Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group starts selling the nation’s first mid-sized gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles from Monday.
Based on the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, they are equipped with a hard-type parallel hybrid system developed by the automotive group which operates on electric power while driving at speeds of under 20 km/h.
“Compared to combined hybrid systems, the parallel system features a simpler layout but boasts much improved performance,” a Hyundai-Kia spokesperson said.
The vehicles are also fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission exclusive to hybrids as well as a virtual engine sound system that kicks in during electric mode to alert pedestrians.
The Sonata hybrid costs W29.75 million (US$1=W1,069) for the Premier model and W32.95 million for the Royal. As for the K5, the Luxury model goes for W29.25 million, the Prestige W30.95 million and the Noblesse W31.95 million. The cars come with a six year-120,000 km warranty for parts.
