Excitement ahead! As per our research and sources, Hyundai Nishat Motors has imported 456 CKD kits of Hyundai Sonata. The import data shows that the delivery arrived on June 12, 2021. So, it means the company is all set to launch this sedan in Pakistan? We think yes. Our sources have also reported that Hyundai Sonata will be launched in Pakistan in the next one to two months. So, fasten your seatbelts and be ready for a new sedan.
The data further reveals that the kits reached Pakistan on June 12, 2021.
As per reports, the company is planning to launch this D-segment premium sedan to compete with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Moreover, a locally assembled (most probably) unit of Hyundai Sonata has been spotted in Faisalabad. Does it mean the launch of the car is near? As per a video, the vehicle is under camouflaged wraps and parked somewhere. The video shows the rear and side profile of the car.
Hyundai Sonata Specs and Features:
Last year, in February 2020, Hyundai also displayed the new 8th generation Sonata for public viewing. It was a showstopper, and the Hyundai display on the show was one of the most visited ones because of the new Sonata.
Exterior:
Well, the exterior of the newer 8th gen Sonata is something that made headlines since its launch. The production model took inspiration from the “Le Fil Rouge concept” Hyundai displayed in 2018 at Geneva Auto Show. The concept was a major attraction and also won a design award.
The new exterior is a complete departure from the previous generations, and it adopted a radically new and revolutionary design which Hyundai calls “Sensuous Sportiness”. The Sonata adopted a 4-door coupe-like silhouette on the side profile with a sloping roofline. At the same time, the most striking design element is the bold and low wide new front which carries Hyundai new and wide cascading grille. Additionally, the conventional hood-line across the bonnet we usually see is not there because of the long-elongated bonnet, which overlaps the front grill. LED headlights and LED DRL comes standard on all models.
Interior:
The new Sonata interior is miles ahead of the previous generation. There is a slim dashboard design with a user-friendly and intuitive interface for various control. The interior has been designed for maximum occupant comfort and space. Slim air vents are nicely integrated with the dashboard, and premium quality satin chrome trim pieces add elegance. The two-tone colour combination is available for the interior like Beige -Black, Black-gray or Black on Black. Both leather and fabric seating surface is an option.
A 12.3″ customizable digital LCD cluster is available with apple car play and android auto integration, depending on the variants. Basic models get a conventional analogue gauge. There is a newly designed multifunction steering wheel. Like most of the new cars nowadays, there is a floating infotainment screen in landscape style, although here it matches the profile of the dashboard to give a look of continuity instead of tablet-style systems we see standing standalone in the middle of the dashboard. The basic head-unit unit is 8″ touch screen. At the same time, a 10.25″ colour touchscreen infotainment system is available, and a Bose premium 12 speaker audio system is also available on upper trim levels.
Engine and Mechanicals:
Globally, Sonata is available with various engine options. There are turbocharged versions like 1.6 T-GDI with 178 HP or 2.5L T-GDI with 290HP. A 2L 192 HP GDI Hybrid or 2L 202HP Plugin Hybrid is also available. Depending on engine type, there is either 6 or 8 speed automatic or 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There are two more engine options, and these are the ones we can see on the import documents/ CKD kits for Pakistan, and we know these already. A 2L 158HP/ 196NM MPI [ Multi-Point Injection] and a 2.5L 178HP/ 232NM MPI engine. The 2L MPI is actually the same engine we have seen in the locally assembled Hyundai Elantra, while the 2.5L MPI is related to the same engine currently in Pakistan assembled Kia Sorento.
Both these engines’ types are coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and we can expect the same. Hyundai Nishat will offer the 2L engine on the base variant of the Sonata, while the other version will carry the 2.5L.
Expected Price:
We think, Sonata will be offered with two versions possibly and will start above the price of Tucson and probably around 7.5 +/- Million for the base model while it can touch 8+/- Million or can even go above 9 Million for the 2.5L top of the line loaded version.
