(LEAD) Hyundai Sonata hybrid, turbo model unveiled at Seoul Motor Show

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GOYANG, South Korea, March 28 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. on Thursday unveiled the hybrid and turbo versions of its all-new Sonata during the media day event at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show ahead of their domestic launches.

Last Thursday, Hyundai launched the new Sonata sedan with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter liquefied natural gas model, with an aim to sell 70,000 Sonatas in Korea this year.

The Sonata gasoline hybrid, and the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline models, will go on sale in June and July, respectively, the country's biggest carmaker said in a statement.

"With the Sonata fully transformed in styling and features, Hyundai aims to become the first mover, not a fast follower, in the automotive industry," Senior Vice President Lee Sang-yup, who is in charge of Hyundai Design Center, said in a press briefing.

The Sonata hybrid aims to achieve fuel efficiency of over 20 kilometers per liter. The solar roof system, which is optional for, can generate electricity that will allow the car to travel about 1,300 kilometers a year, the company said.

The 1.6-turbo model is equipped with the Smart Stream T-GDI engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other specifications will be released later, a Hyundai spokesman said.

A short overhang, sloping roofline and low deck lid create a balanced feel, and Hyundai's signature chrome accent now goes all the way into the hood, making it look even longer. It also has light emitting diode lighting built in. These cues bring the Sensuous Sportiness design to life, Lee said.

Sensuous Sportiness is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements in vehicle design: proportion, architecture, styling and technology.

On the front, the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, which makes the new Sonata look like a sports car, is sleekly connected to the bold and voluminous hood.

The new model is also accentuated by two chromic lines linking the windows and daytime running lights. Ultra-wide taillights give the feeling of width.

On top of the Sonata models, Hyundai also introduced its high-performance Veloster N and i30 N Line models as well as the Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars.

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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