Hyundai Sonata facelift teased in sketches, more style

Hyundai Sonata facelift teased in sketches, more style

It may not seem like it, but it’s nearly three years since the current seventh-generation Hyundai Sonata was revealed to the world. A facelift is just around the corner, and Hyundai has released the first teasers in the form of sketches of the revised D-segment sedan.

Helpfully, a sketch of the outgoing model is placed next to the new car, so it’s easy to see the differences. Immediately, the facelifted Sonata looks significantly more aggressive, with reshaped headlights, the company’s latest Cascading Grille and larger side air inlets with what appear to be vertical LED daytime running lights. The bonnet also features twin strakes on the top surface.

The rear has been given an even more thorough makeover, with slimmer tail lights featuring Lamborghini-style arrow-shaped light guides, a number plate recess relocated to the bumper and a wider rear valence that gives a more planted stance. The Sport variant has also been redesigned for greater differentiation from the standard car, including a mesh grille, bigger intakes and a rear diffuser with quad tailpipes.

Hyundai Sonata facelift teased in sketches, more style

The relatively major redesign was reportedly in response to a lacklustre reception to the milquetoast LF model in the United States, especially since the preceding model was the dramatic, swoopy YF. Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said of the facelift last April that “the front end looks completely different,” and the new look is “beautiful” and “very well executed.”

Mechanical upgrades expected to be introduced include an eight-speed automatic gearbox to improve performance and efficiency, along with a new 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Sport model, derived from the upcoming i30 N hot hatch. The mill is expected to produce over 260 hp, slightly more than the current 245 hp/352 Nm Theta II turbo GDI engine.

SPYSHOTS: Hyundai Sonata facelift

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Perdana lagi sporty & lawa kot.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • totota on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    good looking kimchi, hope when the real car reveal still in such good looking shape

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • TopsyBoXyTurvy on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    The new design will make sonata look as upscale as european luxuries..I am fan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Anneh on Feb 28, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      Make the car look too sporty but if performance is lacking then it will be just like the Toyota Celica. Will have a hard time trying to outrun a determined Myvi.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ah Kow on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Aventador tail light FTW!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tkhengong on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Wow! Good looking. Incidentally, the TV serial “Legend” aired on Netflix featured the Hyundai Genesis and the car certainly looked classy. BTW, how’s the sale for the hybrid Hyundai Ioniq? Rarely seen in Penang.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Audi front, lambo rear lights. Well, at least they copied from same Group

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kelab Kunta on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    Amazing how Hyundai designers can design and sketch such a beautiful car. No wonder they sell 9 million cars globally

    Looks like Proton designers and engineers are sleeping. No wonder they sell only 72,000 cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • For the first time in my life, seriously thinking getting a korean car. Am I getting old or they have improved so much?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • EnergyAnalyst on Feb 28, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    It just looks more Audi like. Great improvement!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kiddd on Feb 28, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Kimchi will become more spicy after this..
    sambal still use ketchup..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Need nicer interior design also, the current design is too ugly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • basherlogic on Feb 28, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Hyundai got no RV….oh wai!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I really hope they restyle the interior, the YF interior is more appealing than the current one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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