Hyundai has introduced the 2020 Sonata Hybrid that comes fitted with solar roof. The solar roof charging technology was unveiled last year as the South Korean automaker hinted that it would be deployed in a number of future Hyundai and Kia vehicles, and here it is.
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Hyundai claims that the solar roof is capable of increasing the vehicle’s annual drive range by about 1,300 km provided it gets 6 hours of daily charging from the sun. Other than the solar roof, the 2020 Sonata hybrid differentiates itself from its gasoline sibling with a unique grille pattern, as well as a specific rear spoiler and different set of alloy wheels.
The Sonata Hybrid also benefits from Hyundai’s new Active Shift Control technology. It’s essentially a new setup for the hybrid system’s control unit that claims to improve shift times by 30% without sacrificing smoothness. The shift-speed adjustment will also help the car feel a bit sportier.
Under the hood, the engine is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline unit from the “Smartstream” family producing 150 hp and 188 Nm of torque. As for the electric motor, it’s good for 51 hp and 250 Nm. The result is a combined output of 192 hp transmitted to the wheels through a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission.
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According to Hyundai, the Sonata Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 20.1 kilometers per liter when the car is running on 16-inch wheels. However versions that come fitted with larger 17-inch wheels returns 19.1 km in a liter.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
