NOT one, but two world first technologies have found their way onto the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model, which boasts active shift control and a solar roof system, along with a custom front grille and rear spoiler.
The Hyundai solar roof makes its debut on this model and is designed to recharge the battery and increase travel distance, while preventing unnecessary battery discharge. With six hours of daily charging, that could increase travel distance by 1,300km annually.
Hyundai has also launched its first incarnation of its active shift control (ASC) technology, designed to improve the dynamic driving experience and fuel economy of the vehicle by reducing gear shift time by up to 30 per cent.
With synchronisation, ASC not only improves hybrid vehicle acceleration performance and fuel economy, but also durability of the transmission, by minimising friction during a gear shift.
The new eco-friendly Sonata model is equipped with a Smartstream G2.0 GDi HEV engine and 6-speed hybrid transmission. The engine’s power output is 112kW and maximum torque is 188Nm.
The Sonata’s electric motor delivers power output of 38kW and maximum torque of 205Nm. Combined system power output is 143kW and it also boasts combined fuel economy of 5.0-litres/100km.
Continuing to promote the latest advances in technology, the new Sonata supports a digital key. In essence you can use a dedicated smartphone app, and the near field communication (NFC) tech in your phone to unlock your car.
The digital key system can also be used to control selected vehicle systems remotely via a smartphone. Using Bluetooth, users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the alarm and even start the engine.
The level of access to different vehicle functions can be tailored to each user, for a defined period. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when renting the vehicle.
The Sonata Hybrid also has an array of safety features, including forward collision avoidance and lane follow assist. The new model also boasts special alloy wheels that provide fine-tuned aerodynamics.
The next-generation Hyundai Sonata will launch locally in the fourth quarter of 2019. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is currently under review for the Australian market.
