The New 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Is Set To Make HEV Motoring Something Any Family Can Enjoy
Hyundai has a reputation for providing advanced technologies that would otherwise be found in much more expensive autos in vehicles that any family can own. For model year 2016, that reputation rings true once again, as Hyundai is rolling out the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid models that incorporate cutting edge Blue Drive® gas-electric powertrains in trims that can be had for under $30,000. When the reduced fuel consumption and low initial purchasing price that define these two 4-door sedans are factored together, it means that Hyundai owners are set to experience significant savings when it comes to the costs of daily driving.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE, which is now in its second generation, has a starting MSRP of $26,000 and fuel economy of up to 40/44 MPG city/hwy, though the Sonata Hybrid Limited trim still comes in at an affordable $30,100 and with a mileage of 39/43 MPG city/hwy. Powered by a 2.0L GDI DOHC 4-cylinder that puts out 154 hp and a 38 kW (51 hp) electric motor that, when working together as part of Hyundai’s fully parallel Direct Hybrid Blue Drive® HEV system, net a total of 193 horses, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid has more than enough power, in any mode, for regular city and highway driving conditions.
As the 50 kW (67 hp) Maximum Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motor on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-in is more powerful and draws from a lithium polymer battery that has an output that is 12kW higher than that on the standard Sonata Hybrid, the total power produced by its powertrain adds up to an athletic 202 horses, which is, to say the least, impressive for a hybrid electric plug-in at the Sonata’s retail price range. It also means that, when running solely on electric power, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-in can operate across all regular performance ranges for up to 24 miles without having to burn any gasoline.
Advances in the gas-electric powerplants utilized in the revamped Sonata offerings are still only part of the reason why the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid boasts fuel efficiency that’s as much as a 10% improvement over its predecessor, however. In keeping with its ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ philosophy, Hyundai enlisted its designers to comb over the already attractive Sonata body form and find ways to reduce aerodynamic drag. One of these solutions was to make changes to the front fascia that lowered the coefficient of drag on the Sonata to a low 0.24, which is the smoothest in its class and identical to the considerably more expensive Tesla Model S.
In keeping with Hyundai’s dedication to creating vehicles that are useful, cost-effective, and attractive across all criteria, other simultaneously practical and aesthetic changes to the body of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-in included enlarging the front grille, modifying the front and rear bumpers, and introducing improved eco-spoke alloy wheel designs.
While the Sonata line is the first in Hyundai’s showcase to benefit from advances in HEV technology, the unique nature of the Hyundai Blue Drive® system means that more Hyundai models may be offered with hybrid-electric systems in the future. This is because, unlike the more common power-split HEV layout, Blue Drive® utilizes a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout that separates the motor from the transmission gear-set. The advantage of this is increased modularity that makes pairing various motor and transmission systems economical at an industrial level.
At Rosen Hyundai, our sales professionals are dedicated to providing automobiles that save drivers money across all phases of operation by using the latest technology. If you’re interested in purchasing a new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid or simply have questions about its advanced and efficient powertrain, you’re invited to call us at (888) 757-5628 or stop by our showroom at 711 South Randall Road in Algonquin for a first-hand look at this redesigned sedan. After all, there’s never been a better moment than today to take a test drive in tomorrow’s technology.
