2018 Hyundai Sonata debuts in Korea2018 Hyundai Sonata debuts in Korea

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

1 Mar 8, 2017Follow Viknesh

An updated version of the Hyundai Sonata has just been launched in Korea. The car should make its North American debut next month at the 2017 New York auto show before reaching showrooms later this year, as a 2018 model.

This is an updated version of the car that we first saw at the 2014 New York auto show, a car that despite being competent has been criticized for being a little on the dull side when it comes to looks. Unsurprisingly, the updates bring extensive changes to the styling, along with some mechanical and safety updates to keep the Sonata in line with newer rivals.It’s clear the designers have adopted the handsome look of the smaller Elantra and Accent, including almost identical treatments for the lights and grille. The latter, known as the Cascading Grille, features a mesh pattern on the Sonata Sport 2.0T model.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T (Korean spec)

Other enhancements for the Sport 2.0T model include dark chrome molding for the lower side body, door handles and rear lamp molding. The rear diffuser and dual exhaust tips are also adorned with chrome. In other markets, this model is referred to as the Sonata Turbo.

For the interior, the center stack has been revised and features new controls for the climate functions. A standard 7.0-inch (8.0-in available) touchscreen sits above this and serves as the main hub for the infotainment system. Other changes include new trim options and revised steering wheel designs. In the Sport 2.0T, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and bolstered front seats are featured.

The cabin of the updated Sonata also benefits from new connectivity features. These include an additional USB charging port located at the rear of the center console, an available wireless charging pad, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

2018 Hyundai Sonata (Korean spec)

 

Same kind of interior shape, but better appointments it looks like. Really like the seat color.

 

Front end is not suitable for a mid sized car, looks very entry level like an elantra

 

Looks as always are subjective.

I still think it looks more appropriate than this:

 

I think it looks good. (I think the new Camry does too)

 

Same interior the present car has, except for a three-spoke vs. a four-spoke steering wheel.

Outside, the present grille looks better....the new one is too large.

 

Maybe its just me, but I see Ford Fusion in the front of the Hyundai... Seems nicely appointed on the inside and like the seat colors as well...
Also, in the Camry, I see a rather altered but beefy-trimmed version of the spindle grille tucked beneath the vented area with the Camry logo smack in the middle.

 

compared to the current model, something looks cheap about the front end.

ah right. It's the gaping audi grille.




what animal does this gape grille make it look like?

looked proper before...

 

The 2.0T engine is promising. Also hope the facelifted Sonata Sport got the same suspension upgrades as the Elantra Sport which by all accounts has class leading/challenging handling.

Korea reliability + Korean value for money + VW beating handling is always a winner in my book.

 

doesn't seem like a huge exterior change to me, although the whole front with hood now looks pulled together like this



the interior though looks amazing for a mainstream car.

 

That is a disturbing "photo" above, but yes. The new front looks sucked in, overwrought, and the headlights are now too large. It's less classy, less luxurious, and less mature than the outgoing model. Not progress.

 

Okay that made me laugh.

 

Wow, I have a soft spot for Hyundai, but the tailights scream Aventador.

 

that's a good thing. If anything, you want to emulate a way more expensive car