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2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco Nets 38 Hwy MPG

by Bill SiuruOctober 8, 2014
Hyundai Sonata fans have expanded choices this year with the addition of a more efficient eco model. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata offers three four-cylinder powerplants including a standard 185 horsepower, 2.4-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine in the Sonata SE and an optional 245 horsepower, 2.0-liter GDI engine in the Sonata 2.0T. The new Sonata […]

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Hyundai Sonata fans have expanded choices this year with the addition of a more efficient eco model. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata offers three four-cylinder powerplants including a standard 185 horsepower, 2.4-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine in the Sonata SE and an optional 245 horsepower, 2.0-liter GDI engine in the Sonata 2.0T. The new Sonata Eco brings a 177 horsepower, 1-6 liter turbocharged Gamma engine to the party, a powerplant already available in the Hyundai Veloster. A hybrid version of the Sonata will come later.

Like Ford’s EcoBoost technology, the 1.6 T GDI Gamma engine uses a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and CVVT (continuous variable valve timing) to achieve its high mpg goals. In the Sonata Eco, the exhaust manifold-integrated, twin scroll turbocharger features an air guided intercooler. The Sonata Eco is the first Hyundai to use a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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All this adds up to an estimated 28 mpg city/38 mpg highway fuel efficiency rating, a 10 percent improvement over a 2.4 liter powered Sonata SE. Correspondingly, the Eco model costs about 10 percent more than the base Sonata 2.4-liter version as well. The Eco engine meets California’s ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) and Euro 5 emissions standards.

The Sonata Eco comes standard with all the features of a Sonata SE plus a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, and automatic headlights. Inside, Eco drivers also get stitching on the instrument cluster hood, chrome interior door handles, 5-inch color touchscreen audio, rearview backup camera, 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, and a Blue Link telematics system. The only option is the Technology package that includes a Blind Spot Detection System with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, leather upholstery, heated front seats, voice-controlled navigation system with an eight-inch screen, and more.

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The 2015 Sonata Eco will go into production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.