At the beginning of 2019, the eighth generation of the Hyundai Sonata was released globally, which broke the mold with a fastback-type silhouette. And since four years have passed since then, the Korean brand presents us with the new Sonata, which bursts in showing important innovations.
Although Hyundai warns that it is more than “a simple facelift”, it must be clarified that this is still the eighth generation of the sedan. Let’s say that it is a major update that affects the exterior and interior design, the technological and security load.
We do not know anything about the mechanical options since Hyundai reserved that information for when the model goes on sale in a few more months.
Hyundai Sonata: the new in design
The “simple facelift” does not apply to this restyling of the Sonata because, at least from the front, they look like two totally different cars.The redesign was carried out adapted to the “Sensuous Sportiness” philosophy and is concentrated on the frontmaintaining the highly valued sporty silhouette, with 19″ wheels in the sporty N Line version.
Ahead are new optical groups, which are now divided. The main lights are below, while above, a strip of LED light It runs the entire width of the front, acting as daylight and light signature.
Also debuting are new Hyundai badging on the hood, a more aggressive bumper and a more compact hexagonal grille than before. There are details in black and chrome applications, and depending if it is the normal Sonata or the N Line, there are small differences that increase the sportiness of the second.
At the back we find a new LED light that runs the entire width of the vehicleand that ends in two small bars that give life to an H. Sports fascias, with exhaust outlets on both sides and the small upper spoiler complete a totally new rear part.
As for the interior design, everything looks more technological and digital thanks to a semi-curved dual screen design, which adds within the same frame the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster with 12.3″ infotainment screen, something we have seen in Mercedes-Benz, BMW and many other brands.
Thanks to this element, the general lines of the dashboard are more horizontal and cleaner, giving the cabin a more futuristic look. There are new finishes and colors, to emphasize a higher quality feel. The brand indicates that the new cable steering system allows you to gain space in the center console area, to gain spaces to leave things and a larger armrest.
It is worth saying that the Hyundai Sonata is sold with several mechanical gasoline options: 2.5 aspirated with 191 Hp, 1.6 Turbo with 180 Hp and 2.5 Turbo with 290 Hpin addition to a 150 Hp hybrid version, all associated with 8-speed automatic gearboxes.
We do not know if this configuration will be maintained, or if a new electrified model will be added, such as a plug-in hybrid or 100% electric. The official debut of the new Sonata will take place at the 2023 Seoul Auto Show, which opens its doors in a few more days.
