Hyundai reveals new Sonata with ‘sportiest design ever’

Hyundai has today revealed the new look of its eighth-generation Sonata with what it claims to be the ‘sportiest design ever’ featured on the model.

It’s worth noting this isn’t a new generation of the midsize sedan but rather a refresh.

The design update comes as part of the Korean carmaker’s recent run of new designs which each incorporate the distinct Seamless Horizon Lamp daytime running light (DRL) up front along with other styling cues.

As for the Sonata, it now wears a face inline with that of the new Kona and Staria including the aforementioned DRL, hidden headlamps, wider grille, and larger air intakes which tells us why Hyundai feels its the sportiest the model has ever looked.

Hints of the Ioniq 6 stretch along each side of the updated model with the belt line sweeping down at each end, albeit sharper than its fully electric sibling. New 19-inch wheels also fill the arches up more on the N-Line model.

At the back, a small wing flicks up over a newly-styled H-shaped tail light which spans the width of the rear end. Quad exhaust pipes also make an appearance on the top-of-the-range model.

Changes aren’t just limited to the exterior though as the cabin has received a new panoramic curved display that combines a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen in place of the old setup. New colour combinations are also available inside.

Hyundai plans to show the actual new Sonata at the Seoul Mobility Show on 30 March to 9 April 2023.

It’s unknown whether the model will make its return to New Zealand at this point after it was discontinued a few years ago.