Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, debut at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show

On board, the new Sonata Plug-in Hybrid feels very similar to the existing Sonata Hybrid in terms of driving. The aesthetic design changes are the same on both models, mainly to improve the aerodynamic coefficient, reaching a figure of 0.24, one of the best in its class. Some of these changes can be seen in the exclusive front grille, which sets it apart from the other models in the range, revisions to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the lighting units and the new wheels, which are more efficient. In addition to all these distinctive features, badges such as Hybrid or blue drive reveal the plug-in hybrid nature of the car.

The 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer batteries give the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an all-electric range of up to 35.4 kilometres, a figure higher than that of any other mid-size saloon in this segment. The charging port is located on the left side of the vehicle, just behind the wheel arch on that same side. Charging time can vary depending on whether a standard 120 V household plug is used, in which case it can take five hours, or if a Level 2 charging station with 240 V is used, in which case it takes two and a half hours.

Charging station

The Nu 2.0 GDI four-cylinder engine of the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid produces 154 CV, a figure that rises to 202 CV when the total output of the entire system is combined. It uses a six-speed automatic gearbox that incorporates Hyundai’s Transmission Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) system, which replaces the torque converter with a 50 kW electric motor, allowing the Sonata to run on electric power at higher speeds.

The expected consumption of the Sonata is 2.5 l/100 km in electric mode. In charge-sustaining mode, it is expected to be 6.18 l/100 km in the city, 5.47 l/100 km on the motorway and 5.88 l/100 km on combined cycles, according to internal tests carried out by the manufacturer.

Thanks to the Blue Link app, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid can be managed and controlled remotely via smartphone. Real-time vehicle data can be accessed, and commands can also be sent, such as starting the engine or locking the doors. The most relevant function of this app is charging schedule management, which allows you to set the day and time you want the vehicle to start charging. Charging happens directly when the car is plugged in, but this scheduling option is useful for those on different electricity tariffs depending on the time of day.

Multimedia screen

As for equipment, the new Sonata Plug-in Hybrid comes with everything needed in terms of both active and passive safety and technology. It features seven airbags as standard, including a new knee airbag for the driver, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS and a tyre pressure monitoring system with individual tyre display, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), forward collision warning and lane departure warning, as well as a reversing camera, also standard. Other features such as the electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, driver’s seat memory, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, HID headlights, ventilated front seats, power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver, and smart cruise control (SCC) are also available on the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.

Source | Hyundai