Hyundai has announced a new powertrain option for the Hyundai Sonata in the US market. Joining the existing normally-aspirated 185 hp, 241 Nm 2.4 litre Theta II GDI and 245 hp, 352 Nm 2.0 litre Theta II turbo offerings is a new 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will be slotted into a new Eco variant.
The new 1.6 litre turbo Gamma engine produces 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque. What’s most interesting is that this engine will be mated to Hyundai’s first ever seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a production car. Hyundai claims the new downsized turbo engine and dual clutch transmission combo will allow the Sonata Eco a 10% improvement over the 2.4 litre Theta II GDI model.
In other markets, the Sonata is also available with a 2.0 litre GDI engine producing 165 hp and 201 Nm of torque. And of course, we’re expecting normally aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 litre non-GDI engine options for poor fuel quality markets such as Malaysia.
The new Sonata is slightly larger than the outgoing Sonata currently still on sale in Malaysia, being 35 mm longer and 30 mm wider, with improved cabin space as a result of the gains. Wheelbase is up by 10 mm, from 2,795 mm in the outgoing model to 2,805 mm on the new one.
GALLERY: 2015 Hyundai Sonata
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since i40 has already been sold in Malaysia using GDI engine, why not the new Sonata? and if the Veloster Turbo is indeed sold in Malaysia in the future, I can’t see why this 1.6T variant of Sonata cannot be sold here either, unless Hyundai decides not to due to marketing concern.
‘2.0 and 2.4 litre non-GDI engine options for poor fuel quality markets such as Malaysia.’ Wait, aren’t we ‘Negara berpendapatan tinggi’ and ‘Negara maju’? 1.6 turbo at 177 hp and 265 Nm sounds pretty good. Don’t our local manufacturers produce 1.6l turbo too?
Design wise, i still prefer the previous model compare to this. However, the seven speed dct gearbox seem another improvement from Hyundai.
The turbo engine should be nice
Newly crown Uncle Car.
Haha what an epic sentence!
“we’re expecting normally aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 litre non-GDI engine options for poor fuel quality markets such as Malaysia.”
Weird that the “economy” model gets the dual clutch tranny. Usually, that model will get a boring CVT to save even more fuel. While DCT is meant for those with more sporting aspirations (like the 2.0 turbo model). At least Hyundai (of all companies) does not see the need to put a boring CVT in their cars. Kudos. Now, about that unimaginative exterior design.
Same goes for Honda, all their newer hybrids(So far Japan only) gets Dual-Clutch transmission instead of CVT. It hets funnier as its the small Fit and Vezel hybrids getting the DCT while larger cars like the Accord hybrids getting the CVT.
subaru?
Hyundai copied subaru
It’s an Optima in the back..LOL
DCT? wont be suitable for our hot climate & bad traffic jam.
not get GDI or turbo variant, become less interesting with the offering price, i think. nothing much extra compared to its competitor.
Hummm looks like the front and back are mismatch.
The front it’s just ok a bit like more formal no more young and sporty.
Back side like K5 and whole car more square.
7speed dual clutch gearbox hope not like DSG.
Is this a replacement for da curent 6 speed auto or to complement other models….
It makes sence for them since their economies of scale is fairly large n thus lower n easily recoverable costs
the previous design are more better