Updated Hyundai Sonata Debuts With Host of Small Improvements
Hyundai is trying to bolster its sales and is continuing to debut all-new and updated models across its lineup.
The refreshed Hyundai Sonata was just revealed for its home market in South Korea with a mature new look and more safety features. To keep it competitive with the Honda Accord and new Toyota Camry, Hyundai has given the Sonata some tweaks to keep the exterior fresh and “purposeful.” Two new wheel options have been added and the tail lights get a new design and light signature.
The turbo Sonata gets a different mesh grille, black bezel headlamps and other blacked out or dark details. The biggest enhancement to the Turbo model is a new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.6-liter model gets paddle shifters. No other powertrain updates have been made.
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The interior has also been refreshed to look more premium with larger features, new finishes, updated steering wheels. A seven-inch touchscreen is standard and an eight-inch unit is optional. The Turbo model gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, front seats with more bolstering, and a drive mode selector (Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart).
In terms of tech, the new Sonata gets wireless charging for cellphones, a new USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, high beam assist, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are also available.
Unfortunately, Hyundai didn’t release very many photos. Expect more photos and information when it debuts in Europe and North America.
Discuss this article on our Hyundai Sonata Forum
Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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Sonata delivers much too bumpy a ride for me to ever buy another one. What good is styling and features if your kidneys are bouncing into your throat?