Hyundai Sonata plug-in Hybrid launched for $34,600

This week the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) arrives in select dealerships with a competitively priced and compelling product that boasts a class-leading 27-mile All-Electric Range (AER).

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid offers the efficiency of an alternative powertrain with a unique aerodynamic exterior design, best-in-class total interior volume, premium features and advanced safety technology all at an excellent value.

Engine:

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid's 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery system is roughly five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid's battery, and helps it achieve a class-leading 99 MPGe combined in charge-depleting electric vehicle (EV) mode. The larger battery system can be charged via an external electric power source using either a Level-One 120V power outlet in less than nine hours or a Level-Two 240V charging station in under three hours.

A 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with a 50kW electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. Sonata PHEV's Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

Moreover, the power output from the electric motor (50 kW) is 32 percent more powerful than the electric motor applied on the Sonata Hybrid (38 kW) and allows for EV operation at higher engine load and speeds.

Features:

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid features list includes 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, hands-free Smart Trunk, Dimension premium audio system, 8-inch touchscreen navigation and Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Safety Features:

Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. Advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam Assist and rear parking sensors are equipped on the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited.

Technology:

Additional convenient technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle is available on this incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan such as electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, driver memory seat, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control featuring full stop capability.

Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle remotely via an exclusive Blue Link smartphone app that includes a three-year complimentary trial to Blue Link Connected Care with Charge Management.

With the app, owners are given vehicle charging options they can select while in the car, but users can also manage them remotely via smartphone. For example, users have the option to manage the car's charging schedule by setting a specific date and time to take advantage of off-peak electric rates.

Production:

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is built at the Asan, South Korea plant and will be available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Price:

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid pricing starts at $34,600 (Rs 22.87 lakh) for a well-equipped model and offers more standard equipment than competitive segment vehicles.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will most likely to arrive in the Indian market by end of 2017.