Hyundai has launched its redesigned mid-size sedan Sonata with a dramatic new exterior design, an impressive list of standard safety features, and new engine and transmission options in Africa and Middle East markets.

Created at Hyundai’s California Design Studio, the 2018 Sonata builds on the model’s strong legacy, while distinctive new exterior styling transforms Sonata’s visual signature. The dramatic new appearance is highlighted by Hyundai’s bold new ‘Cascading Grille’ in front, and an all-new rear with more prominent branding and relocation of the license plate from the trunk lid to the bumper.

New sheet metal for the sculpted hood, front fenders, and trunk makes the dynamic new look possible. In addition, redesigned alloy wheels (16, 17, and 18-inch) and distinctive illumination from vertical LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and LED taillights further highlight the assertive and advanced exterior design. The low and wide radiator grille makes the hood appear longer and sleeker, which is counter balanced by the raised trunk lid, shifting the side profile architecture to a more dynamic attitude.

“We are calling this, ‘Sonata, the Reborn’ because the changed look of the car is so radical, and represents such a big step in moving Hyundai’s design credentials to the front of the market,” said Hyundai’s head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East, Mike Song.

“Hyundai is investing far more in the Sonata than would normally be expected of a mid-generation update. Every panel forward of the front screen is new, while changes to the rear bumper and trunk lid give the back of the car a completely new look. There are also subtle changes to the body’s side profile – including a redesigned panel for the sill under the door, and a revised chrome trim that frames the windows and runs along the front fender to wrap neatly under the headlamp. Together, all these elements create a car that looks far more dynamic, longer and wider.”

“We have one of the best design teams in the industry, not just in Korea but in Europe and North America as well, and ‘Sonata, the Reborn’ is a superb demonstration of what they can achieve,” said Song. “An all-new model is a blank sheet of paper, it gives the designer freedom and flexibility. With a facelift, the designer begins with an existing structure, and certain fixed parts of the bodyshell and panels must remain, so there are limitations. To create something that is truly new and fresh, while working within those limitations, takes an enormous amount of talent.”

The 2018 Sonata can be equipped with an optional seven-inch colour display audio touchscreen, and enabled for Apple CarPlay integration in countries where this is available. The available navigation system is enhanced with a bird’s-eye-view feature.

New convenience features offered include remote engine start with smart key, so drivers can warm the engine and run the air conditioning before getting into the car. Keeping on-trend with today’s connected passengers, smartphones can now be charged without a plug using the available wireless charging pad (Qi standard).

The Hyundai Sonata features a selection of advanced, all-alloy four-cylinder engines. Options in the Middle East include 2.0 and 2.4-liter MPI engines, 2.4GDI engine, and a highly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI. This top-of-the-line 2.0T engine produces an impressive power output of 245 PS with its twin-scroll turbocharger, compared with 152 PS for the non-turbo MPI. In a technical upgrade, the 2.0T is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which adds to the gears’ ratio range at both the top and bottom for improved performance and efficiency. Other Sonatas feature a six-speed automatic in Middle East specification, with the 2.0 MPI available with a six-speed manual.

The current Sonata has been well received by owners for its ride and handling. Macpherson strut front suspension is augmented at the rear by an independent multi-link design with coil springs, while all corners feature dual-flow damper shock absorbers, with front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body roll. Precise rack-and-pinion steering features column-mounted motor-driven power steering, which adjusts the degree of assistance depending on conditions. For the 2.0T, there is dual-pinion rack-mounted motor-driven power steering.

Hyundai engineers further refined the chassis for 2018. To achieve this, the rear suspension receives 21 percent thicker trailing arms to better manage heavy suspension loads, while new bushings allow for more ride compliance and quicker response times. The steering system’s torsion bar stiffness has been increased by 12 per cent to improve steering responsiveness, and new steering calibration further improves on-center feel. – TradeArabia News Service