Hyundai launches new Sonata

NEW DELHI: Hyundai Motor India on Wednesday launched a new version of its luxury sedan Sonata sporting a price tag of Rs 15.90 lakh. It also announced plans to enter the domestic utility vehicle market early next year. Christened Sonata 2.7 V6, the car has a 2700cc engine with H-Matic transmission that allows the driver to choose between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission mode.
The car boasts of an 8-way power adjustable driver seat, dual front airbags, an electronic brake distribution system and an anti-lock braking system as standard features.It also has a new radiator grill, 8-CD changer and dual collapsible steering column. The car has a local content of slightly less than 50 per cent, which will go up soon.
The Sonata competes in the luxury sedan segment against models like Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo, Mercedes C-Class and the recently-launched Toyota Camry. This segment has been currently estimated at sales of 5,000 units annually. Company president BVR Subbu said Hyundai India would commence its programme of importing fully built vehicles with the launch of a sports-utility-vehicle Teraccan in January next year.