Hyundai has released the first set of photographs of the eighth-generation Sonata, prior to its global debut on April 19 at the New York auto show. The sedan features a new design and a more premium interior, in comparison to the outgoing model.
The new Hyundai Sonata is the first model to be styled using the Korean brand’s new design language –Sensuous Sportiness – which was previewed by last year’s Le Fil Rouge concept (HDC-1). This eighth-generation model adopts a sporty, four-door-coupe-like body style, which is a departure from the conventional sedan shape of its predecessor. The new Sonata has also grown in size and is 45mm longer, 25mm wider and also has a wheelbase that’s 35mm longer. However, it is now 30mm lower than the previous model.
A talking point on the new Hyundai Sonata is a feature that the carmaker has dubbed Hidden Lighting Lamps. It serves a dual purpose of being daytime running lamps (DRLs) and also a chrome strip. As Hyundai puts it, “The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be of a chromic material when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on”.
On the inside, the new Sonata looks even more premium than the older model. The dashboard gets a dual-tone finish, with beige leather on top and grey plastic below. The centre is dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment screen that is mounted above the slim central air vents. There’s a new design for the steering too – a four-spoke, leather-wrapped unit with controls for the infotainment system and cruise control. The digital instrument cluster is also new.
The eighth-gen Hyundai Sonata will go on sale in international markets in the second-half of 2019. India, however, is unlikely to be on the new Sonata’s radar. The Hyundai Sonata was a prestige buy when it went on sale in India in 2001 but lost favour over the years. The model was eventually discontinued in India in 2015, following slow sales.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
