First Look: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai is taking the wraps off of the new Sonata Hybrid, and we have the first teaser image of the new ecomobile. Look for unique body work to distinguish the gas-electric hybrid from its conventional brothers.

From the teaser we can see the large, trapezoidal front grille with inspiration from the Peugeot 407. Above the grille, we see a variation of the winged Hyundai “H” logo from the Elantra Touring (see image below). Combined with the headlights, which look like they may be LED units, and “J” shaped fog lights, the new front end is a rather attractive piece, and should prove less polarizing than the petrol powered models.

No official word on motivation, but expect the usual gas engine, likely the 2.4-liter I-4 from the standard Sonata, and electric motor, working in conjunction to drive the front wheels. The regular Sonata gets an impressive 35 miles per gallon, which ties it with the Camry Hybrid, so expect some very impressive numbers from the gas-electric model.

No word on when the Hybrid will be available for us to review, but in the mean time, check out our drive review of the gas powered model in this month’s issue.