SCOOP! New Hyundai Sonata spied

These fresh pictures from Bangalore show the new Hyundai i45 or Sonata replacement being tested. The i45 has received a very positive reaction in every market it has been launched till date, and India should be no different.

And it's not difficult to see why; this aerodynamic car has a very attractive form, with sharp cuts and flowing lines blended in with a great degree of sophistication. The front has a very strong 'V' shape to it and the overall profile of the car resembles both the Mercedes CLS and the VW Passat CC. Of course the Hyundai will be several times cheaper, and that's bound to make it attractive to Indian customers.

The swoopy lines of the car are carried over on the inside as well. The central console has a strong V shape to it, there is a cockpit like wrap around feel for both the driver well as the passenger and there are plenty of brushed aluminum and chromed over bits. We expect Hyundai to load the i45 up with all manner of goodies, keyless go, paddle shifts and Bluetooth and I-pod connections. The i45 also features a very attractive set of deep set instruments, with an information display screen at the center. What remains to be seen however, is if rear legroom and more importantly headroom have been sacrificed for the attractive lines.

Hyundai is likely to power the car with its latest generation direct injection 2.4-litre petrol motor, which will make it as technologically advanced as the motor of the Skoda Superb. There won't be a turbo or a twin clutch automatic gearbox, but with 198bhp on hand, the larger engined i45 will have plenty of performance. And because this new Theta II motor uses direct injection, it is likely to be more efficient as well. Owners wanting to eek out even greater fuel economy can also elicit the help of a real time in dash Eco indicator.

Though there isn't a diesel version of the car currently on sale, we expect Hyundai to plonk the 194bhp Santa Fe CRDi motor under the hood. With an attractive Rs 17-19lakh price tag, Hyundai should be able to re address the slump in Sonata sales. Remember how well the Jaguar S Type look alike sold? This car has the same potential.

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