The 2024 Hyundai Sonata picks up styling cues from the new Kona
Even though the Hyundai Sonata knows sales for the less ordinary for its eighth generation, the manufacturer makes major changes to energize the model. A new front, a retouched rear, a modernized interior are among the improvements that are inspired, in a way, by the second generation Hyundai Kona.
“Sensual sportsmanship”
No wonder, since both models use the “Sensual Sportiveness” design language that puts certain key characteristics in the foreground. The first is the long light bar that runs right through the front. This one, named “Seamless horizon lamp”, overhangs the headlights camouflaged in the imposing grid of grille in three sections which lowers the glance and seems to widen the car more than it already is. Moreover, in its communications, Hyundai insists on the term “four-door coupe” to describe the Sonata.
The rear shows a blackened light, the portion of which on the trunk is more imposing, and with a crossbar reminiscent of the one present on the Elantra since 2021. It is mainly on board, however, that the changes take place. The two 12.3-inch screens are paired together in a now curved wall light, a first for the manufacturer. The air conditioning controls are moved downwards and are included in a slanted applique that merges into the console afterwards. This console is also freed from the transmission lever which is now located behind the steering wheel which no longer sports the brand logo, two characteristics which are like the most recent electric products.
Mechanics to discover
For now, no information about the mechanics that would be offered has been revealed. On the other hand, rumors have it that it inherits the all-wheel drive that is already under the bodywork of its close cousin, the Kia K5. We can therefore assume that the 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder could be paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, as on Kia’s side. This would provide an additional selling point given that most mid-size sedans now offer it, at least as an option, as is the case with the popular Toyota Camry.
There hybrid version will no doubt still be offered, as will the N-Line version with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an eight-speed dual-wet-clutch automatic. It remains possible that these front-drive mechanisms will receive all-wheel drive, which would be a significant addition to counter, among other things, the torque effect that the most powerful version is currently experiencing.
More details will be released in a few days, on March 30, during the Mobility Fair to be held in Seoul, South Korea. For North America, the sedan will probably be presented during the media days of the New York Auto Show, which begins on April 5.
