Hyundai debuted its new 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T at the 2010 New York Auto Show this week.

The new Sonata 2.0T is powered by a new 2,0-litre Theta II turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 201 kW and 365 N.m of torque between 1 800 – 4 500 revs. The twin-scroll turbocharger minimizes turbo lag and gives the Sonata’s 4-cylinder engine more power than many V6 engines.

The new 2,0-litre direct-injection turbo is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai says the Sonata 2.0T will deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 10.6 l/100km in the urban environment and 6.9 l/100km on extra-urban journeys.

“The Sonata 2.0T is a great example of what our Blue Drive product strategy is doing for consumers,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Think about it – more horsepower than any of our V6 competitors, with better gas mileage than any competitive 4-cylinder model. We’re not fans of compromising at Hyundai, and the Sonata really demonstrates this aspect of our business approach.”

Lets hope we see this new Sonata and its turbocharged engine in South Africa. It would be a revelation in comparison to the 119 kW of the current model’s 2,4-litre engine.