2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is ready to hit the hybrid sedan market

The Hyundai Sonata has been a sought after sedan, since 1985. Down the years, there have been ups and downs, but on the whole, it has managed to give stiff competition to all rivals within its price range. With the imminent launch of 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the South Korean powerhouse hopes to bring back Sonata to its former glory, matching steps with the present vogue of eco-friendly hybrid configuration for sedans. What this new 7th generation Sonata could offer will be interesting to note for critics and rivals alike, including Sonata’s main rival through recent years, the Chevrolet Malibu.

Svelte exterior design

Not a lot of distinct changes would be found with the chassis frame of 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid from its previous edition. That being said, 2017 Sonata Hybrid would definitely be wider, have a smoother, more slippery form, with minimal lines and bends across the otherwise monolithic structure.

A smart, slim trapezoidal grille is flanked by a pair of hawkish bi-Xenon headlights on its either side. A wide razor thin plate that cuts into sporty cube intakes on the sides host a pair of fog lamps and a narrow strip of daytime running LEDs along the rim, below the grille.

This replaces the conventional bumper and has a small mesh grille beneath it to add to its sportiness. The rear end is low, practical, smoothened, with an attractive pair of LED taillights that accentuate its sleekness. The rear end has a slim bumper with a pair of LED strips on either corner. Attractive and groovy 5 split-spoke alloys are fitted with the wheels.

Inviting interiors

Interior setup should come with some drastic changes to upgrade from the last edition which was lacking in intuitive, intelligent technology for utility and convenience. The dashboard in 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will come with a clean, organized setup with minimum buttons, dials and will be fit with a center console touchscreen infotainment display panel to control features like advanced navigation, media apps, satellite, internet radio, traction control and stability.

Active cruise control, rear view, and parking assist camera feed, social networking apps, Smartphone/ Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi/ LTE connectivity are other features included in the package. A driver-centric steering cluster to provide driving ease and comfort should be standard, apart from premium leather upholstery for the 5-way adjustable seats. The center console extends with a tray with cup holders and a close-lid ashtray. Below the infotainment panel is a dedicated media player with DVD changer, USB, AUX and iPod connectivity.

Powertrain setup

Powertrain configurations available with 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid include a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that gives around 185 HP and 178 lb-ft. of torque, a more powerful 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates around 245 HP and 260 lb-ft. of torque, an option for a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged Eco unit that can give 38 miles/gallon efficiency.

For the hybrid version, there could be a possible 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an electric motor to give a combined output of 120 HP and give the amazing fuel economy of 55 miles/gallon.

Debut and cost

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid should be available by the end of 2017, with a price range from $21,000 to $30,000 and $35,000 for the top trim. The main rival will be 2018 Mazda 6.