Hyundai unveils sportiest Sonata yet

HYUNDAI has unveiled a comprehensive update to its eighth-generation Sonata sedan online ahead of the model’s formal debut at next week’s Seoul motor show.

Claimed to be “more than a simple facelift” of the model that debuted four years ago, Hyundai says the Sonata’s four-door coupe styling embraces its Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy.

The Sonata’s aggressively sporty design is characterised by a long bonnet and lower, broader frontal treatment that is adorned with Hyundai’s Seamless Horizon Lamp between the headlights for a “more aggressive image”.

A more aerodynamic body is said to improve fuel efficiency and high-speed stability when compared with the Sonata’s direct rivals, which include the Mazda6 (from $35,540 before on-road costs), Skoda Octavia (from $39,290 + ORC) and Toyota Camry (from $32,490 + ORC).

Standard and N-Line variants of the new Sonata will be offered, both sporting linear design elements, a black garnish along the beltline, and a swooping spoiler-shaped boot lid to “reinforce the impression of a high-performance sports sedan”.

N-Line variants further adopt quad exhaust tips and bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels.

Locally, the current Sonata is offered exclusively in N-Line form and priced from $52,065 plus on-road costs.

The Korean manufacturer says the driver-centric interior layout of the new Sonata is punctuated with “delicate high-end details”, signalling a move upmarket and likely price uplift.

In-cabin technology also takes a leap forward with a new curved display encompassing both the 12.3-inch driver’s instrumentation screen and 12.3-inch infotainment array as one. This “future oriented” arrangement also serves to enhance the horizontal styling cues and expanded sense of space within the cabin, says Hyundai, and includes a touch-type climate control unit to provide a “high-tech vibe”.

The cabin is said to have undergone significant upgrades to benefit cabin space and the “passenger experience” with tasteful décor colour combinations that simultaneously “enhance the send of sportiness and premium character” within.

A new shift-by-wire transmission controller frees up space on the centre console, which is now fitted with a palm rest, larger cup holders and storage tray where the gear selector once was.

Hyundai will debut the all-new Sonata to the general public at the Seoul motor show from March 30. It is expected the model will make its local debut before the end of this year.