Hyundai Motors have made public the updated model of their flagship sedan, the Sonata. In a move aligned with the company’s focus on evolutionary design, the new Sonata not only has an updated interior and exterior but also some serious safety system advancements.
On the outside the Sonata receives a host of refined features including a new grille, vertical LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and hood-engulfed headlights designed for a more dynamic appearance.
Adding to the dynamic feel, along with exterior styling upgrades, the Sonata gets new 17-inch directional spoked wheels to cruise around on. If bigger is better, there are also two new 18-inch alloy wheel designs on offer.
The top-of-the-line 2.0L Turbo petrol model takes the Sonata upgrades to a whole new level with chromed up moulding for the lower side body, door handles, rear lamp moulding, rear diffuser and dual exhaust mufflers. This model also receives black bezel headlamps, as well as black DRL surrounds, black lower front bumper and black side mirror casings which are all contrasting a sporty mesh radiator grille.
On the inside, enhanced features include piano key buttons for the controls in the centre console. These are complemented by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system or optional 8-inch Audio Visual Navigation system.
The steering wheel has also received an upgrade with a three-spoke design or in the top of the range 2.0L Turbo version, a flat-bottomed design for an even sportier feel.
There are other upgrades for the Turbo model such as bolstered front seats and a range of driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Eco and Smart – which are selected via a new gear lever.
Technology can often be a point of difference in the hotly contested sedan segment and the Sonata receives some exciting upgrades on this front too. New connectivity solutions, such as a conveniently located USB charge port, wireless smartphone charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are also included as standard.
The new Sonata aims to build on its reputation for advanced safety. New safety equipment will include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, Dynamic Bending Lights, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Finally, the new eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2.0L Turbo and paddle shifters in the 1.6L Turbo models round out the upgrades for the new Sonata, elevating the driving experience.
With all these upgrades, it will be interesting to see where pricing sits when the Sonata is available to Australian buyers around the middle of this year.
Let’s start a Car Conversation, do the upgrades listed for the new Sonata excite you? Are you in the market for a mid-sized sedan, how do you think the new Sonata will compare?
