The new generation Hyundai Sonata has been launched in Vietnam.

The all-new 7th generation Sonata is officially distributed in Vietnam in only one version, priced at 1.06 billion VND.

Compared to its competitors in the same segment, the Sonata has the advantage of being the youngest model currently available. Having gone through six generations since 1985, the seventh-generation Sonata was first introduced this past April in South Korea. Hyundai invested approximately $418 million over three years in research, development, and the launch of this most important model for the company. The new Hyundai Sonata was rigorously tested in cold climates at the company's technology center in Nurburing, Germany, and in the harsh terrain of the Mojave Desert in the United States to meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide.

Imported models like the Honda Accord are priced at 1.47 billion VND, and the Nissan Teana at 1.4 billion VND, while the Hyundai Sonata is priced at only 1.06 billion VND. Customers will be torn between the imported Sonata and the domestically assembled Toyota Camry (999 million VND) and Mazda6 (998 million VND), with a price difference of about 60 million VND. The advantages of being a fully imported vehicle; a reasonable price; and a completely new design with abundant features are what make Hyundai Thanh Cong confident in distributing the new generation Sonata.

While its rival, the Toyota Camry, is trying to rejuvenate its design, the Hyundai Sonata is taking the opposite approach. The delicate, smooth design of the previous version was a significant barrier for older customers to appreciate the Sonata. The new version has significantly overcome this. The body features simpler, less ornate, yet sharper lines thanks to the second-generation 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy. The hexagonal grille and logo are what remain of the previous version.

The headlights are bi-xenon, with integrated turn signals. Like the previous version, the LED daytime running lights and LED taillights make the Hyundai Sonata stand out. The car measures 4855mm in length, 1865mm in width, and 1475mm in height. The wheelbase is 2805mm. The increased length and width of the new version mean it's not significantly smaller than the current generation Mercedes E-class in Vietnam.

One of the Sonata's undeniable strengths is its interior features. Full leather upholstery, multi-directional power adjustable front seats, and one-touch power windows. The Sonata is the only model in its segment to have a panoramic sunroof. Push-button start with smart key, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear sensors with a rearview camera, rear seat sunshades with reading lights… are all standard features on the new Sonata.

The car's safety features include a four-wheel disc brake system with ABS anti-lock braking system, ESC active stability control, HAC hill-start assist, and a seven-airbag cabin to protect the driver. The new generation Sonata uses 18-inch wheels with 235/45 Kumho tires.

The new Hyundai Sonata has been significantly upgraded in terms of its chassis and body. More high-strength steel is used (up to 51% compared to 21% previously). In addition, the new chassis structure increases torsional rigidity by 41%. These efforts helped the new generation Sonata achieve the "Top Safety Pick" award in 2014 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to Consumer Reports, thanks to these improvements, the new generation Sonata has significantly reduced noise, improved ride quality, and a more comfortable experience for both driver and passengers.

The Sonata version distributed in Vietnam is equipped with a 2.0-liter engine producing 157 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine power is delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission, which does not have paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Hyundai Thanh Cong, the distributor, expects sales of the new Sonata to be between 50 and 70 units per month. The company also stated that approximately 600 more officially imported Sonata vehicles were sold in Vietnam in 2013.

According to VOV.online