Hyundai Sonata 2020 confirmed for Australia

The Hyundai Sonata 2020 model has been uncovered ahead of its debut at the 2019 New York auto show next month. 

Due for Australian release in the second half of 2019, the new eighth-generation Sonata shapes up differently to its predecessor - it's 45mm longer (4900mm) with a 35mm longer wheelbase (now 2840mm), 25mm wider (1890mm) and 30mm lower (1445mm). According to the brand, the new Sonata is taking Hyundai down the 'coupe'-style sedan path - a route it has not travelled before with a global product such as the Sonata.

Influenced by the HDC-2 concept from the 2018 Busan motor show, the company says the new Sonata was designed using 'light architecture design'. This can be seen in several exterior elements - for instance, the chrome window surrounds connect with the headlights via LED strip lighting. 

A new feature for the Sonata is what Hyundai calls ‘Hidden Lighting Lamps’, which incorporate new lighting technology to appear as a chrome metal when switched off, yet become “dramatically lit” when turned on.

The car’s wide, layered bonnet and low stance contribute to the coupe-like styling, the company claims. The sweeping roofline and almost-ducktail like rear end add a standout style, and the tail-lights joined by a single LED strip accentuates the rear width. 

The Sonata's interior has seen a big step up in design.

The interior of the new Hyundai Sonata is a big step forward for the nameplate and the brand, too. There's a sweeping dashboard layout and fully-digital dials, as well as a Bose sound system. The shift-by-wire transmission selector has been taken from the Ioniq Electric and is said to free up storage space in the cabin. 

New interior switchgear has also been introduced - even the indicator and wiper stalks have been redesigned with a higher-quality finish, as well as the multimedia system buttons and climate control switchgear. 

Hyundai is yet to discuss details of the new Sonata’s drivetrains, though it is expected that the current model’s 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines will continue. 

In North America, a plug-in hybrid Sonata may continue to be offered into the next generation of the car, and in some markets a diesel engine may be available.

The Sonata's rear is more coupe-like than the previous model.

Local specifications and pricing for the new Hyundai Sonata are to be announced before the car's release later this year.

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