Our take on the all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata

It has been a few weeks since Hyundai launched the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Since the arrival of the first model at Castlegar Hyundai, we've been busy studying this new vehicle and absorbing all of Hyundai's technical material. What is indisputably clear is how much thought and planning Hyundai put into the so-called "user experience". Clearly, Hyundai recognizes that vehicle design should not focus exclusively on the shape of sheet metal or the colour of upholstery fabric. Good design is also about improving a driver's interaction with the vehicle. Without sounding over dramatic or self-important, design should improve quality of life. And with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, we see major engineering improvements along with small, thoughtful details that make this car enjoyable to own. Let's run through some  examples.

Good looks equals fuel savings

Hyundai modernized the Sonata's design using the new version of its "fluidic sculpture" design approach. This design change improved the Sonata's aerodynamics to the point where the car's drag co-efficient, which essentially measures wind resistance, is equal to BMW. Less resistance equals increased fuel savings. With the new Sonata, Hyundai set out to design an attractive car but also a car that consumes less fuel -- and keeps more money in your wallet. 

Creating a stronger bond

If you have ever watched the television show Holmes on Homes, you probably know that contractor Mike Holmes goes the extra mile by using screws and adhesives to create stronger, longer-lasting decks, basement walls, floors and the like. Open the hood of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and you may notice what looks like a wide bead of caulking along both the sides of the engine compartment. To assemble steel body panels, many manufacturers simply spot weld the joints. While this is creates a fairly strong bond, there are gaps between the spot welds. These gaps allow the metal pieces to twist as the car drives over bumps or rough roads. Gaps also allow moisture to enter these joints, creating corrosion. Over time, the structural integrity of these joints will weaken, causing rattles and shakes. With the 2015 Sonata, Hyundai has dramatically increased the use of structural adhesives to fortify these welded areas. In the 2013 Sonata, Hyundai used a total of 11 meters of adhesives. The 2015 Sonata uses the equivalent of 119 meters. This change makes the new Sonata incredibly stiff, which produces a quieter, more refined driving experience. The extra adhesive will also increase the longevity of the car and maintain that new-car feel. 

Quiet down

Check under most vehicles and you will see plastic inside the wheel wells. For the Sonata, Hyundai installed premium wheel-well liners in the both the front and rear. This felt-like material deadens road noise, producing a quiet ride. And it is also stronger and more flexible, making it less likely to break from a rock or other road hazards. Hyundai has also added even more sound deadening material to the engine compartment.

Shouldn't we all drive safer vehicles?

Many automakers include the latest driver safety technology in only the most expensive models. If you want to protect you and your family with these advanced features, be prepared to pay up. It is a different story with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. You can enjoy features like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera and other safety technology in the lower models of Sonata. In fact, the Sonata features more content in its lower trim packages than most other vehicles in this segment.

These are just a few examples of the thought Hyundai put into the new Sonata. It shows how Hyundai has expanded its definition of design from the visual appeal of its cars to the entire driver experience. From small details to major technological advances, the new Sonata is a strong signal that Hyundai is ramping up its innovation and building on its reputation for value.

At Castlegar Hyundai, we now have several models of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata to view. We would be very pleased to provide you with a detailed look at this advanced car.