South Korea got the inside line on the new Hyundai Sonata. Here’s what he knows so far . . .

The car was officially released today [ Hyundai press release HERE] in front of about 200 invited guests (I was NOT one of them). The car has been available for pre-sales for about 2 weeks and has, according to the salesperson I spoke to, sold over 20,000 units. For comparison, in August, the ‘old’ Sonata sold about 7,000 units. That number was probably down a little as people were no doubt waiting for the new model. In July, the ‘old’ Sonata sold about 9,000 units. So the new model has ‘pre-sold’ more than the last two months of sales of the old car. (These sales numbers of the ‘old’ model are official numbers from the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association).

The salesperson told me that it would take about 45 days to get delivery of a new Sonata if I ordered one today. I didn’t order one, but I might. My wife (Korean citizen) has an uncle who works for Hyundai (who doesn’t in Korea, eh? lol) and he gets about a 20% discount on new cars that he can also transfer to family members. We bought our 2002 Elantra (called Avante here) that way. We ended up paying about 9 million won for that car and it even came with a full-size spare tire with matching aluminum wheel! I digress . . .

Dealers do not currently have any units in stock, only brochures and price guides. I was told that test-drive models would be available next week. I booked a test drive and would be happy to share my experiences with you (if you’re interested, that is).

Here’s some of the vital information from the brochure and price guide…

Prices range from 19.6 million won (base model, no additional options) to 29.3 million won (Sports model with all available options). The current exchange rate is about 1,200 won to the US dollar.

There are, if you can believe it, NINE different trim levels. Officially the car is known in Korea as the Hyundai Sonata Y20.

The base model (19.6 million) is the Grand edition. Next up is the Prime edition, available in two trims: Deluxe (23.15 million) and Super Deluxe (24.7 million).

Next up is the Premier edition, available in two trims: Deluxe (24.9 million) and Super Deluxe (25.8 million).

Between the Prime and Premier editions, there is something called the Premier Beige edition for 25.3 million.

Next up is the Top edition, available in two trims: Deluxe (25.95 million) and Super Deluxe (27.85 million).

Next up is the Sports model, available in only one trim (28.2 million).

Available options include:

Electronic Toll-road collection system for 250,000 won

A 3-piece panoramic sunroof for 1.15 million won

Intelligent DMB [look it up on wikipedia] 6.5-inch touch-screen navigation for between 850,000 won and 1.6 million depending on model)

A 6-speed automatic transmission (includes foot-operated parking brake, Eco-driving monitoring system, and rear-seat center console air vents) for 1.7 million won

Premium 8-inch wide-screen touch-screen navigation (includes JBL premium sound, voice activation, rear-view camera, and rear parking guide) for 2.0 million won

All navigation systems include real-time traffic information and the ability to play external video files (for example from a USB memory stick).

Sadly for me as I’m a big fan of manuals, a manual transmission (6-speed) is only available on the base model. All other models come with a 6-speed automatic. Only the top-of-the-line Sports model comes with paddle shifters.

There are three tire sizes available (all with aluminum wheels): P205/65 R16, P215/55 R17, P225/45 R18.

Premier editions and up come with rear heated seats. That’s something that I’ve never seen before on a car of this class.

The car is available in nine different colors, which is A LOT by Korean standards. Available colors are: Bright White, White Crystal, Slick Silver, Hyper Metallic, Dark Grey, Espresso, Remington Red, Blue Black, and Black Diamond.

Overall length: 4,820 mm

Wheelbase: 2,795 mm

Front overhang: 940 mm

Rear overhang: 1,085 mm

Vehicle width: 1,835 mm

Front track: 1,597 mm (16-inch wheel); 1,591 mm (17-inch wheel); 1,587 mm (18-inch wheel)

Rear track: 1,595 mm (16-inch wheel); 1,589 mm (17-inch wheel); 1,585 mm (18-inch wheel)

Vehicle height: 1,470 mm

Curb weight: 1,395 kg (manual transmission), 1,410 kg (automatic transmission).

The timing of this car is VERY important as Toyota will be launching its Korean dealer network NEXT month with four models, RAV4, Prius, and Camry (gas and hybrid). Naturally, the Sonata and Camry will be up against each other in sales. The petrol Camry here is expected to retail for about 35 million won. Must of the internet pundits have been predicting the Camry to fail here.

Generally, the internet buzz has been positive. The only complaint I’ve seen so far is about the steering wheel, muffler/exhaust treatment, and the paddle shifters only being available on the most expensive model. As I said, I’ll be driving the car next week and would be happy to email you about it.

Meanwhile, anything specific you’d like to know?

Yours in automotivity,

Huey