IT WAS ONLY A MATTER of time before the Koreans developed their own sense of style, and the eight-generation Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan shows that they are becoming increasingly confident in their design skills and creating an individual style for the brand.
Through more than a simple facelift, the new Sonata revolutionises the old Sonata’s image, launched in 2019, and is reborn as a dynamic, progressive new model with low-slung, elegant proportions, more aggressive styling and future-oriented technology.
The new Sonata presents a fresh take on the four-door coupe that captures the essence of Hyundai Motor’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy.
Exterior design embodies ‘The Sportiness’
Sonata accentuates its distinctive image with an N Line-based exterior design that conveys sports coupe style with a long hood, low front-end and fastback roof line.
The low-slung exterior exemplifies progressive automotive design and embodies ‘The Sportiness’ with a horizontal front-end layout that integrates Hyundai’s signature Seamless Horizon Lamp, hidden headlamps, wide grille and air intake for a more dynamic and aggressive appearance. The Seamless Horizon Lamp and wide-set, hidden headlamps create a dramatic lighting effect, emphasising the vehicle’s wide stance while adding a futuristic touch.
The dynamic design is emphasised by the contrast between sharp, linear elements and clean, supple surfaces. The black garnish along the bottom of the body rises towards the rear, giving Sonata a strong character.
At the rear, the new H-lights further emphasise Sonata’s high-tech image and wide stance. The swooping spoiler-shaped trunk lid and muffler-shaped rear garnish on the standard model reinforce the impression of a high-performance sports sedan while the addition of a rear spoiler and dual twin-tip mufflers along with exclusive 19-inch wheels on the N Line further amplify that image.
Interior design implements a future mobility sensibility
The interior boasts a driver-centric layout that matches its sportier exterior image while implementing a future mobility sensibility with delicate high-tech details.
For the first time in a Hyundai model, there’s a panoramic curved display that combines both 12.3-inch driver information clusters and 12.3-inch AVN infotainment system in a modern and simple dashboard layout that emphasises the horizontal lines and expanded sense of space. The touch-type climate control unit applied to the instrument panel boosts the high-tech vibe.
The interior has undergone significant upgrades for an improved passenger experience with tasteful interior colour combinations to enhance the sense of sportiness and premium character simultaneously.
Sonata’s interior ‘floating’ theme creates a futuristic mood. The application of a column-type shift-by-wire controller behind the steering wheel creates more space in the centre console area. The centre console is further enhanced by the palm rest that provides more comfort for the driver by extending the armrest to lean up to the palm of the hand. The large size cup holder and tray provide additional convenience.
Redesigned sport sedan to be available soon
The new Sonata will be unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, March 30 – April 9, 2023.