Hyundai Touts New Sonata as Roomier, Quieter, Higher-Tech

Hyundai Motor Co. says a stiffer chassis and 30% great advanced high-strength steel content give its redesigned 2015 Sonata midsize sedan better handling and enhanced safety features. The car debuted in South Korea earlier today.

The revamped Sonata features the "fluidic sculpture 2.0" design language that debuted in the company's top-of-the-line Genesis luxury sedan being introduced now. The Sonata will be launched outside South Korea this summer.

Hyundai says the car rides on a significantly revised suspension with modified geometry to improve handling, responsiveness and stability. The car is fitted with upgraded electric steering with driver-adjustable feel and will be marketed with a choice of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the front-drive car benefits from such ergonomic improvements as a reshaped steering wheel and steering column, revised center stack and better switch feel. Hyundai says it has improved the feel and grip of every component the car's occupants touch.

Upgrades in standard equipment include improved noise suppression, driver's knee airbag, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and key fob-activated trunk release.

Hyundai hopes to sell 228,000 Sonatas more than 70% of them outside Korea in 2014 and 338,000 units in 2015.