2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco nets 38 mpg from 1.6L turbo, 7-speed DCT

Thu, 19 Jun 2014

The wholly renewed 2015 Hyundai Sonata is on the verge of launching here in the United States, but it appears there's a bit more to the story first told at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. Hyundai has just revealed the first images and details of the Sonata Eco, a new entry in its midsize sedan lineup that combines a small, turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission to achieve an estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg highway.

That new powertrain is Hyundai's 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent through a new, seven-speed dual-clutch 'box – the first gearbox of its type in the segment. Hyundai points out that the Sonata Eco's 32 mpg combined rating offers a 10 percent improvement over the 2015 Sonata SE with its 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four.

38 mpg highway is pretty impressive, especially considering rivals like Toyota's electrified Camry Hybrid musters up only one better, with 39 mpg on the highway (though its 43 mpg city fuel economy is, obviously, much better). And while Hyundai still has not detailed news about a next-generation Sonata Hybrid, we've heard the company is still committed to offering one.

The 2015 Sonata Eco starts at $23,275, not including $810 for destination. This represents a $2,125 price increase over the base Sonata, and the only option available on the Eco is the $4,100 Technology Package which includes a whole host of amenities, including heated leather seats, blind spot monitoring, proximity key and a navigation system with eight-inch screen among many other niceties. Scroll down to read the full details in Hyundai's official release.

2015 SONATA ECO DELIVERS ESTIMATED 32 MPG COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY AND PREMIUM DRIVING EXPERIENCE

New 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission Paired With 1.6-liter Turbo Four Maximizes Efficiency, Fun

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 19, 2014 – Hyundai today announced the third powertrain available in the 2015 Sonata. The 2015 Sonata Eco is expected to deliver 32 mpg combined fuel economy, will start at $23,275, excluding $810 freight charge, and go into production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.

"Sonata Eco enhances the sophisticated design and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata with even more impressive fuel economy," said John Shon, manager, product planning. "This innovative powertrain improves fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience."

The 2015 Sonata Eco is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 177 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque. Sonata Eco is the first Hyundai product to utilize a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which no other mid-size sedan offers. This innovative powertrain helps Sonata Eco deliver an estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The estimated 32 mpg combined rating is more than a 10 percent improvement over a 2015 Sonata SE powered by the 2.4-liter Theta II engine.

2015 Sonata Eco comes standard with all the features of Sonata SE plus a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, stitching on the instrument cluster hood, chrome interior door handles, 5-inch color touchscreen audio, a rearview backup camera and Blue Link® telematics system.

The only available option is the $4,100 Technology Package that includes:

- Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) with Rear-cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist
- Chrome exterior door handles with welcome light
- Hands-free Smart Trunk Auto Open
- Proximity key entry with push-button start
- Leather seating surfaces
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Heated front seats
- Dual automatic temperature control
- 4.2-inch color LCD Multi-Info Display
- 8-inch navigation system featuring voice command technology, HD Radio
Technology, improved touch sensitivity, navigation and map split display, navigation with junction view lane guidance, Apple Eyes Free Siri integration, Wi-Fi client for downloading apps
- Dimension premium audio
- SiriusXM Travel Link®, which provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times, with 3-month complimentary subscription.
- Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
- Auto up/down front passenger window

By Steven J. Ewing