Latest Hyundai Sonata launched

The fifth generation Sonata unveiled by local Hyundai agents Meridian Enterprises Co. Ltd is a car that has been designed and developed to set new standards.

From distinctive European styling, right through innovative engine technology, superb suspension and interior refinement, the new Sonata looks sharp, strong and modern, yet sophisticated and elegant.

The accommodation is generous and outstanding in its class. The blend of top quality materials and excellent interior design add to the sense of spaciousness and the highest level of style.

The car's quietness is quickly clear on the open road. Refining the Sonata took place over countless hours in the wind tunnel, on test tracks and in technical laboratories. Only then did the Hyundai engineers achieve the results they wanted - wind and engine noise levels that are lowest in their class.

It's not often that new models arrive in car showrooms with new engines as well. However, on this occasion, the new Sonata deserved three of them. Both the 3.3-litre Lambada and the 2.4-litre Theta engines have been developed to provide maximum power and economy with minimum exhaust emissions.

The power output of 3.3-litre V6 is 235 PS at 6,200 rpm, with an impressive 304 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 4,250 rpm, transmitted through a new five-speed H-Matic gearbox. The engine has an aluminium alloy cylinder block, continuously variable valve timing and variable intake manifold.

The 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit boasts 161 PS and comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It has an aluminium alloy cylinder block, twin counter-rotating balancer shafts and continuously variable valve timing.

Completing the petrol engine line-up is the new 2.0-litre 143 PS Theta four-cylinder. The star of the line-up, though, is the new 2.0VGT CRDi diesel engine, which delivers an impressive 140 PS at 4,000 rpm with torque of 304 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This is available with an all-new six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes to safety, Hyundai believes that your car should be prepared for the worse by using the best active and passive devices. The mission starts by specifying road-hugging suspension (double wishbone at the front and multi-links at the rear), precise rack and pinion steering and powerful disc brakes.

The Sonata's braking performance matches the best in the world when combining electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and anti-locking mechanisms (ABS).

The electronic stability programme (ESP) detects anything unusual in the car. It adjusts engine power and applies brakes to individual wheels - all in fractions of a second. Frontal or side impacts are protected with six airbags that instantly deploy to protect the heads and bodies of passengers.

Both 2.0-litre engines are available in Malta. Standard specs include climate control air-conditioning, power steering, remote central locking with boot release, alarm, electric windows all round, electric and heated mirrors, driver's, passenger and side airbags, ABS + EBD, radio CD with six speakers and antenna, height adjustable and telescopic steering, height adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, rear folding split seats, trip computer, central armrests front and rear, rev counter, immobiliser, front map lamp with sunglass box, tinted glass, colour coded bumpers, mirrors and outside door handles, and 16 inch alloy wheels.

For more information on the new Hyundai Sonata and the Hyundai range call at the Hyundai showroom in Birkirkara Valley Road, Birkirkara, all day from Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, or visit www.meridian.com.mt.