Hyundai Australia won't be chasing the popular Toyota Camry Hybrid with its own electrified large sedan.
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Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new Tucson Hybrid SUV, brand representatives said the South Korean carmaker won't be bringing the Sonata Hybrid to the local market, despite increasing demand for electrified vehicles in Australia.
"Our strategy for Sonata is still the top-spec N Line – one model – it has served us really well over the past few years," said Guido Schenken, senior manager for public relations at Hyundai Australia.
Product manager Sam Dabestani added: "And we're certainly very proud to have a medium sedan. We think we have a very strong offering in the Sonata, and our customers certainly give very strong feedback of their ownership experience".
Currently sold in the South Korean domestic market as well as North America, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine teamed with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
On their own, the petrol and electric motors develop 111kW and 38kW respectively, coming together for a system power output of 143kW. For reference, the Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a system power output of 168kW.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission in the Sonata Hybrid, with claimed fuel economy in the South Korean market listed as low as 19.4km/L – or 5.15L/100km.
The sole variant on sale in Australia is the Sonata N Line, which features a 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It would appear Hyundai Australia is content with remaining a niche player in the mid-size passenger space, based on the local representatives's commentary and the refusal to bring the Sonata Hybrid.
Across the first half of 2024 there have been 283 new Sonatas delivered in Australia, up 73.6 per cent on same period in 2023.
By comparison, the Toyota Camry – which has had orders closed as the Japanese giant tries to keep up with demand – has delivered 10,788 units in the same timeframe.
The big Hyundai also lags behind the all-electric BYD Seal, of which 4092 have been delivered in 2024, putting it in a firm second place in the mainstream medium passenger segment standings.
If you count both mainstream and premium price segments in the mid-size space, the Tesla Model 3's 10,600 deliveries are a close second to the Toyota.
Pricing for the single Sonata N Line specification starts from $55,000 before on-road costs.
Would you buy a Sonata Hybrid if it came to Australia? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
