Hyundai has launched the all new Sonata & Tucson in Oman At a ceremony held on 10^th Feb amidst the presence of Middle East , Africa & Eastern European dealers and media, Hyundai unveiled the models and offered first hand test drive experience to all. Aimed at the discerning customer both the new models are top notch in terms of their styling and features. In addition to the well crafted stylish looks both Sonata & Tucson offer a comforting and exclusive drive experience. Good-looking, comfortable, well-trimmed and very well made - there is nothing that you will not like about the duo which promises to be the biggest stunners of the year.

Sonata has been the perennial best-seller all over the world since the first generation model was launched in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata will continue this successful tradition with impeccable quality seen in other Hyundai premium models, such as the Genesis and Centennial.

SONATA & TUCSON CONCEPTS
Sonata - Destined to shake up the world’s sedan market, with an emotionally-driven design, state-of-art technology and superior build quality, the new Sonata promises to be an exceptional driving experience. The new Sonata is sophisticated and its unique design language evokes a sense of desire and strong appeal among all generations of drivers.

Tucson - After a successful long run, the challenge of the Tucson team was to conceive an even better SUV than the already great original. The development team moved to a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.

SONATA’S FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN
Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on developing Fluidic Sculpture, an entirely new design direction, inspired by nature. Fluidic sculpture injects sophistication and dynamic angles into the shape of a vehicle which now serves as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity. The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline. A mono-form side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details. The sophisticated look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambience thanks to a flow-through center console and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

TUCSON ’S STYLING CONFIDENCE
Hyundai's new "fluidic" design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the Tucson . To achieve the dynamic and sporty image, Tucson gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel. Aerodynamic tweaks include the addition of a rear spoiler which aids fuel efficiency. For improved comfort, designers have carved out extra legroom and headroom whilst lowering the overall height of the vehicle. The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof with UV blocking. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel.

DIMENSIONS
Sonata rides on a 2,795mm wheelbase which is 65mm longer than the previous model. At 4,820mm and 1,835mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor giving more interior cabin space. The overall height of 1,470mm has been lowered by 5mm without affecting the headroom.

Tucson has a 2,640mm wheelbase which is 10mm longer than the predecessor. At 4,410mm and 1,820mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor providing improved interior cabin space. The overall height of 1,665mm has been lowered by 25mm but it does not affect the headroom.

POWERTRAINS
In Oman , the models will be equipped with two powerful and fuel efficient Theta II gasoline engines: Theta-II 2.4 and 2.0 engines. The lighter weight Theta II engines with a straightened air intake system, allows the engine to inhale a larger volume of air and put out more power & torque.

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Sonata extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle. Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it backward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, further enhancing driver control. Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 12.0 kg lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 40. 6mm shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with precise handling and steering response for the new Sonata. Sonata uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems with increased travel for improved wheel control and a smoother ride.

The multi-link rear suspension was adopted in the Tucson not only for its superior ride and handling characteristics but also because of its compact design which minimizes intrusion into the cabin creating extra space for passengers and cargo. MacPherson struts are employed for the front suspension set-up.

SAFETY INNOVATIONS
To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags. In addition, safety has been upgraded with Electronic Stability Program (optional) including Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions—an industry first in this competitive segment.

The entire body shell of Tucson has been made stiffer and lighter with the use of steel. It comprises 68.9 percent of the shell compared to its predecessor's 57.3 percent. Also, the use of Tailor Welded Blanks has been expanded on key structural members. TWB assemblies combine steels of different thickness and grades using a sophisticated laser welding and stamping process achieving an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio. In addition to 4WD capability (optional), Tucson's credentials are strengthened with two new safety features: Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control which promote safer travel up and down steep slopes.

Each of the features of Sonata & Tucson first surprise then delights, time after time. It easily surpasses its peers who don’t even come close to its build quality. Fit and fitments are excellent and that lifts the duo to where it needed to be - at a level that every manufacturer should aspire to and no new-car purchaser should accept less. Look at the Sonata & Tucson >from any angle and you will see shadows of styling cues which are exclusive. And all of this comes at a value equation impossible to ignore. < /FONT >

Hyundai as a brand has made significant strides on the back of sophisticated product design, leading-edge quality, safety technology and exceptional value. The last few years are of special significance for Hyundai – not only because Hyundai has become one of the top automotive brands in the world but also because it has beaten some renowned brands in quality. Hyundai’s Genesis won the Car of the Year award beating some of the renowned brands, it was also ranked amongst the ‘Best new Cars of 2009’ by About.com and the top safety pick award by IIHS. Getz and i30 triumphed in the NRMA awards as the most cost effective vehicles to own and operate in their respective categories. Hyundai won the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award at the UTVi Autocar Awards 2009 and NDTV Car and Bike Awards 2009. Hyundai’s TAU V8 engine earned a spot on ‘ Ward´s 10 Best Engines’ list for 2009. Hyundai’s vehicles are winning accolades and awards from around the industry because they are safe, reliable, innovative and comfortable. This gives a refined driving experience for the owners and their families. One has to test drive and discover what millions of satisfied Hyundai owners already know – Hyundai stands for uncompromising quality.

OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Hyundai’s range of vehicles in Oman . With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centres, OTE Group ensures that Hyundai customers are never far from getting a wide range of high quality after-sales service. It is this strong partnership that continues to lead more customers to join the Hyundai family.