New Hyundai i45, in other words, the 2011 Sonata, Coming to Australia in the 2nd Quarter


In keeping with its new nomenclature for certain regions, Hyundai announced today that the 2011 Sonata will be called i45 in Australia adding that the mid-size sedan will be launched onto the market in the second quarter of the year. The Australian-bound i45s will be manufactured in South Korea.

"We are very excited to be launching the all-new i45 mid-sized sedan in Australia in the coming months, said Oliver Mann, Hyundai Motor Company Australia's Marketing Director. "Already breaking records in South Korea and receiving awards in the U.S., i45 is going to make a considerable impact in the competitive Australian mid-sized segment."

Hyundai did not release any details on the powertrain choices for Australian customers.

In the U.S., the Sonata is currently offered only with a 198HP/200HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with direct-injection, but the South Korean brand is planning to extend the range with a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI gasoline engine as well as a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring the firm's lithium polymer battery pack, with both models expected to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show at the end of March.


US-Spec 2011 Hyundai Sonata