Hyundai has uncovered its new generation 2020 Sonata
a little over a month before it celebrates its formal world premiere at the
2019 New York Auto Show on April 19. The
eighth generation of Hyundai’s mid-size sedan marks a return to a more sporty,
four-door coupe body style akin to the sixth generation model from 2009.
It’s the first production model to embody the Korean
brand’s new design mantra dubbed Sensuous Sportiness design that was previewed
by last year’s Le Fil Rouge concept and which to some extent, hinted at
the new Sonata.
The 2020
Sonata borrows of the Hidden Lighting Lamps from the HDC-2 concept car from
last year’s Busan Motor Show. As the Korean company puts it, “the Hidden
Lighting Lamps appear to be of a chromic material when switched off and become
dramatically lit when turned on” to serve as Daytime Running Lights (DLRs).
Hyundai tells us that the new mid-size sedan comes
with a 30mm lower height and a width extended by 25mm. Its
wheelbase is extended by 35mm, and its whole length by 45mm.
Hyundai’s efforts to give the Sonata a more premium
feel and attractive design aren’t limited to the exterior, as the cabin has
been overhauled accordingly. Bypassing the designers’ claims of elements being
inspired by a Stealth aircraft, it does look like a better place to sit in than
before, with the compressed the height of the dashboard and HVAC vents giving
it a cleaner and lighter look.
The centre-gauge cluster display is fully digital,
while the infotainment screen gets capacitive touch buttons. There’s also a
newly designed automatic transmission control with buttons instead of a
traditional shifter. Yesterday, Hyundai confirmed that the Sonata will get a
smartphone-based digital key. Owners will be able to download a smartphone app
and then use it to unlock and start the vehicle.
Sales of the new Sonata will start worldwide in the
second half of the year.
