At Detroit, Hyundai presented both the hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid version of the Sonata. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has new bumpers, new fenders, new grille, new lights, new aerodynamic wheels and chrome decorations.
The interior features a new instrument panel with a charge indicator. The plug-in hybrid Sonata is equipped with a 2.0 liter GDI four-cylinder engine and an electric motor mounted on the 6-speed automatic transmission, powered by a lithium polymer battery of 9,8 kWh. Together the set produces 202 hp, with the car having a range of 35.4 kilometers, when it uses only the electric motor.
The battery needs 2.5 hours to charge using a quick charger, and 5 hours via a standard household outlet. Sales of the car will begin in 2015 in the states of California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The Sonata hybrid on the other hand is equipped with a 2.0 liter GDI four-cylinder engine with 154 hp and 190 Nm of torque, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is combined with an electric motor producing 38 kW (51 hp) powered by a battery of 1,62 kWh. Together the hybrid system delivers 193 hp, with an average consumption of 5.6 liters/100 km, 10% less than its predecessor. Using only the electric engine it can move at speeds up to 120 km/h, it has an aerodynamic coefficient of 0,24 Cd and it features new bumpers, side sills and new wheels.
The interior features a new instrument panel that displays the information of the hybrid system, the battery is no longer under the floor of the luggage compartment, that now reaches 376 liters.
