Sunday, September 13, 2015

2016 Hyundai Sonata Revealed With More Equipment, Aluminum Suspension

The all-new Sonata made its debut only recently. However, Hyundai has decided to further improve the mid-size sedan with the 2016 model year Sonata making its debut today and available in dealerships nationwide.

Everybody wants to have the 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, so the company has extended its availability to the SE, Sport, Eco and Sport 2.0T models. There are also tweaks to the design and the suspension.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata continues with its all-four-cylinder engine lineup. A 2.4-liter Theta II GDI naturally aspirated engine producing 185 horsepower powers the SE, Limited and Sport models. For this mode, fuel economy has risen slightly from the 2015 model year.

Meanwhile, the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models use a turbocharged mill that's good for 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both these engines stay connected to the road via a 6-speed automatic.

The Eco model is the fuel economy leader of the non-hybrid Sonata range and uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged mill with 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. For 2016, Eco models receive a 28 mpg EPA fuel economy rating in the city and 38 mpg.

Additionally, the Sonata now comes with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) functionality on models previously equipped with Forward Collision Warning. So not only does the car warn you of a possible crash, but it can also take action if you fail to do so yourself.

The suspension system now uses lighter aluminum, which reduces the unsprung weight. These parts include the steering knuckle and the lower control arm in front and the upper control arm and assist arms in back.

Cosmetically speaking, there's not much that's changed from the handsome 2015 Sonata. New 17-inch wheel designs are available, and the Limited model now has the more dynamic front fascia of the Sport 2.0T. Both these versions are now also available with a conventional sunroof while the D-cut sport steering wheel used by the Sonata Limited has a heating function.

The second model year of the Sonata starts at $21,750, excluding $835 freight charge, and is arriving in dealerships now.


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