The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is entering the 2013 model year with a number of changes for its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that help improve fuel efficiency by up to 6 percent and increase electric-only driving.
At the same time, the Korean carmaker dropped prices by $200 over the 2012MY, with the base Sonata Hybrid starting at $25,650 and the Limited edition at $30,550, excluding a $795 delivery charge.
Among the chief upgrades made to the Sonata’s hybrid architecture is the fitment of a larger capacity 10.5 kW Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG), a higher output 35 kW electric motor, and a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery pack.
In addition to improving the system’s efficiency, Hyundai engineers updated the hybrid system clutch control, re-tuned the throttle, optimized the regenerative braking shift pattern and decreased friction in the six-speed automatic transmission.
The car’s 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine that runs on an Atkinson cycle remains unchanged as does the hybrid system’s combined output of 206hp. When in pure electric drive, the Sonata Hybrid can drive electrically up to a speed of 75mph (121 km/h).
What changes is the Sonata Hybrid’s fuel economy numbers, as the 2013 model returns 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined, which represent an improvement of 6 percent, 3 percent and 6 percent respectively over the 2012 model (34mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 36mpg combined).
Sonata Hybrid Packaging
The Sonata Hybrid MSRP is $25,650, excluding $795 freight and includes the following standard equipment:
- 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine
- Hybrid Starter-Generator (HSG)
- Permanent magnet high-power density motor
- 270V lithium polymer battery
- 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
- Electronic stability control with traction control system
- ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
- Active front head restraints
- Front, front seat side and curtain airbags
- 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels
- Headlight LED accents
- LED taillights
- Front fog lights
- Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators
- Unique, tinted chrome front grille
- Bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts
- Chrome exterior door handles
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer
- Electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision)
- 4.2-inch color TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display
- Dual automatic temperature control
- Floor console mounted rear vents
- Heated front seats
- Chrome interior door handles
- Leatherette interior door panel inserts
- Tilt & telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls
- Metalgrain interior accents
- AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB & auxiliary input jacks
- Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
- Integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer
- Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system
- Automatic light control
- Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
- Solar control glass
Sonata Hybrid Limited
The Sonata Hybrid Limited MSRP is $30,550, excluding $795 freight, and includes the following standard equipment:
- 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish
- Leather seating surfaces
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
- Heated rear seats
- Power driver seat with lumbar support
- Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
- Rear backup camera
- Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt)
- HD Radio Technology with multicasting
- SiriusXM NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial
- Auto-dimming mirror/HomeLink/Compass
- Premium door sill plates
Panoramic Sunroof Package ($1,000 MSRP)
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing
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