2017 Hyundai Sonata preview sketches

Hyundai has teased the forthcoming Sonata facelift ahead of its public reveal in South Korea next month, with two sketches previewing more aggressive styling and a grille design shared with its new-generation i30 stablemate.

An Australia launch for the upgraded sedan is expected mid-year, with local details likely to be revealed ahead of its arrival.

According to Hyundai, the Toyota Camry competitor will be subject to a “dramatic design change”, as hinted at in the sketches.

Comparisons can also be drawn with the latest-generation Audi A5 when looking at the front of the new Sonata.

Specifically, two revised front fascias are previewed, one for standard Sonata models that carries over its horizontal-bar grille from the departing model, and another mesh-based version for Turbo variants.

The Korean carmaker says the new cascading grille shape will become a signature element of their design language and will be included in other new models as they are introduced.

Another design element shared with the new i30 is the updated headlights, which adopt a slightly squarer look.

Comparisons can also be drawn with the latest-generation Audi A5 when looking at the front of the new Sonata, with the two sharing squared-off headlights, large grille opening and pronounced bonnet lines.

Lower air intakes around the front fenders are more aggressive, with separate versions for standard and Turbo variants.

Further complimenting the Sonata's renewed sporting intent is the redesigned tail-light cluster that is similar to that of the just released Lamborghini Aventador S.

A race-inspired rear diffuser with symmetrical twin exhaust pipes is featured on the standard car.

Number plates will shift from the bootlid to the rear bumper, whilst ‘Sonata' is now spelled-out clearly across the gap between the tail-lights.

A race-inspired rear diffuser with symmetrical twin exhaust pipes is featured on the standard car, while the Turbo offers up an even more aggressive diffuser with a quad-tip exhaust system.

Changes to any of the next-gen Sonata's powerplants are unlikely, which means the 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre atmo four-cylinder petrol from the entry level Active, and the 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-potter from the Elite and Premium variants will continue to be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Official images and information – which may include local release and specification details – are expected to be revealed at the Sonata's global launch event in South Korea next month.

Considering the imminent demise of the local Commodore, is a more aggressive-looking Sonata likely to be on your shopping list? Tell us what you think in the comments below.