Hyundai Motor Stages World Premiere of
Allnew Sonata in Korea
Hyundai Motor’s symbolic midsize sedan boasts premium evolved design and craftsmanship Inspires driver confidence with dynamic performance, smooth ride and predictable handling
Classleading advanced safety and convenience features
March 24, 2014 – Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, today unveiled the `Allnew Sonata’, a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s longestablished midsize sedan. The allnew Sonata represents the practical application of premium Hyundai Motor technologies first introduced in the allnew Genesis, which was given its world premiere in Korea in November 2013.
A modern, enhanced vehicle with classleading advanced features, the allnew Sonata has been designed using Hyundai Motor’s evolved Fluidic Sculpture philosophy. Displaying a refined, premium style, the allnew Sonata showcases Hyundai Motor’s sleek exterior and intuitive interior design ethos, projecting a harmonious and athletic appearance.
The allnew Sonata’s design concept focuses on ‘Inner Force’, a theme that points to its evolved aesthetic and confident perfection. Premium equipment, style and status deliver a feeling typically associated with vehicles in the segment above. The allnew Sonata successfully fulfills the practical needs of drivers, while evoking a sense of confidence and class at the same time. It also represents the democratization of new technologies first developed for inclusion in the allnew Genesis, offering Modern Premium values to more customers.
“The Sonata has been playing a key role in Hyundai Motor’s rapid growth in the global market, as well as leading the development of the Korean auto industry. We are confident that the allnew Sonata will change the landscape of the global midsize sedan market,” Choong Ho Kim, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor, said during the allnew Sonata launching ceremony in
Seoul today. “Hyundai Motor has been pursuing qualitative growth, providing innovative experiences and values to our customers, and the allnew Sonata will be at the center of these efforts.”
The allnew Sonata project began with the aim of developing a worldclass premium midsize sedan through innovation in fundamental areas, while maintaining the model’s proud heritage. Inspiring driver confidence was an important goal for the allnew Sonata: the new model utilizes a modified Hyundai Motor platform that has been optimized to offer a dynamic driving experience.
The car’s newly designed underpinnings contribute to an improvement in suspension performance and a greater structural rigidity over the previous generation model, resulting in
41% greater torsional strength and 35% greater bending strength than the outgoing model.

The new model is 35 millimeters longer and 30 millimeters wider than the previous generation Sonata, delivering a marginal increase in exterior size but worthwhile gains in internal volume.
Advanced suspension design and active safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System and Advanced Smart Cruise Control, ensure a rewarding and safe
driving experience. Uncompromised levels of convenience features are fitted to the allnew Sonata, providing it with the type of luxury, safety and technology equipment typically associated
with cars from the segment above. A variety of premium features such as rear parking sensors, heated leather seats and rearside curtain airbags emphasize Hyundai Motor’s commitment to
delivering value beyond expectations. Advanced multimedia systems and next generation infotainment equipment are also fitted to the all-new Sonata.
Hyundai Motor’s engineers concentrated on offering efficient and effective powertrains that would deliver maximum performance for the all new Sonata. As a result the new model offers drivers
impressive acceleration and economy, together with useable low and midrange torque that provides exceptional drivability in every situation. The wide range of engines is mated to manual,
automatic transmission gearboxes, and all of these drivetrain options offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions, reemphasizing Hyundai Motor’s continuing commitment to the
global environment.

Since the Sonata badge was first introduced by Hyundai Motor in 1985, cumulative sales have almost reached seven million units, making this model the third Hyundai Motor model ever to achieve the landmark figure. Hyundai Motor’s previous generation Sonata was launched in 2009, embracing the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. The striking design and stylish appearance of the previous generation Sonata enhanced Hyundai Motor’s image.
The all new Sonata, the result of three years of development and an investment of approximately 450 billion Won (KRW), is scheduled to be launched outside Korea in the second half of this
year. Hyundai Motor targets to sell a total of 228,000 units (Korea: 63,000 / Overseas: 165,000) for this year, while aiming to expand it up to 338,000 units (Korea: 89,000 / Overseas: 249,000)
next year.
01 Key Differences: Allnew Sonata vs previous generation Sonata
Building on the success of previous generation Sonata
02 Styling
Evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design styling
03 Driving Performance
Driving dynamics and chassis development
04 Safety
Comprehensive safety features, high crash performance and BIW strength
05 Convenience Features
Driverfocused convenience features and advanced technologies
06 NVH
Low levels of NVH
07 Powertrain
Smooth, powerful and economical powertrains
08 Technical Specifications
Technical details of allnew Sonata
* Product specifications and options available may vary by region
1. Key Differences: All new Sonata vs. previous generation Sonata
? Refined premium design
? Innovation in fundamentals
? BodyinWhite 41 percent, 35 percent stiffer in torsional, bending strength
? Use of advancedhigh strength steel increased by 30 percent
? Spacious, luxurious cabin
? Lower levels of NVH
? Ergonomic driverfocused interior layout
? Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)
? Blind Spot Detection
? Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
? Handsfree Smart Trunk
? Driver knee airbag
? Modern LED lighting
? Emergency stop signal
? Electronic parking brake
? Heated rear seats
2. Styling
Following the world premiere of the allnew Genesis luxury sedan, the allnew Sonata is the second vehicle to demonstrate Hyundai Motor’s evolved design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. Fluidic Sculpture embraces the company’s ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction and its commitment to delivering value beyond expectations.
As applied to the allnew Sonata, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 retains the original essence of this wellreceived design philosophy while being further defined by core characteristics, such as simple and harmonious design with refined fluidic design elements. The allnew Sonata offers modern style through easytounderstand and pleasing design fundamentals that are expressed
through rich visuotactile colors, materials and overall levels of finish.

Exterior Design
While inheriting the sensational design of the previous Sonata, the allnew Sonata has evolved into a more refined, premium vehicle. Hyundai Motor designers emphasized its inner dignity, expressed through polished lines and forms.
Hyundai Motor’s latest interpretation of Fluidic Sculpture provides the allnew Sonata with a highclass, sleek style, a confident stance, and an appearance that is in keeping with Hyundai
Motor’s pioneering family look. Ultimately, the balanced, refined styling of the allnew Sonata conveys the dynamic driving experience offered by the new model.
A singleframe premium 3D hexagonal grille is a key styling element at the front of the allnew Sonata, while refined swage lines on its flanks and futuristic features at its rear contribute to its
dynamic shape. Powerful lightemitting diode (LED) daytime running lights and striking rear light clusters add to the new model’s sophisticated appearance.
Interior Design
The allnew Sonata benefits from improved interior ergonomics, resulting in a completely driverfocused cabin that incorporates Hyundai Motor’s core interior design principles of safety,
intuitiveness and simplicity.
The allnew Sonata provides the luxury feel of a car from the segment above in a midsize sedan package, conveying a sense of style and dynamism previously unavailable in a Hyundai Motor
car in this class. In order to convey this sense of luxury the points of contact between the driver and car were closely examined and enhanced – one result being the highgrade materials such as leather and metal that are utilized throughout. Maximum seat comfort and convenience is provided through the use of highend environmentally friendly materials and elegant trim details.
HMI
Central to conveying the allnew Sonata’s premium design qualities is transmitting that experience to the driver and passengers, which Hyundai Motor has achieved through the use of
highgrade materials where constant physical contact with the car’s occupants occurs. Additionally, significant attention to detail was paid to ergonomics. For example, Hyundai Motor
engineers focused their attention on developing the ideal steering wheel design to ensure the best possible grip and feel for the driver. After a series of tests the dimensions and style of the
wheel were altered: an overall increase in rim cross section thickness and ergonomic improvements to grip rests ensure more of the steering wheel surface is in contact with the
driver. Such subtle improvements to detail enhance the driving experience of the allnew Sonata, especially at high speeds.
The allnew Sonata has also been fitted with newly configured parts, such as a redesigned steering column in order to accommodate the car’s optimal driverfocused layout. The central
console has moved away from the traditional shape and style, and vital information is now displayed in a more effective and easytodigest manner, in the instrument cluster facing the
driver. This approach significantly improves visibility for the driver, emphasizing that Hyundai Motor cares for the drivers of its vehicles.
The switches in the allnew Sonata have been grouped depending on function and are within easy reach of the driver, facilitating quicker, safer control. Switch feel was also given rigorous
consideration, both in terms of operational force and touch, in order to make locating and operating functions as easy as possible while driving. The feel and grip of every component
occupants come into contact with has been improved over the previous generation model.
3. Driving Performance
The allnew Sonata sets a new standard for ride in a midsize sedan. Extensive chassis testing and tuning set out to improve the ride characteristics of the allnew Sonata over its predecessor, with particular attention being paid to chassis rigidity. Improved twisting and bending strength have been achieved thanks to greater use of Advanced High strength Steel (AHSS), which is twice as rigid and 10 percent lighter than traditional steel, resulting in enhanced safety and driving performance.
As one of the key drivers of Hyundai Motor’s sales, the all new Sonata was tested in a variety of locations worldwide, including the famed Nürburgring in Germany at Hyundai Motor’s dedicated Technical Center, and the Mojave Proving Ground in California, America, in order to maximize product competitiveness and satisfy the diverse needs of its global audience.
Reducing road noise, vibrations and enhancing driving dynamics were priorities for the allnew Sonata development team. These objectives were achieved in part through optimized suspension damping that gives occupants a soft, silent and comfortable experience. A luxurious feel is generated through exceptional ride comfort, while the thorough development of handling
and steering feel allows the allnew Sonata to also offer a stable and secure ride over all road surfaces and in all driving conditions.
In order to improve ride and handling performance, there have been significant changes to the front and rear suspension, whose structure and geometry have been greatly modified to
enhance responsiveness, handling and stability. The dual lower suspension arms of the rear suspension of the allnew Sonata distribute lateral forces more effectively than single arm
versions, providing greater freedom to finely tune ride characteristics.
Steering feel has been further increased thanks to the development of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) that has resulted in a larger data processing unit, increased logic control cycle
and motor control speed, and greater steering column rigidity. Gentle oncenter feel and agile, precise and responsive steering feel are aided by the allnew Sonata’s Drive Mode Select
function, which allows the driver to choose the best driving parameters to suit their requirements or the current road conditions.
In terms of braking, the allnew Sonata boasts superior stopping distances for a car of its class, combined with an assured, firm feel. Driver confidence is enhanced through the linear delivery of
impressive braking performance, while greater comfort is ensured thanks to minimal intrusion of noise and vibration into the cabin.
Carefullypaired powertrain combinations allow the allnew Sonata to deliver improved drivability over the previous generation model. A key aim during the development of the allnew Sonata was
to provide useable performance and drivability while delivering maximum economy under regularlyencountered driving conditions.
4. Safety
Body In White Stiffness
An impressive 51 percent of the allnew Sonata’s steel is Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), an increase of 30 percent over the previous generation model. These AHSS components are
used to both increase stiffness and more effectively protect passengers, helping the allnew Sonata to achieve topclass safety ratings according to the company’s internal tests.
The new model has been further strengthened by increasing the use of structural adhesive more than ten times when compared with the previous generation model. The addition of dual member
structures in main sections of the body has added strength too, while the prevalence of hotstamped components has increased by 9 percent over the previous model. Notably, the
hotstamped doublesection structure on the Bpillar especially contributes greatly to the excellent performance of the allnew Sonata in crash performance tests.
These changes mean that the allnew Sonata’s torsional and bending stiffness has increased by 41 percent and 35 percent respectively, compared with its predecessor. Internal testing data
suggest that the new model will score highly in official crash overlap and chassis strength tests. In addition, high rear impact performance is ensured through reinforced side and cross
members that support the vehicle’s subframes and strengthen subframe mounting points, which also improves suspension responsiveness.
High Technology for SafetyThe allnew Sonata features an abundance of advanced safety features designed to protect its occupants. A suite of airbags, including driver knee airbag, are fitted to the new model, while
several advanced passive and active systems work harmoniously to ensure the allnew Sonata is one of the safest vehicles on the road.
Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) uses radar to automatically calculate the distance to cars directly ahead and behind. The system maintains a constant gap to the next vehicle and
deploys the Automatic Emergency Braking system if a stationary vehicle is detected ahead – avoiding a potential collision.
Blind Spot Detection (BSD) monitors traffic around the car in the driver’s blind spots, warning drivers of possible unseen hazards. This system notifies the driver of hidden hazards through an
indicator symbol on the instrument panel and via illuminated signals on both exterior mirrors. If a driver should ignore these visual warnings and begin to change lanes, the BSD system
automatically issues an audible warning.
The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) uses the allnew Sonata’s forwardfacing sensor technology to recognize defined lanes situated ahead of the vehicle. If the LDWS detects
departure from the current lane of travel, a warning signal is issued through a visual symbol on the dashboard, accompanied with an audible warning.
To ensure drivers of oncoming vehicles are not distracted by the allnew Sonata’s headlights at night, the High Beam Assist (HBA) function automatically detects an approaching vehicle and
dips the high beam headlights to reduce glare. When the system no longer detects a vehicle ahead, it reactivates the high beam headlights to provide a clearer field of vision for the driver.
In crash safety performance tests, the allnew Sonata is expected to achieve topclass results through careful design which ensures the car effectively distributes crash energy. Frontal impact
forces are absorbed and distributed through the midsection to minimize cabin distortion.

In terms of side and rear collision tests, the allnew Sonata provides high levels of occupant protection thanks to inherent strength achieved through the use of hotstamped steel with dual
layer reinforcement, and independent side airbag technology specially designed to protect occupant’s upper bodies in the event of an accident. Pedestrian safety was also a prime
consideration, resulting in the provision of a durable and weightoptimized hood structure, and a scuttle panel that offers increased head protection safeguards.
5. Convenience
The allnew Sonata delivers uncompromising convenience and generous interior space, together with elegant interior details, offering luxury typically associated with vehicles from the class
above.
For front seat passengers, the allnew Sonata features integrated, heightadjustable seats that have been developed to maximize comfort and convenience. They are also vented to cool
passengers under humid conditions, and heated to provide warmth during cold weather, faster than the previous version.
The high levels of comfort extend to rearseat passengers who benefit from heated seats, an electric rear window blind and rear side curtain blinds – a segmentfirst feature. Personal reading
lights provide rear passengers with directed illumination, while the new car’s spacious interior and slim front seat backs mean there is plenty of legroom for all occupants.
A panoramic sunroof brings a sense of the outside into the cabin of the allnew Sonata, and ensures a light and refreshing atmosphere is maintained at all times. Throughout the vehicle,
elegant handcrafted details can be found, utilizing highend environmentallyfriendly materials.
Advanced vehicle infotainment features, including sophisticated nextgeneration multimedia systems, ensure the allnew Sonata delivers cuttingedge entertainment and connectivity to
drivers and passengers. A range of options are available, starting with a 3.8” LCD display, moving up to 8.0” color touchscreen units, each of which utilize intuitive, clear ergonomic
displays. Supporting USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, the allnew Sonata also features voice recognition and smartphone integration.
Further convenience is provided by the allnew Sonata’s Smart Trunk function. Using the vehicle’s smart key, the system can be activated (in the user settings menu) to open the trunk
automatically when the smart key is detected near the rear bumper for longer than three seconds. Unlike competitor systems, the Smart Trunk function does not utilize an underfender
kicksensor, but employs a fendermounted antenna to receive its instruction to operate, providing an illuminated and audible warning prior to opening. This allows users to keep both feet
on the ground at all times during operation – more convenient and safer when both hands are full, for example.
6. NVH