Hyundai SonataTransform

Sonata Transform is a mid-sized luxury sedan launched by Hyundai Motors India Limited in late 2005. Being the fifth generation Sonata, it comes across as the perfect blend of elegance and athleticism. The bigger and stylish version of the earlier luxury sedan, SonataTransform comes equipped with a powerful engine, new body styling, plush interiors, and advanced safety features. The car boasts of excellent pick-up and performance. The cutting-edge style of Embera has already impressed the luxury car buyers in India.

The aluminum VTVT (Variable Timing Valve Train) engine of Hyundai Sonata Embera churns out a power of 165 PS @ 5800 rpm and maximum torque of 23.6 kgm @ 4250 rpm. The lightweight and newly designed engine block of the vehicle ensures higher fuel efficiency. Its high-power engine also ensures fast response and acceleration.

Dynamic suspension and an excellent rear-seat ride quality, one of Sonata's key appealing features, continue to dominate the Sonata's redesign. Hyundai Motor says that the Embera offers much higher fuel efficiency because of its light weight and aluminium engine block. With its contemporary international styling, refined driving dynamics and 170-mm ground clearance, it is time to take a second good look at the Sonata Embera.

In India the Sonata comes in three variants -- 2.4MT and 2.4AT in petrol and 2.0L CRDi MT in diesel. Under the hood, the Embera sports a high-power 2.4 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which forks out a powerful 163 bhp @ 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 23.6 kgm @ 4,250 rpm. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed H-matic automatic, the new aluminium engine features Variable Timing Valve Train (VTVT). Hyundai boasts that the Embera delivers plenty of low-end torque, quick response, excellent pick-up and great performance

The four-speed H-matic transmission, when set on tiptronic mode, allows some manual input for maximum driving pleasure. Hyundai mentions that the light-weight aluminium engine block improves fuel efficiency levels, which even out at 6-7/9-10 kmpl (city/highway). The all-new 2L CRDi engine pumps out 140 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 33 kgm of torque between 2,000 to 2,680 rpm. The diesel variant gets a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The Embera features independent double wishbone with coil springs in the front and an independent multi-link type with coil springs in the rear. The sedan exhibits excellent driving manners at all speeds, and the suspension does not allow evident body rolls during hard cornering.

The hood, featuring a prominent V-shaped ridge, meets the chrome-lipped signature grille. Wrap-around tail lamps (resembling those of the Honda Accord's) and sporty twin exhaust notes bring up the rear, balancing the front visage and emphasising the car's new international styling. Flared wheel arches feature 16-inch alloy wheels, and tubeless tyres give the Embera a sturdy, well-heeled profile. The new version is also a bit wider and taller than the Honda Accord.

The Embera's profile is distinguished, classy and contemporary, with styling taking on soft, sensuous lines that hint at the car's luxury and refinement. Wrap-around clear-lens headlamps enclose jeweled projector lights with silver bezels; the bumper incorporates trapezoidal fog lamps and chrome-embellished strips.

The interior is well-accommodated, and build quality is immaculate; the cabin features a two-tone fascia in beige and black. Standard features include air-conditioning, AM/FM radio, an in-dash music system and 6-CD changer, tilt and telescopic steering, cloth or leather upholstery and faux wood trim on the dash. Storage abounds with cup holders, ashtrays and map holders.

So far the car has done really well in Indian market, but to how far the car maintains its success is yet to be seen.