Hyundai is showing off its new Sonata sedan. The new model made its world debut overseas and Hyundai says it will launch in markets around the world later this year.
New Hyundai Sonata
The 8th generation of the midsize sedan arrives with some significant design, engineering and tech updates. It's also the first Hyundai with a curved digital display that combines the driver information clusters and the infotainment system.
The lineup includes a sporty N Line performance model as well as a hybrid.
Exterior
Design wise Hyundai went for more aggressive, sporty and futuristic look with a new coupe-like stance. It features a long hood and wide front-end layout that integrates a Seamless Horizon Lamp, wide-set hidden headlamps, a wide grill and air intake for a more dynamic and aggressive appearance.
The lighting, with integrated DRL, positioning and turn signals, creates dramatic illumination that adds a futuristic look. The rear features new H-lights, a spoiler-shaped trunk lid and muffler-shaped rear garnish.
N Line
The N Line is the most dynamic Sonata model in terms of looks and performance. The trim features an enlarged front bumper grille area, exclusive 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual twin-tip mufflers.
Inside, the cabin is accented with red stitching and cross-metal patterned garnishes. N Line is available with exclusive features, such as Active Sound Design, Launch Control, N Powershift and Rev Matching, when selecting the gasoline 2.5 turbo engine.
Interior
Hyundai says the Sonata's high-tech and driver-centric interior has a 'floating' theme for a futuristic vibe. The Sonata will also have a first-in-class power trunk for added convenience and luxury.
The cabin gets two 12.3-inch displays: A 12.3-inch driver information cluster is integrated into the 12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system for an "immersive" digital experience.
Other tech includes a 12-inch head-up display (HUD) projected on the windshield.
Hyundai also says the new Sonata has an improved 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with new CenterPoint 360 technology.
It will be capable of OTA software updates and come with Hyundai's Digital Key 2, which can lock and unlock the doors and start the vehicle remotely.
You'll have a choice of cabin colors: black, dark gray and greige two-tone, dark gray and camel two-tone, dark gray and navy two-tone and dark gray with red stitching and N Line red paint (N Line only).
Safety features
When it comes to safety, the list is lengthy. Driver Assistance features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-spot Collision Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G) and Navigation based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
The newly applied Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) enables the user to park the vehicle and exit parking spots by remotely reversing and forwarding with the smart key from outside the vehicle.
Rear Occupant Alert determines whether an infant is left unattended in the vehicle and provides a notification to prevent safety accidents.
Improved, more efficient ride and drive
Hyundai says the new lineup offers improved powertrain performance and fuel efficiency compared to previous models. It's also improved quietness and driving stability.
The lineup includes a gasoline-powered 2.5L engine, 2.5L turbo engine and 2.0L hybrid electric (HEV). The 2.5L turbo was developed especially for the N Line.
The HEV model is equipped with e-Motion Drive, which enables a smooth and comfortable driving experience in various driving conditions, and for the first time, it has a paddle shifter and regenerative braking mode to further increase fuel efficiency.
Hyundai also says the Sonata's aero-friendly design improves fuel efficiency and stability during high-speed driving. It provides excellent aerodynamic performance with an air resistance.
Other new design and engineering upgrades include increased driving stability and strengthened side collision protection through the application of a crash energy distribution structure. Hyundai says the new model also boasts best-in-class braking performance and braking distance. It's also further improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance — with body reinforcements and a change of steering wheel material.
Stay tuned for details on the new Sonata's U.S. market launch, expected later this year.
All Photos Credit: Hyundai