Photo: Hyundai
Slotted just under the Genesis flagship sedan, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is the new star in the Korean manufacturer's U.S. lineup. Competitively priced from $21,150 for the entry-level SE model powered by a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter four-pot, the mid-size sedan can also be had in a best of both worlds version named Eco, that is expected to return 32 mpg on the combined cycle.
What makes this Sonata variant so special over its 2.4-liter SE and Sport 2.0T siblings is that it comes kitted as standard with all sorts of safety, comfort and technological niceties, it's competitively priced and combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Mind you, that makes it the first Hyundai model to utilize a paddle shift box with seven gears. So how much do you have to pay for an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway and an output of 177 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque? $24,085 including freight, which is sort of a steal if you take into account how much car you get for the money.
Standard features include a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic HID Xenon headlamps, LEDs at the rear, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, chrome detailing on the inside, rearview camera and Blue Link telematics.
The only optional extra comes in the form of a $4,100 Technology Package which adds blind spot assist, rear-cross traffic alert and lane change assist, chrome door handles and welcome lights, Smart Trunk Auto Open, keyless entry, push-button start, more leather, heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, voice command, Apple Eyes Free Siri, Wi-Fi, SiriusXM radio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
"Sonata Eco enhances the sophisticated design and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata with even more impressive fuel economy," explains John Shon, product planning manager. "This innovative powertrain improves fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience." The Korean manufacturer will start production of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.
Mind you, that makes it the first Hyundai model to utilize a paddle shift box with seven gears. So how much do you have to pay for an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway and an output of 177 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque? $24,085 including freight, which is sort of a steal if you take into account how much car you get for the money.
Standard features include a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic HID Xenon headlamps, LEDs at the rear, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, chrome detailing on the inside, rearview camera and Blue Link telematics.
The only optional extra comes in the form of a $4,100 Technology Package which adds blind spot assist, rear-cross traffic alert and lane change assist, chrome door handles and welcome lights, Smart Trunk Auto Open, keyless entry, push-button start, more leather, heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, voice command, Apple Eyes Free Siri, Wi-Fi, SiriusXM radio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
"Sonata Eco enhances the sophisticated design and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata with even more impressive fuel economy," explains John Shon, product planning manager. "This innovative powertrain improves fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience." The Korean manufacturer will start production of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.
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