Hyundai Motor Company has announced the launch of Sonata Hybrid, the Korean brand’s first mid-size hybrid car equipped with new cutting-edge green technology in the Middle East region.

 

The launch of the Korean brand’s mid-size hybrid car marks the first time the company has marketed a hybrid vehicle in the region, reinforcing Hyundai’s philosophy ‘New Thinking, New Possibilities’. 

 

The first country to welcome this eco-friendly car was Jordan, with the official launch ceremony taking place at the historic Citadel in Amman this month. 

 

The arrival of the new Hybrid car comes at a time when Hyundai cars continue to enjoy record-breaking levels of popularity across the GCC and Levant region, with sales up 5.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2013, said a top official. 

 

“Introducing the new Sonata Hybrid to the Middle East marks an important milestone for Hyundai. There is an increasing awareness around the region about our individual responsibilities to limit our impact on the environment, and Hyundai is pleased to be able to offer a product to meet this new demand,” remarked Tom Lee, the VP and the head of Middle East regional headquarters. 

 

"The new 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which is the first model enjoying Hyundai’s Blue Drive technology to reach the Middle East, is equipped with an advanced hybrid drive system that is powered by a 2.4 litre gasoline engine that gives out 199 hp," he explained.

 

"This is coupled with an electric motor, which delivers up to 30 kW, stored in a state of the art lithium polymer battery, giving the hybrid a total output of 200 hp. The model is capable of speeds of up to 120 Km/h using its electric motor alone and can cover approximately 16.1 kilometres on a single litre of fuel," stated Lee.   

 

The New Sonata Hybrid features a new and improved external design that sets itself apart from the standard models, with larger front and rear fascias with a deeper air dam, extended rocker panels and reduced wheel drag. These external changes enhance air flow and decrease resistance, resulting in better aerodynamics and less energy used. 

 

"The interior of Hyundai’s new eco-friendly car offers its passengers the same high level of comfort and convenience as its counterparts, including cruise control, Bluetooth and advanced 4.20-inch LCD computer with Hybrid display. And with a 7 year warranty and extremely competitive price, this Blue Drive model is set to prove as popular as it is green," he added.-TradeArabia News Service