Hyundai i45 mid-size sedan to hit the continent “Down Under” in the second quarter of 2010.

Just recently launched Hyundai Sonata sedan received rave reviews from most prominent automotive media in the US. The model has created quite some buzz among Hyundai fans, as well as other automotive enthusiasts.

Hyundai now wants the hype to continue elsewhere in the world, particularly in Australia, where the carmaker has been gaining on popularity. Over the past couple of months, Hyundai recorded a few best-ever sales months ever since it entered the market. And for your record, those impressive sales numbers were achieved without having a brand-new Sonata sedan and Tucson crossover in the line-up.

The all-new Hyundai Tucson was launched in Australia just last week, while new Sonata is going to debut in the second quarter of 2010. Both models adopted Hyundai’s European nomenclature, so they are called the ix35 (Tucson) and i45 (Sonata) on the continent “Down Under”.

The all-new Hyundai i45 incorporates Hyundai’s brand-new styling approach called “fluidic sculpture”. It features modern powertrain technologies and new luxury features, but at the same time remains to be one of the best values for money.

According to Hyundai, the i45 does not differ from US-spec Sonata sedan. It comes available with a six-speed automatic transmission mated to new 2.4L Petrol Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine. It also achieves best-in-segment fuel economy ratings and provides class-leading safety for the driver and passengers.

The main difference between Sonata and the i45 is location where Hyundai builds them. While the US-spec Sonata sedan comes from Hyundai Motor’s manufacturing plant in Alabama, Australian bound i45s are being produced in South Korea.

“We are very excited to be launching the all-new Hyundai i45 mid-sized sedan in Australia in the coming months, said Oliver Mann, managing director at Hyundai Motor Company Australia. “The all-new Sonata is already breaking sales records at its home South Korean market and receiving awards in the U.S. market, so the all-new i45 sedan is also expected to make a considerable impact in the competitive Australian mid-sized segment.”