Hyundai reveals 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid at Chicago Auto Show

Hyundai has unveiled its redesigned 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models at the Chicago Auto Show in the U.S.A. The new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid feature a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, safety, suspension and new and improved infotainment and connectivity features.

The 2018 Hybrid and Plug-in will be produced in Asan, South Korea, with Hybrid availability in the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-in availability in the second quarter of 2018.

The new Sonata exterior design conveys a new appearance from every vantage point, including new wheel designs. On the inside, a new instrument panel centre stack, steering wheel, available audio/video navigation system, wireless phone charging and rear USB charge port further enhance the interior experience.

At the heart of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-litre Nu GDI four-cylinder engine, which produces 154bhp and 190Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a powerful 38kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found.

The Sonata Hybrid's Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of a larger electric motor. The electric motor produces 38kW (51bhp) and 205Nm of torque while the hybrid system's net power is 193bhp at 6,000rpm.

The Sonata Hybrid SE has preliminary internal estimates of 16.6km/L in the city, 19km/L on the highway and 17km/L combined. The Sonata Hybrid's total range is estimated at more than 1,046km under typical driving conditions.

Although the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is technologically advanced, it drives similarly to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the additional benefit of extended all-electric range.

A 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid's battery, gives the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 43km, and it can recharge in less than three hours with a level-two charger.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses Hyundai's six-speed TMED and a 50kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. The 50kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used in Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed.

A 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder GDI engine, coupled with the electric motor, allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the on-board battery charge is depleted. The Sonata Plug-in Nu engine produces 154bhp and 190Nm of torque and the total system output is 202bhp at 6,000rpm.