2014 Hyundai Sonata gets host of improvements, starts at $21,350*

Tue, 08 Oct 2013

Hyundai has announced improvements for the 2014 Sonata, as well as a price increase of $450 for the base GLS model, which has a MSRP of $21,350. That doesn't include the *$795 destination fee, which was increased by $20 for 2014. The most expensive Sonata, the Limited Turbo, starts at $28,650, also not including destination.

The new features are numerous, but only a fraction of them come standard on all Sonata models. The new standard features shared by the GLS, SE, SE 2.0T and Limited models include a refined grille design (which isn't too different from the 2013 model, if we're honest), HID headlights, LED taillights, a slightly revised rear fascia, Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and a tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). To improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), all Sonatas also get improved carpet, more foam in the A and B pillars and an additional dynamic damper.

Hyundai has added a rearview camera and blind spot mirror as standard equipment on SE and Limited Sonatas, and it's also offered on the GLS with the Popular Equipment Package. Blind spot detection also makes its debut on the Sonata, which is standard on Limited models and part of the Premium Package on SE models. The GLS isn't slated for a blind spot detection system.

Some of the other features on SE and Limited Sonatas that are now standard include a full-leather steering wheel and new color audio screens with HD Radio and rearview camera integration. Limited models get new ventilated driver's seats, while SE models come with carbon fiber trim. The 274-horsepower turbocharged SE 2.0T now features a sport-tuned exhaust.

Head on below for pricing information and the full press release detailing all of the updates Hyundai has in store for the 2014 Sonata.

2014 Hyundai Sonata Pricing (including $795 destination fee):
GLS w/ 2.4L GDI 4-cyl.: $22,145
GLS w/ 2.4L GDI 4-cyl. PZEV: $22,145
SE w/ 2.4L GDI 4-cyl.: $24,995
SE w/ 2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl.: $26,545
Limited w/ 2.4L GDI 4-cyl.: $27,695
Limited w/ 2.4L GDI 4-cyl. PZEV: $27,695
Limited w/ 2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl.: $29,445

MAJOR UPDATE FOR 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA DELIVERS NEW LEVELS OF REFINEMENT, SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY

More Than 50 New Reasons to Drive the Hyundai Sonata

COSTA MESA, Calif. – Thanks to high customer satisfaction, exceptional safety, cutting-edge design and impressive power and fuel economy, the Hyundai Sonata remains one of the highest rated and best-selling midsize cars on the market. Fresh from receiving the honor of most dependable midsize car by J.D. Power and Associates in their 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study, Sonata enters the 2014 model year with exterior design enhancements, new safety technologies and a host of unique comfort and convenience features.

Building on an established reputation as a design trendsetter, Hyundai engineers, designers and product planners enhanced nearly every system in the car. In total, more than 50 Sonata major sub-systems are new or redesigned. The 2014 Sonata arrives with even greater value for money, adding highly desired features with an MSRP increase of only $155 on the Sonata GLS. Pricing for the exceptionally well-equipped 2014 Sonata GLS begins at $21,350.

NEW FEATURES FOR THE 2014 MODEL YEAR

- Exterior design enhancements include - refined grille designs, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, HID Xenon headlights, LED taillights and a new rear fascia insert
- Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) - standard on all trims
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) - standard on all trims
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - standard on all trims
- Sport-tuned exhaust - standard on SE 2.0T
- Driver's blind spot mirror - optional on GLS
- Blind Spot Detection System - optional on SE, standard on Limited
- Full-leather steering wheel - standard on SE and Limited
- Third-generation navigation and audio multimedia system with eight-inch touchscreen display - optional on SE and Limited
- 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera and HD Radio, optional on GLS - standard on SE and Limited
- New fully automated temperature controls - standard on Limited
- Supervision cluster with color LCD screen between the tachometer and speedometer - standard on SE and Limited
- Ventilated driver seat - standard on Limited
- Body-colored spoiler - standard on SE
- LED dome light optional on GLS - standard on SE and Limited
- Carbon fiber interior trim – standard on SE
- New 17- 18-inch wheels for improved NVH
- Improved carpet for a quieter interior
- Additional foam in the A and B pillars for improved NVH
- Additional dynamic damper for improved NVH

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN LANGUAGE
Fluidic Sculpture is the consistent, cohesive design language used throughout the entire Hyundai showroom. It gives the Sonata an upscale appearance along with aerodynamics that reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. The new bolder grilles, rear fascia insert and optional HID Xenon headlights and LED taillights boost the flowing lines and integrate a new level of design precision. The fluid and precise exterior theme is completed by sets of all-new 17- and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The sophisticated look continues inside, where Hyundai has created an even more upscale ambiance with:

- New full-leather steering wheel on SE and Limited
- New eight-inch navigation screen
- New color audio screens with HD Radio and rearview camera integration - optional on GLS and standard on SE and Limited
- New color LCD information screen between the tachometer and speedometer - standard on SE and Limited
- New ventilated driver seat - standard on Limited
- New LED dome light - optional on GLS and standard on SE and Limited
- New carbon fiber trim - standard on SE

NVH IMPROVEMENTS HAPPEN AT HYUNDAI SPEED
Since the launch of the current generation in 2010 as a 2011 model, Sonata has undergone significant changes to reduce cabin noise. These engineering changes will be noticed immediately by driver and passengers:

- New 17- and 18-inch wheels to reduce road noise inside the cabin
- Improved carpet insulating properties to block road and engine noise
- Additional foam in the A and B pillar to reduce road noise
- Additional dynamic damper to improve road noise

ADVANCED POWERTRAINS
Sonata continues to be powered by the acclaimed Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine continues to lead the mid-size segment in specific output more than three years after its initial introduction. Much of its advantage derives from its advanced Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to increased horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. This higher pressure, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high-pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also enables a higher-than-normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

Sonata delivers an impressive 24 mpg city/35 mpg EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating with the standard six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II GDI engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torquei. In the SE trim, which includes a standard dual exhaust, the engine delivers 192 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

With the 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, the 2014 Sonata offers an unprecedented combination of fuel efficiency and power – with 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb.-ft of torque from 1,650 - 4,500 rpm and an EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with regular fuel. Hyundai's turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. The 2.0T engine is available on the SE and Limited trim levels. The Sonata 2.0T SE adds a sport tuned exhaust for the 2014 model year. All 2014 Sonatas feature a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

The 2014 Sonata now offers Hyundai's Blind Spot Detection system (BSD). Using advanced sonar sensors, this system continually monitors traffic around the Sonata and if another vehicle is detected within a set distance, audio and visual elements alert the driver to the issue. A driver's blind spot mirror also arrives on the 2014 Sonata and is standard on the high-volume GLS Popular Equipment Package and all SE and Limited models, replacing the traditional side view mirror, and features an integrated convex spotter mirror aimed directly at the Sonata's blind spot.

All models now have a standard Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry on the other) and the vehicle tends to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides counter-steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has also been updated for 2014 to a system that identifies the specific tire with low pressure.

Standard 2014 Sonata safety technologies include:

- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) (New)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Advanced airbags, driver and front passenger
- Side air curtains, front and rear passengers
- Active-front head restraints

- Shingle-style rear-seat head restraints
- Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
- Front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters
- Outboard rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats
- Tire specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Additional safety technologies include:

- Rearview camera and driver's blind spot mirror (New), both standard on the high-volume GLS Popular Equipment Package and all SE and Limited models
- Blind Spot Detection (New), standard on Limited and part of the Premium Package on SE and SE 2.0T

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
Behind the wheel, drivers of the 2014 Sonata will benefit from Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. This innovative system allows drivers to adapt Sonata's steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions. Comfort mode is ideal for city and parking environments, offering the greatest ease of steering with a decrease in steering effort from Normal mode. Normal mode is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. Meanwhile, Sport Mode is optimized for higher-speed freeways or winding roads and decreases power steering assist from Normal mode. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also adjusts on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural and progressive feel. Steering dampening characteristics, active return and friction levels also have been optimized in Sonata.

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with precise handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited. Sonata uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems with increased travel for optimum wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs, fade-resistant dual flow dampers and stabilizer bars. The suspension has been optimized to help keep the vehicle flat during cornering and provide quick turn-in response. The rear suspension uses aluminum components to reduce weight and improve suspension performance. The GLS and Limited models also use advanced low-rolling resistance tires to help improve fuel economy while maintaining good ride and handling performance.

The Sonata SE is an even more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer a sportier ride and handling dynamics. The sport-tuned suspension features stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. Low profile 18-inch tires and an even more precise on-center steering feel round out the unique chassis components of the Sonata SE.

All Sonatas are equipped with motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Sonata's turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

HYUNDAI PACKAGING EFFICIENCY
The sleek design, combined with Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, delivers class-leading interior comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom and interior volume, but at 120.2 cubic feet, the Sonata has more interior volume than all of its key competitors. It is so spacious that Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a large car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). The Sonata shines even in trunk volume, with 16.4 cu. ft. of trunk space that gives it a 6.1 percent advantage over the Camry and a 10.4 percent advantage over Accord.

Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity, yet it is lighter than many midsize sedans, while offering more interior room. This focus on power-to-weight ratio pays dividends across the board. The Sonata owes its ability to deliver both strong performance and excellent fuel economy in great part to its impressive power-to-weight efficiency.

WORLD CLASS POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

2014 Sonata
Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,245
Horsepower: 190
Power-to-weight ratio (lbs./hp): 17.1

THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

Sonata SE and Limited models offer an optional multifunction eight-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a cell phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screen displays speed limits and details the next three maneuvers – one or two button pushes now complete most functions.

HD Radio technology is also integrated into all Sonatas equipped with color audio displays. An HD Radio icon on the display appears next to the channel frequency to notify the user when a station is broadcasting in HD.

Four audio systems are available on Sonata. Standard is an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. The upgraded audio system boasts a 4.3-inch full color LCD screen with HD Radio and rearview camera. The third system consists of the Gen. 3.0 Navigation unit with Dimension audio with 10 speakers. Finally, the premium navigation system includes an Infinity® 550-watt, Logic 7® surround sound audio system with 12 speakers, including an available eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier. A SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is integrated into each head unit and features channel logos and Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is also standard. Both navigation systems integrate rearview camera output. Blue Link™ turn-by-turn navigation is standard on all Sonata models (complimentary trial period).

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®
Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard for three years on all 2014 Sonatas. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care Maintenance Scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile application for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android® and Apple® iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively. A BlackBerry® version is also available.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES

Blue Link Assurance package:

Safety:

- Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:

- Maintenance Alert
- Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
- Recall Advisor
- Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
- Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:

Remote Access:

- Remote Door Lock/Unlock
- Remote Horn and Lights
- Remote Vehicle Start
- Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:

- Stolen Vehicle Recovery
- Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
- Vehicle Immobilization
- Alarm Notification
- Panic Notification
- Valet Alert
- Geo-Fence
- Speed Alert
- Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

- TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
- POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
- Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
- Traffic
- Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
- Eco-Coach
- Restaurant Ratings
- Weather

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.HyundaiBlueLink.com.

By Damon Lowney