2020 Hyundai Sonata Breaks Cover With Radical Styling

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has made its official debut this week, introducing a radical new look to the mid-size sedan inspired by the automaker’s Le Fil Rouge concept.

The 2020 Sonata’s styling follows Hyundai’s new design philosophy of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ and features short overhangs, a rearward sloping coupe-like roofline and a low rear deck lid. The sedan sits 30 mm lower than the sixth-outgoing generation model and is 25 mm wider and 45mm longer. The vehicle’s wide stance is exemplified by the full-width single-frame rear LED taillights and the wide “cascading” grille, which is interrupted three quarters of the way down with a horizontally mounted metal trim piece.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai Le Fil Rouge Concept Signals Brand’s Future Styling

By far the most dramatic part of the new Sonata’s appearance are the daytime running lights. The front DRLs seamlessly meld into a metal trim piece that then extends down the side of the vehicle and frames the side windows. Dubbed ‘Hidden Lighting Lamps’, Hyundai says the DRLs appear to be of a chrome-like material when switched off and become “dramatically lit” when turned on.

Inside the sedan has been entirely redesigned with horizontal layout dashboard that is intended to appear lightweight and sleek. Refreshingly, Hyundai said its designers wanted to eliminate the feeling of large screens dominating the interior of vehicles, instead joining two smaller screens for the digital dash and center console together with the aim of providing a less intrusive look. There’s also a new shift-by-wire transmission, which has made room for additional cargo and storage space.

Hyundai has yet to provide details on the powertrain, pricing, or availability for the 2020 Sonata, so stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

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