The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has been revealed online ahead of a full detailing at the Seoul Mobility Show on March 30.
Due to land in Australia during the second half of 2023, the facelifted Sonata dons a new take on the brand’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, with a distinctive front end that closely resembles other new models from the Korean brand – e.g. the Staria MPV and Kona SUV.
The front LED light bar is dubbed the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’, as it is on other new Hyundai products, and the headlight clusters are now separated and further down from the daytime running light strip.
A similar motif is replicated at the rear, with a full-width tail light bar headlining a range of rear design changes which Hyundai says emphasise the Sonata’s “high-tech image”.
Overall the Sonata presents a more aggressive, futuristic look compared to its predecessor, particularly in N Line guise that builds upon the tailpipe-shaped trims of the standard model with a quad-tipped exhaust treatment, adding to the ducktail-type spoiler lip.
New alloy wheel designs also feature, ranging up to 19 inches in diameter. The high-spec models depicted in the press kit appear to have fresh machine-face designs.
Inside, the Sonata’s cockpit has received similarly significant revisions, both in terms of the overall design as well as the tech and trimmings, and features a more horizontal theme.
New for 2024 are dual 12.3-inch displays that are combined in the one curved housing, a first for the Hyundai brand. The new steering wheel features the brand’s new dotted logo design, which is morse code for ‘H’.
A development of the digitised HVAC controls retains rotary dials for adjusting the temperature, though other functions move to a Genesis-style touch panel display which Hyundai says “boosts the high-tech vibe”.
Other headlining changes include a column-type shift-by-wire selector, freeing up more space in the centre console. Hyundai debuted this style of gear shifter in its Ioniq electric vehicles.
The Korean brand says the centre console features a palm rest that enhances comfort by “extending the armrest to lean up to the palm of the hand”; while the new cupholder and tray unit in the centre console bring added storage and convenience.
While not detailed in this early media release, it’s expected the Sonata will bring new features and technologies like over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and augmented reality (AR) navigation as we’ve seen in the new Kona as well as other new models in the Hyundai and Genesis stables.
Drivetrains are expected be updated versions of the existing set, including a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid, as well as the N Line’s 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four. Currently, only the flagship N Line is offered in Australia.
Stay tuned for the Sonata’s full reveal on March 30 – let us know your thoughts on the new design in the comments below.
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