Several Hyundai models heading to China in 2011

Shanghai November 15 (Gasgoo.com) Beijing Hyundai, Hyundai Motor's Chinese venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC), will import next-generation Sonata and several other Hyundai models to China next year, the Beijing Times reported Monday.

The new Sonata YF, targeted at the mid- and high-end market, is the most successful model Hyundai Motor has ever sold in the European market, and expected to be sold for less than 170,000 yuan ($25,000) in the Chinese market.

Besides the all-new Sonata, the Korean automaker will launch four more new models in China in 2011 - the next generation Azera/Grandeur in February; the Hyundai FS, a smaller compact utility vehicle (CUV), and the Hyundai Rohens couple 3.0L, in June; the Hyundai SO, a small-size Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), at the end of 2011.

Sonata Hybrid

In addition, Hyundai Motor Group China Ltd. will introduce the hybrid version of the Sonata to China in 2012, in an effort to expand the "Hyundai" brand to China's new energy vehicle market.

The Sonata Hybrid features a 169-hp 2.4L engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing the 30 kW motor to deliver its 204.7 Nm of torque, whirring car and driver noiselessly to speed up to 62 miles per hour and consuming only 6.4 liters of gasoline running 100 km/h in urban roads under average driving conditions. The car will be initially launched in overseas markets at the end of this year.