CHICAGO, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America announced pricing
for the refreshed 2009 Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009
Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised
powertrains boasting even more horsepower and improved fuel economy. The
2009 Sonata is now on sale at Hyundai dealerships.
Model Engine Transmission MSRP with freight
Sonata GLS 2.4-liter I4 5-speed manual $18,795
Sonata GLS 2.4-liter I4 5-speed automatic $19,995
Sonata GLS 2.4-liter I4 PZEV 5-speed automatic $19,995
Sonata GLS 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $22,245
Sonata SE 2.4-liter I4 5-speed manual $21,195
Sonata SE 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $23,845
Sonata Limited 2.4-liter I4 5-speed automatic $24,645
Sonata Limited 2.4-liter I4 PZEV 5-speed automatic $24,645
Sonata Limited 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $26,345
"You'd expect that all of these changes and new content would lead to
startling new price points for the Sonata," said John Krafcik, vice
president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor
America. "But that's not Hyundai's business model. With a starting price of
just $18,795, including delivery, the 2009 Sonata is very well equipped to
compete with the best mid-size sedans on quality, craftsmanship, capability
... and of course, value."
The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited
performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its
appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for
value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai's
sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary
inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with
Sonata's continued leadership in safety -- it remains the only mid-size
sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) -- the
2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive
mid-size sedan segment.
The new, second-generation Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration. Fuel economy
numbers are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the standard five-speed manual
transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with
SHIFTRONIC(R). The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of
torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features
Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable
Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing.
Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three
more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of
torque at 4,500 rpm). This newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum
construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on
both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power,
efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009,
which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration
and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19
mpg city/29 mpg highway.
All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic
transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for
improved highway fuel economy. The automatic transmission has a new
reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the
manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.
The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have
thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale,
premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely
new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich
materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be
classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a
"class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as
mid-size cars).
Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata's inclusion of standard
auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and
charge audio devices such as iPods(R). Other refinements include dual-zone
climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger and two-stage
front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system
is now available as well.
The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata's exterior design,
with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic
and taut stance. The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features
a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined
body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens
headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille
and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models.
On the safety side, 2009 Sonata's front collision performance has been
improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. Every Sonata also
has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment along with six standard airbags.
The braking technology package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist and Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a
subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are
distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are
sold and serviced by more than 780 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
Journalists are invited to visit our news media website:
http://www.hyundainews.com.
SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
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CONTACT:
Miles Johnson, +1-714-965-3366, cell,
+1-714-366-1048, milesjohnson@hmausa.com, or Jim Trainor,
+1-714-594-1629, cell, +1-714-316-6421, jtrainor@hmausa.com, both
of Hyundai Motor America
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