2018 Hyundai Sonata showcased at New York Motor Show

Hyundai took the wraps off the updated Sonata at the recently concluded New York Motor Show. The ‘redesigned’ Sonata made its American debut after it went on sale in Korea last month. The facelifted Sonata now looks more elegant and upmarket, well suited for the USA, in fact.

Although Hyundai asserts that the new Sonata is designed by its California Design Studio, it still looks quite similar to the Asian-spec. The updated Sonata features a redesigned front-end that features Hyundai’s cascading grille and updated front fascia with vertical LED running lights. The headlamps get full-LED as an optional feature, while the grille gets an optional mesh design or horizontal slats. At the rear, the ‘Sonata’ insignia runs all along the boot lid, whereas the Hyundai badge doubles up as a boot release button.

On the inside, the cabin is equipped with revised instrument cluster, new steering wheel and an updated centre console with a modern infotainment system. The rear passengers get a set of USB charging points, while the switch gears are all treated with a glossy black finish. To up the ante in the safety department, the Sonata has been fitted with Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as a standard feature, and the Lane Departure Warning system along with an improved Lane Keep Assist comes as an optional fitment.

The mechanical changes include a stiffer torsion bar and an improved steering system. The rear suspension is also stiffer with slightly altered chassis. Powering the new Sonata is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine producing 243bhp, but it is now mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the previous six-speed unit.

The all-new Sonata will go on sale in US markets later this year. The Korean carmaker hasn’t given out pricing details yet, but it will continue to remain in the fray with adversaries like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat in the US.