Hyundai pulled the wraps off the 2011 Sonata saloon at the New York Auto Show this week, showing a hybrid version that's notable for its distinctly rakish looks. Very un-Prius.

The hybrid drivetrain mates a 2.4-litre petrol engine (producing up to 169bhp) to a 40bhp electric motor with 151lb.ft of torque. A lithium polymer battery provides juice to the motor, and a six-speed automatic gearbox channels the drivetrain's 209bhp total output to the front wheels. The system is called Blue Drive.

Hyundai used its New York platform to predict that the car will achieve 44mpg on the US EPA city cycle, and 47mpg on the highway. That's better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid - which will be its chief competitor in the US.

The distinctive front-end styling is inspired by the Blue-Will concept shown in Detroit, and is different from the standard US market Sonata's face. It reduces drag, improving efficiency. Hopefully that face will make its way to European Hyundais sooner rather than later.

Mark Nichol - 1 Apr 2010