2023 Hyundai Sonata facelift revealed

The 8th-gen Sonata now gets design elements like a full-width LED light bar on the outside and twin screen layout on the inside.

Published On Mar 27, 2023 04:23:00 PM

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Hyundai Sonata facelift N Line front quarter

Hyundai has released official images of the Sonata facelift, which will be sold only in international markets. The sedan has received an exterior and interior design overhaul, resembling the flagship Grandeur luxury sedan and the recently launched India-spec Verna. The new Sonata will make its global debut at the Seoul Mobility Show on March 30.

Features a split-headlamp design setup
Gets a dual 12.3-inch screen layout
Expected to retain the same 2.5-litre petrol powertrain

Hyundai Sonata facelift exterior design

When it comes to the exterior, the Sonata looks radically different from its predecessor that was launched in 2019. At the front, the sedan now gets a full-width LED Daytime Running Lamp bar, with a split LED headlamp setup. Complementing the looks further, are the angular extensions on the front grille. In profile, the Sonata retains its four-door coupe body style and sports a strong shoulder line from the fender to the tail-lamps.

At the rear, the sedan gets a spoiler shaped bootlid that blends seamlessly into the all-black panel that runs across the boot. This panel houses the tail-lamps and incorporates a full-width LED lightbar forming an ‘H’ pattern. The N Line version additionally gets black wing mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, a boot-lid spoiler, subtle N Line badging and quad exhaust setup. Hyundai claims that the Sonata’s new design focuses on aerodynamics in an effort to improve fuel efficiency and stability.

Hyundai Sonata facelift interior details

Just like the exterior, the Sonata’s interior is a major departure from the outgoing model. It features a more driver-centric dashboard that houses the new 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display, which are reminiscent of new BMW models. Additionally, it also sports touch-based haptic controls for the HVAC system and a drive controller stalk behind the new three-spoke steering wheel, similar to the Ioniq 5. Another highlight is the armrest, which extends into the centre console.

Hyundai Sonata facelift technical details

The brand has yet to reveal the powertrain details for the Sonata facelift. The pre-facelift model was available with multiple petrol powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option. The outgoing N line Sonata got a 2.5-litre turbocharged unit that produced 290hp and 422Nm whilst being mated to a 8-speed DCT gearbox. It can be expected that the Sonata facelift along with its N Line version will retain the same powertrain options as the outgoing model.

Hyundai Sonata in India

The Sonata was first launched in India back in 2001 and rivalled the Honda Accord. Hyundai offered three generations of the Sonata in India, with the second-gen model launching in 2005. This model eventually received a facelift in 2009. The third-gen model, which sported Hyundai’s ‘fluidic design’ language, was launched in 2012. However, it was eventually discontinued in India in 2015, following decline in sales of D-segment sedans.

Do you think Hyundai should relaunch the Sonata in India? Let us know in the comments below.

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